Requirements to teach in Aotearoa New Zealand
Find out what qualifications you need as an overseas-trained teacher in Aotearoa.
Requirements for overseas-trained teachers
When applying for registration and a practising certificate for the first time you will be required to fill out a Proof of Identity form - this is a requirement for people working with children as part of the Children's Act.
| Requirement | Evidence |
|---|---|
You hold an equivalent or comparable teacher education qualification | Provide a certified copy of your NZQA International Qualifications Assessment (IQA) confirming your qualification is equivalent to a New Zealand Initial Teacher Education (ITE) qualification, along with certified copies of your overseas teaching qualification(s) and any supporting qualifications. |
You are committed to the expectations in the Code | Ngā Tikanga Matatika | A declaration that you are committed to the values and expectations in the Code | Ngā Tikanga Matatika; and A declaration about any matters for which you are under investigation, that might impact your teaching or ability to meet the requirements of the Code | Ngā Tikanga Matatika. |
You have a satisfactory New Zealand Police vet | Your consent for the Council to apply to New Zealand Police for your police vet; and Confirmation of the types of verified identity documents that you provided to your identity referee. |
Where applicable, you have satisfactory overseas police vets | Police vets that you have obtained from the national police service of the issuing country, for any country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the 10 years before you made your application to the Council. or A statutory declaration if you are unable to obtain a police vet. |
You are physically and mentally able to carry out a teaching role safely and satisfactorily | A declaration that you do not have a condition that would affect your ability to teach safely and satisfactorily. If required: Any additional evidence, such as a medical certificate, to support your ability to teach. |
You are competent in English and/or te reo Māori | One of the evidence types listed in the Council’s language competency policy. |
You are committed to develop and practise te reo me ngā tikanga Māori (Māori language and protocols) | A declaration that you are committed to develop and practise te reo me ngā tikanga Māori throughout your teaching career. |
Approved qualifications
The Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand accepts overseas qualifications that NZQA has assessed as equivalent to New Zealand teaching qualifications.
Some overseas programmes don’t lead to formal academic qualifications, so NZQA can’t assess them. These include:
- UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Teacher Licensure from U.S. States.
If you have one of these, you can still apply. The Teaching Council may make an exception and look at your full teaching background, including:
- other qualifications
- teaching experience
- appraisal reports
- professional development.
These decisions are made at the Council’s discretion.
Pathways to teach
If you trained as a teacher overseas, there are several pathways you can follow which determines how the Teaching Council will assess your ability to meet New Zealand’s teaching standards.
General pathway
NZQA no longer pre-approves overseas teaching qualifications. Individuals with overseas teaching qualifications will need to apply for a teaching International Qualifications Assessment (IQA).
An IQA may also be needed for other purposes, like setting your salary.
If your teaching experience isn’t recent or up to date, you may need to complete a refresh programme.
Discretionary pathway
If your IQA report states that your qualifications do not meet the core knowledge requirements of a New Zealand Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme, we may still consider your application.
Some overseas programmes do not lead to formal academic qualifications and therefore cannot be pre-approved or assessed by NZQA:
- UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Teacher Licensure from American States
- The discretionary pathway looks at your full teaching profile, such as your qualifications, teaching experience, appraisal material and professional development. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Australian-trained teachers
If you are registered in Australia, you may be eligible for a New Zealand practising certificate under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act (TTMRA) 1997.
You'll need to provide evidence of your current registration in the relevant category for the Teaching Council to verify.
Not sure which pathway applies to you?
If none of the pathways apply to you, you can gain a teaching qualification at university or polytechnic in New Zealand. Check out a list of approved qualifications that will enable you to gain registration.
Your portal: My Rawa
My Rawa is your go-to space for getting started as a teacher in Aotearoa. With tailored guidance and practical tools, it helps you take confident steps in your teaching career.
