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GDTECE

GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN TEACHING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

LEVEL 7

12

Month Course

Three 16-week semesters

135

Credits

Nine 15-credit level 7 paper

7.0

Academic IELTS requirement

7.0 across all bands or a NZQA/NZ Teaching

Council approved equivalent

The focus of the programme is creating teachers who are able to teach children from 0 to 6 years and providing matauranga/professional knowledge, whakapono/attitudes, values and beliefs, pukenga/skills and knowledge to become proficient educators and leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Course Overview

The Graduate Diploma at level 7 is designed to prepare learners to start their careers as early childhood educators. It can also be a bridging qualification to postgraduate study in ECE teaching or disciplines related to a particular focus, such as children with special needs, Maoritikanga or Pasifika knowledge in ECE. The Graduate Diploma allows graduates to continue with further study to a Master of Education (ECE) degree delivered in a range of NZ and international tertiary institutions and universities.

Benefits

  • 20 hours of Work Hours/week

  • Can bring partner and family

  • Partner will be on open work visa

  • Kids under 18 will have free education 

  • 12 months study

  • 1 day class per week

  • Work to Residency (2 years)

  • Graduates will be eligible to gain teacher registration in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Papers

7301

The Holistic Curriculum

15

7302

Te Ao Māori

15

7303

Teaching as Inquiry

15

7304

Professional Practise Rapunga: Conceptualising Professional Practise in ECE

15

7305

ECE: Histories, Philosophies and Theories

15

7306

Human Development: Maori, Pacific and Global Perspectives

15

7307

The Professional Teacher

15

7308

Infant and Toddler Pedagogies

15

7309

Professional Practice Toa: Conceptualising Professional Growth in ECE

15

Entry Requirements

  • Completed Bachelor's degree at Level 7 on the NZQF or a recognised equivalent.

  • Academic IELTS 7.0 across all bands, or an NZQA/NZ Teaching Council-approved equivalent.

  • Meeting the UE (University Entrance) level literacy and numeracy requirement.

  • Meeting New Zealand Police Vetting requirements by the Vulnerable Children's Act 2014.

  • Successful selection interview to determine values. disposition and fitness to teach. Before the interview candidates must arrange for two referees to send confidential references directly to ICL.

BYOD

Students studying this course are required to bring their own laptop.

Employment Outcomes

Most graduates find employment in a range of positions as educators and leaders in the early childhood sector.

Most graduates find employment in a range of positions as educators and leaders in the early childhood sector.

The Graduate Diploma is aligned with the values set out by the NZ National Education Priorities. The depiction of the "Nouka" a type of dragon boat, shows elements and values that guide our curriculum.

We aim to guide our learners to reach their full potential as future educators and leaders in early childhood education.

Course Information

Students in the Graduate Diploma will complete 9 papers, all of which are at level 7, delivered at a maximum of three papers per trimester.

The course involves both theory and practice of 48 weeks (18 weeks in the classroom and online, 23 weeks in the classroom and concurrent practicum, and 7 weeks block practicum).

Graduate Outcomes

The programme meets the standards as defined by NZQA and the NZ Teaching Council. Graduates will be eligible to gain teacher registration in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Intake Dates

2025

January 6

March 24

May 5

July 21

August 1

November 17

Duration

12 months including holidays

ROI Projection

Check the breakdown for the ROI Projection* of pursuing a Student Pathway in New Zealand.

Numbers are projected for monthly and annual earnings.

*Conservative estimates for calculation

See Return on Investment Table

Student Pathway Process

(Costs & Timeframe)

Step 1

SCHOOL APPLICATION/ ENROLLMENT

Start your journey by applying to a registered New Zealand institution. The ePathways Education Department will assist you with the entire school application process, ensuring all required documents are submitted and your spot in the program is secured.

  • Upon payment, we will assist you in filling out and submit the school application form, along with necessary documents submit all required documents (transcripts, English proficiency, passport, etc.) to the school for assessment.

  • assist you in drafting the letter of intent arrange for schedule of entrance exams and interviews with the institution.

  • provide preparation guidance for the exam and interview process.

  • receive and confirm the Offer of Place from the institution to secure your spot.

1,400 NZ$

Step 2

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TEST

To study in New Zealand, you'll need to prove your English proficiency. EPathways offers an in-house one-on-one online review (at least 30 hours) to help you prepare for the English proficiency tests (IELTS or PTE). This personalized support ensures that you are well-prepared and confident in passing your exam!

  • Upon payment, we will assign a dedicated tutor who will work with you to improve your language skills, focusing on the areas where you need the most support.

  • We will also book your exam for the most convenient date and location, ensuring everything is set up for you to succeed.

800 NZ$

Step 3

ENDORSEMENT TO LICENSED IMMIGRATION ADVISER (LIA)

After receiving your offer letter, the LIA will send you an email outlining the next steps, including payment details for their services.

  • Upon payment, you will receive a detailed checklist of all the required documents for your study visa application, ensuring a smooth and organized submission process.

1,000 NZ$

Step 4

DOCUMENTATION

ePathways will assist you in gathering, organizing, and checking all necessary documents for your visa application based on the checklist given by the LIA. We will ensure everything is in order to speed up the approval process.

  • Upon payment, we will schedule a meeting to review the visa requirements and guide you through each step to ensure your application is fully prepared.

  • ensure that your bank statements or financial records show sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses in New Zealand.

  • help you craft a compelling and clear Statement of Purpose

  • verify all required documents

  • ensure all documents are properly organized, labeled, and ready for submission.

  • make sure you’re aware of any additional documents or forms that may be specific to your visa application type, such as medical or police checks.

1,400 NZ$

PRINCIPAL APPLICANT

1,400 NZ$

PARTNER

(if applicable)

Step 5

VISA LODGEMENT

Once your documentation is ready, the Licensed Immigration Adviser will lodge your visa application for both you and your partner (if applicable). This includes the submission, processing, and follow-up.

  • Upon payment, the LIA will begin by reviewing your documents and submitting the application to New Zealand Immigration.

  • we will monitor the progress of your application, ensuring timely updates and addressing any issues promptly.

  • the LIA will liaise with New Zealand Immigration to resolve any queries and ensure all required documentation is provided if needed.

  • we will keep you informed on the status of your visa, which typically takes

    4-6 weeks to process, and notify you once a decision is made.

1,400 NZ$

PRINCIPAL APPLICANT

2,400 NZ$

PARTNER

(if applicable)

Step 6

PAYMENT OF SCHOOL FEES/APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE VISA

Once your visa has been approved, it's time to confirm your enrollment in the school. EPathways will support you in the following:

  • Fee Payment Guidance: EPathways will guide you through the process of paying the required school fees, ensuring you understand the payment deadlines and the total amount.

  • Assistance with Payment Methods: ePathways will help you navigate the different payment methods available for international students, ensuring the transaction is secure and completed on time.

  • Payment Confirmation: After payment is made, ePathways will confirm your payment with the institution and help you get any official receipts or proof of payment, which may be required for your student visa or travel arrangements.

  • Additional School Registration: ePathways will help with additional school requirements such as orientation details, accommodation registration (if required), and student ID processing.

35,500 NZ$*

*Discounts available based on qualifications

Step 7

VISA OUTCOME

After submitting your visa application, you will receive your visa outcome. EPathways provides the following support:

  • Visa Outcome Communication: EPathways will inform you as soon as the outcome of your visa application is received. If approved, you’ll receive your visa, and if additional information is needed, ePathways will assist you in gathering the required documents.

  • Visa Follow-Up Support: If your visa is delayed or rejected, ePathways will help you identify the reason and advise you on how to address the issue. If necessary, they will assist in lodging a visa appeal or resubmission.

  • Document Handover: Upon approval, you’ll receive your official visa approval letter, which you’ll need for travel and school registration.

Step 8

SETTLEMENT IN NEW ZEALAND

Upon arrival in New Zealand, EPathways provides support to help you settle into your new life:

  • Accommodation Assistance: ePathways can assist with finding temporary or permanent accommodation, depending on your preferences and budget. This can include connecting you with trusted property agents or universities with on-campus housing.

  • Bank Account Setup: ePathways will help you open a bank account in New Zealand, which is essential for managing your finances, receiving funds, and paying for living expenses.

  • Orientation and Local Information: ePathways provides a thorough orientation to help you adjust to life in New Zealand, including transportation tips, local cultural norms, and any legal requirements you may need to follow.

  • Student Support Services: Access to a range of support services to help with your academic journey, from tutoring services to counselling and career advice.

    Ongoing Assistance: ePathways offers continued support for your first few months in New Zealand, ensuring that your transition is as smooth as possible.

INZ Living Expenses Requirements (SHOW MONEY)

1,667.67 NZ$/month

Estimated Cost

41,500 - 45,300 NZ$

Accommodation in New Zealand

Weekly Rent (single person in a shared room) including utilities

180 NZ$

2 week bond and 1 week advance (rent for shared room @ 180/week)

540 NZ$

Food for single person per week

150 NZ$

AT Hop Card (bus card) with top up

50 NZ$

Airport pick-up

100 NZ$

Estimated Costs

1,055 NZ$

***Discounted Price

Disclaimer: The calculation and figures above is indicative only. It is subject to changes in the event there is any change in forex exchange and of the school fees.

Contact Us

+64 22 188 2800

Auckland, New Zealand