Entry requirements
To enrol in this programme you need to be a minimum of 17 years of age at the start of the programme.
English language requirements
International students must also have an IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.0, or equivalent.
Domestic students for whom English or Māori is not their first language must also have an IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.0, or equivalent.
Learn more about English language entry requirements
Workplace requirements
To study this programme you need to be in paid or voluntary employment for at least five hours a week in an early childhood, school or community education setting so you can meet the on-the-job requirements of the programme.
When you enrol you need to supply us with the name, email address and telephone number of the principal, supervisor or a contact person in the organisation that you are planning to work for or volunteer in. We will contact them for a workplace support reference to make sure that they can support you during your studies and verify your work-based tasks.
Your workplace will obtain a police vet on your behalf when you first start. There may be a delay while your police vet is done. Your enrolment will not be processed until we have confirmation that the police vet has been processed and if you are a volunteer, you have a start date.
The Workplace Support Reference Form can also be accessed here:
Workplace Support Reference Form
International students and domestic students living overseas
You can study this programme part-time if you're an international student living in New Zealand.
You will need to be in paid employment with a valid work permit.
You can study this programme if you're a New Zealand citizen living overseas.
You cannot study this programme if you're an international student living overseas.
Learn more about international students studying with at Open Polytechnic
Computer and internet requirements
This programme is delivered online. To complete this programme you will need access to a laptop or desktop computer, reliable broadband internet connection and a data plan able to support online learning such as streaming of videos (including YouTube), downloading content, and writing and submitting online assessments. If you are unsure if your current computer or internet access allows you to complete your online learning with us, please contact us before applying to enrol.
Learn more about our online learning and study tools.
