Workforce restrictions for children's workforce

If you have a criminal conviction and want to study towards a qualification that will lead to a job in the state funded sector (including teaching or providing youth services) working directly with children, you need to check whether your conviction could prevent you from working in some roles in your chosen field.

This is due to the Children's Act 2014. This prevents state sector agencies and government-funded service providers from hiring people with convictions for specified offences to work with children work in some roles.

Read the list of specified offences

This information has been supplied by the Children's Action Plan Directorate and the Tertiary Education Commission.

Entry requirements

To apply for entry into the programme you need to be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and be at least 17 years of age at the time of entry. You also need New Zealand University Entrance (Visit nzqa.govt.nz for details).

It is also recommended that you are in paid or voluntary employment within an early childhood setting throughout the programme.

Over 20 years

If you are over 20 years of age and do not hold the minimum entry requirements you will be eligible to be enrolled where your previous educational, work or life experience indicates you have a reasonable likelihood of success.

English language (ESOL)

If English or Māori is not your first language you must have an IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 with no band score lower than 7.0, or equivalent (as per Teaching Council Aotearoa guidelines).

Learn more about English language requirements

International students and domestic students living overseas

You cannot study this programme if you are an international student or New Zealand citizen living overseas.