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Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)
Programme Outline
The Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) degree (BTP) offers you the opportunity to gain a professional qualification as a Primary Teacher, Years 0-8 (ages 5-13).
This is a practice-based teacher education programme, which provides a balance between theory, research and practice. Learning is supported through a combination of face-to-face, online and self-directed activity, while the school-based component enables you to apply your on campus learning to practice in classrooms. This qualification prepares you for further post-graduate study should you choose to do so.
You will attend EIT Hawke’s Bay two days per week and a designated primary school two days per week.
You are welcome to make an appointment to discuss your study options with our staff and to view our campus and facilities.
Career and Study Opportunities
Graduating with a degree in primary teaching paves the way to a challenging and rewarding future educating young minds.
You’ll teach, facilitate and support children in their first eight years of formal learning, in preparation for secondary school and a lifetime of learning.
Further your study with a postgraduate qualification on offer at EIT.
Entry Requirements
A person is eligible to apply for entry who meets the following requirements:
Academic Entry Requirements
- Has attained a University Entrance (UE) qualification and is over the age of 17 years at the beginning of the programme’s academic year.
- For applicants under the age of 20 years at the beginning of the academic year, who do not have University Entrance or equivalent, entry may be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with EIT policy on discretionary entry; or
- Non-standard entry for those over 20 years of age:
In the absence of the above academic requirements, applicants can satisfactorily prove that they have the potential to succeed in tertiary study at degree level and satisfy the selection panel that they possess all the necessary qualities that make them capable of undertaking the programme of study.
In support of their application, applicants must supply, in a CV, a detailed account of their educational background, evidence of experience with primary aged children, and an openness to learning; this must be supported by references or attestations from persons who have observed the applicant working with primary aged children and can comment on their potential for tertiary study and suitability for teaching.
Professional Requirements
- Be free from criminal convictions which would preclude them from working with children.
- Provide evidence of the personal and professional qualities appropriate for undertaking a BTP by furnishing two references from persons who are not related to the applicant, using the prescribed Referee form. One of the referees must be someone who has observed the applicant working with children. The appropriate qualities relate to the values, commitments and standards set out in the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Our Code, Our Standards: Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards for the Teaching Profession (2017). School leavers must also have their school Principal, Dean or Career Advisor complete the School Report form.
- Sign a declaration and a request for personal information held on the NZ Police computer.
- Sign a declaration that they are in good health (having no medical, physical or psychological conditions that would preclude working with children).
English as an Additional Language Requirements
- English language competency.
- Prior to entry, applicants must demonstrate English language competency by providing one of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand’s approved evidence of English language competency, as set out in the Aotearoa New Zealand Teaching Council’s ITE Programme Approval, Monitoring and Review Requirements (2019). See form for further information of requirements.
Internal Selection Processes
Upon the application satisfying eligibility to apply requirements, the applicants are then required to participate in an internal selection process. This is the first step to ensure the graduating candidate teacher has the qualities and dispositions which enable them to meet the primary teaching registration criteria.
A panel comprising of BTP educator(s) and primary sector representatives conduct the interviews.
The selection process consists of two parts:
- An interview process
- A literacy and numeracy assessment
The interview will be conducted in an equitable, professional manner with every endeavour to make applicants feel at ease. Areas considered by the interviewers are:
- Personal qualities
- Professional qualities
- Knowledge and experience of working with primary school aged children
- Other work and community experience
- Cultural knowledge and understanding
Entry with Credit
A BTP applicant may apply for Cross Credit (CC) and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Applications will be considered in accordance with Institutional regulations and ITE Programme Requirements. All applications will also require the School of Education and Social Science approval.
Credit may be awarded only as specified credit, where there is a substantial match between previous learning and the BTP course for which academic credit is sought. No unspecified credit may be awarded.
- RPL may be awarded only at Levels 5 and 6, to a maximum of 120 credits
- CC may be awarded only at Levels 5 and 6, to a maximum of 240 credits
CC will only be considered for courses completed at EIT or elsewhere, not for courses that have already been granted by credit recognition elsewhere.
For further information and enquiries about CC and RPL please contact the Programme Administrator on 06 830 1387.
This programme leads to the award of a nationally approved qualification which may be delivered at a number of other tertiary institutes around New Zealand. If you were to transfer to one of those other institutes you may be granted academic credit for some of the papers completed but this is at the discretion of the other institute.
Please note: Fees are not transferable between institutes.
How to Enrol
Step 1 – Check entry requirements
Make sure you have read and understood the entry requirements for your situation and background.
Entry requirements can be different for domestic and international students.
Step 2 – Confirm campus and check key dates
The next intake date(s) for your chosen course and campus are listed in the Course Details panel on this page.
Dates can vary between campuses, so make sure you have selected the campus you wish to study at.
Step 3 – Confirm fees and costs
Visit https://www.eit.ac.nz/fees/ to see the fees for this programme.
Step 4 – Complete any supporting forms
If your course requires any supporting forms, they will be listed below under ‘Supporting Documentation’
Step 5 – Submit your application
You’ll need an up-to-date email address to start your online application.
You’ll also need to know what you want to study – your degree or programme and majors and/or minors, and the courses you plan to take.
You may be asked to submit supporting documentation with your application.
Programme Outline
The Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) degree (BTP) offers you the opportunity to gain a professional qualification as a Primary Teacher, Years 0-8 (ages 5-13).
This is a practice-based teacher education programme, which provides a balance between theory, research and practice. Learning is supported through a combination of face-to-face, online and self-directed activity, while the school-based component enables you to apply your on campus learning to practice in classrooms. This qualification prepares you for further post-graduate study should you choose to do so.
You will attend EIT Hawke’s Bay two days per week and a designated primary school two days per week.
You are welcome to make an appointment to discuss your study options with our staff and to view our campus and facilities.
Career and Study Opportunities
Graduating with a degree in primary teaching paves the way to a challenging and rewarding future educating young minds.
You’ll teach, facilitate and support children in their first eight years of formal learning, in preparation for secondary school and a lifetime of learning.
Further your study with a postgraduate qualification on offer at EIT.
Entry Requirements
Academic Entry Requirements
A person who meets the following requirements is eligible to apply for entry:
Academic entry requirement
In support of their application, applicants must supply in a CV a detailed account of their educational background, evidence of experience with primary school aged children, and an openness to learning; this must be supported by references or attestations from persons who have observed the applicant working with primary aged children and can comment on their potential for tertiary study, and suitability for teaching.
Professional requirements
- Be free from criminal convictions which would preclude them from working with children.
- Provide evidence of the personal and professional qualities appropriate for undertaking a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) by furnishing two references from persons who are not related to the applicant, using prescribed Referee Forms. One of the referees must be someone who has observed the applicant working with children. The appropriate qualities are specified in Our Code, Our Standards: Code of Professional Standards for the Teaching Profession (EDUCANZ, 2017). School leavers must also have their school Principal, Dean or Career Advisor complete the School Report form.
- Submit a Police Clearance Certificate
- Sign a declaration that they are in good health (having no medical, physical or psychological conditions that would preclude them from working with children).
English Language Entry Requirements
All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. For international students, ways in which English language fluency may be demonstrated include the following:
- PTE (Academic) score of 65 with no band score lower than 65
- IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 with no band score lower than 7.0 (or equivalent) achieved within the last 2 years.
- International equivalents to IELTS accepted by NZQA or successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction (conditions apply).
Further information about English language entry requirements for international students can be found at
https://teachingcouncil.nz/getting-certificated/for-overseas-trained-teachers/language-competency-requirements/#englishevidence
How to Apply
Ready to apply? It’s easy!
Complete and sign our international student application form at eit.ac.nz/apply-online-international/
- Indicate which programme you intend to study.
- Attach a verified copy of your birth certificate or passport to use as identification.
- Remember to include all other supporting documents.
- We will assess your application and let you know the outcome as soon as possible, usually within three to five working days.
On-campus study in New Zealand
Step 1 – Pay your fees
- After submitting your application, you will receive an Offer of Place letter by email with details of your tuition and other fees payable.
Please note: If you have applied using the services of an agent, a copy of this information will also be sent to your agent. - Pay your fees and apply for your student visa.
- We will send you a receipt, which you will need when you apply for your student visa.
We recommend you apply at least 12 weeks before your intended start date. You can apply online at www.immigration.govt.nz
If you have any questions about the process, contact your agent or email visas@eit.ac.nz
Step 2 – Prepare to come to New Zealand
Book your flights
When your student visa is approved, book your flights and ensure you meet all government-mandated entry requirements to come to New Zealand. Check the Immigration New Zealand website for the most up-to-date information.
Organise your accommodation
If you haven’t already organised your accommodation, you should now decide which of the accommodation options is most suitable for you. You can find our more about our EIT accommodation options here.
Step 3 – Connect with us
- Be sure to complete and submit the arrival form sent to you by the International Student Support Officer.
- Your International Student Support Officer will contact you prior to the start of your programme to let you know what you need to do and keep you up to date on what to expect when you arrive.
Online study
Step 1 – Enrol
- After submitting your application, you will receive your acceptance into the programme by email alongside instructions on how to enrol.
- Complete and sign the enrolment form provided to you by our Admissions Team and send it back to internationalapplications@eit.ac.nz
Please note: If you have applied using the services of an agent, a copy of this information will also be sent to your agent.
Step 2 – Choose your courses and pay your Fees
- Your course selection form will be sent to you by our team.
- After completing your course selection form, you will be sent an invoice. You can then pay your fees by bank transfer to EIT’s account. Full account details and payment information will be provided on your invoice.
Step 3 – Connect with us
Your International Student Support Officer will contact you after you enrol to keep you up-to-date with anything you need to know, including details about your Orientation, where you will meet your classmates and all about studying at EIT.
Whether you join us on-campus or online, we welcome you to the EIT student community!
If you need any help you can contact our friendly staff at international@eit.ac.nz

