Initial Teacher Education

Fast-track your teaching career with onsITE: details about how to become a teacher while you work.

The onsITE inital education programme from the UoW is a unique collaboration between schools, UOW Division of Education and future teachers like yourself looking to educate tamariki and rangatahi for their futures.

Here's the deal 

  • Learn on the job: This programme puts you into a school environment for a year, working alongside experienced teachers. Gain practical insights while you study towards a teaching degree! 

  • University supported: The University of Waikato partners with you and your school, so you get top-notch academic guidance alongside real-world teaching in an Aotearoa New Zealand school setting. 

  • Flexible Learning: This programme offers a flexible schedule with just a handful of on-campus sessions at the University spread throughout the year. You can dive right into your new school environment while keeping your studies on track.

Sound exciting? Here's what you need to know

  • Schools choose you: Schools pick the best candidates for their community and you might even land a part-time teaching assistant job during the year! 

  • Become a qualified teacher: Earn your initial teacher education qualification with one of the four following degrees:

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (GradDipTchg) 

Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (PGDipTchg)

Master of Teaching and Learning (MTchgLn)

Bachelor of Teaching (BTchg)

  • Become a great teacher: Learn how to build strong relationships with students, create engaging lessons, and meet all the requirements to become a registered teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

What we're looking for from you

  • Show your potential: Schools will assess your passion for teaching, ability to connect with students, and relevant qualifications (a bachelor's degree, background in Trades/Technology, or a high level of fluency in Te Reo Māori or Pacific language, is required for postgraduate qualifications). You might even teach a sample lesson! 

  • Jump right in: Immerse yourself in a school environment for a year, gaining hands-on experience alongside a mentor teacher. 

  • Commit to the programme:  The OnsITE (Initial Teacher Education) Programme runs intensively from mid-January to November for postgraduate qualifications and from late-February to mid-November for the Bachelor of Teaching, with some in-person sessions on campus at The University of Waikato. We also offer a mid-year intake for our postgraduate qualifications, which starts in July.

  • Pass the tests: Basic literacy and numeracy tests are required for entry. You will also be required to complete a Police Vetting Service Request and Consent form, in accordance with the Children's Act 2014.

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Are you a school interested in finding out more?

Partnering with us gives your school the confidence that programme participants will receive teacher education training that meets a high standard of accreditation and quality, maintaining credibility and trust in the teaching profession.

What schools provide to you

  • Select the best: Schools select promising candidates for the programme. 

  • Provide mentorship: Schools assign you a mentor teacher for guidance and support. 

  • Offer practical experience: You'll complete 80 days of professional experience for our one-year programmes (or 120 days for three-year programmes), including time in a second school setting. 

  • Integration into the school community: Participate in school induction, professional learning opportunities, and curriculum development. 

The University of Waikato's role

  • Delivery of your chosen programme: The University of Waikato provides approved programmes recognised for teacher registration in New Zealand. 

  • Your teachers: University staff are experienced professionals and registered teachers who lead your chosen programme. 

  • Ongoing support: University staff visit you at least twice throughout your programme to evaluate your professional experience and offer guidance and support. 

  • Adapting to the future: The programme incorporates the latest research in education and aligns with Ministry of Education initiatives. 

Reputation and Accreditation 

Our students attract significant interest from employers, both domestically and abroad, often leveraged by The University of Waikato's strong reputation.

The outcome

Upon successful completion of the onsITE (Initial Teacher Education) Programme and coursework, you'll graduate with your initial teacher education qualification and be eligible for provisional registration and certification to teach in Aotearoa New Zealand. High-performing students can extend their programme to complete a Master of Teaching and Learning. 

Ready to take the next step?

  • Make sure you have a bachelor's degree or meet our Alternative Pathways entry requirements for postgraduate qualifications or University Entrance for undergraduate qualifications

  • Pass basic literacy and numeracy tests 

  • Provide two referees  

  • Take part in our selection process, including literacy and numeracy testing 

  • Have a letter from your preferred school

  • Apply today!

Places are limited so don't wait. This programme is a fast-track to your dream teaching career. 

Please note that onsITE is only available to domestic students.