New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)

Qualification: Diploma
NZQF level: 5
Duration: 1 year (Full time), 18hrs/week, 2x20 day blocks, 120 Credits
Location: Milford, Auckland, New Zealand
Audience: Domestic students

Entry requirements

Applicants under 20: NCEA level 2/3 with 10 literacy credits (L2) and 10 numeracy credits (L1), OR NZ Certificate in ECE (L3) or (L4), OR equivalent overseas qualification. Discretionary admission possible if criteria not met. Applicants over 20: special admission based on demonstrated academic ability. All applicants must meet Children's Act 2014 requirements: verified ID, education/work history, two references, interview, Teaching Council good character/fitness criteria, NZ Police vetting.

English requirements

“Domestic applicants for whom English is an additional language: evidence of at least three years of secondary education taught in English, or meeting English language requirements according to Rule 22 of the NZQA Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules 2025 for a Level 5 programme. International applicants must provide evidence of meeting English language requirements according to Rule 22 of the NZQA Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules 2025 for a Level 5 programme.”

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Extracted from the official programme page · last confirmed 7 July 2026 · always confirm details with Cavalli College Limited before applying.