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

Qualification: Diploma
NZQF level: 5
Duration: 1 year (Full-time), 120 Credits
Indicative fees: NZ$7,256/yr
Location: Centre-Based/Online
Audience: Domestic students

Entry requirements

Domestic applicants min 16 yrs (18 for international) before starting. Applicants under 20: min 48 NCEA credits at level 2+ with UE literacy credits, or international high school equivalency. Over 20 may receive special admission. Blended learning mode requires a written professional reference, personal visual interview assessing Teaching Council standards, te reo Māori competency assessment (Level 1, Te Aho Arataki Marau), and NZ Police vetting report.

English requirements

“International applicants must provide evidence of meeting English language requirements according to Rule 22 of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority Programme Approval, Recognition, and Accreditation Rules 2025.”

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