Admission Requirements

Bachelor of Arts Te Tohu Paetahi (BA)

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACHELOR OF ARTS (TE REO MĀORI)

To be accepted into this programme, an applicant must:

  • be at least 16 years of age
  • be a New Zealand citizen (or citizen of Australia, Tokelau, Niue, Cook Islands) or permanent resident
  • reside in New Zealand
  • have successfully completed NCEA Level 3 Te Reo Māori or a New Zealand Certificate in Te Reo Māori Level 4
  • meet with a kaiako to discuss course workload and commitment

OR

  • successfully complete the pre-entry assessment
  • meet with a kaiako to discuss course workload and commitment


ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACHELOR OF ARTS (ALL SPECIALISATIONS EXCEPT TE REO MĀORI)

To gain entry to the Bachelor of Arts programme, candidates must have:

  • University Entrance
  • NCEA Level 3
  • 14 credits at Level 3 in each of the three approved subjects
  • 10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing.
  • 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
    • co-requisite Level 1 Numeracy standard 32406 or Te Pāngarau unit standard 32412, or
    • certain achievement standards.

NCEA equivalence can include:

  •  University Entrance, A or B Bursary
  • Overseas equivalent qualifications, including IB and CIE, or HSC (Australia)
  • Other NZQA Level 3 certificates in relevant disciplines to Laidlaw programmes
  • Other NZQA Level 4 certificate in a different discipline.
  • The following may be accepted as equivalent at our discretion, and the applicant may need to sit an assessment for entry:
    • Reference/support/documentation from an employer
    • Evidence of the level of academic achievement or a portfolio of work for home-schooled students.

All equivalences must be documented.

Applicants must seek NZQA’s International Qualification Assessment (IQA) evaluation of their non-NZ (overseas) qualifications prior to applying.

In recognition of the professional competence and standards maintained by certain regulatory and professional bodies, Laidlaw may accept specific professional registrations in place of an IQA report, provided that the professional body is nationally recognised and operates under statutory or formally established regulations in New Zealand. (e.g. Medical Council, Nursing Council, Teaching Council, Chartered Accountancy bodies, etc.) Professional registration will be accepted in place of IQA where it is current and demonstrates that the applicant has achieved at least the equivalent of the minimum academic requirement for the programme. Where a programme requires specific academic subjects or levels of study, additional evidence may still be requested.

  • Applicants must provide official confirmation of current professional registration. Admissions will verify the authenticity of the registration directly with the issuing authority, where necessary.
  • The Academic Registrar or a delegated staff member will determine whether a professional registration is acceptable as an alternative to IQA. All decisions must be documented and consistently applied.


Special Admission:

For applicants who do not meet the above requirements, an Entry Assessment may be required.

  • Includes a literacy test.
  • Dates for assessment will be advised.

Possible study options can arise depending on the assessment result:

  • An offer of entry to a level 4 or level 5 programme
  • An offer of entry to another Laidlaw programme
  • Entry to the BA (if appropriate).


ENTRY POINTS INTO THE BA*:

  • Applicants who have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Christian Ministry (Level 4) with a strand in Internship may be eligible to enter the first year of the degree.
  • Applicants who have completed Te Pōkairua Reo (Rumaki) (Te Kaupae 5) may be eligible to enter the second year of the degree.
  • Applicants who have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Youth Work (Level 5) may be eligible to enter the second year of the degree.
  • Applicants who have completed the New Zealand Diploma in Christian Studies (Level 5) with either a strand in Christian Leadership or Theological Studies may be eligible to enter the second year of the degree.
  • Applicants who have completed both Te Pōkairua Reo (Rumaki) (Te Kaupae 5) and Te Pōkairua Reo (Rumaki) (Te Kaupae 6) may be eligible to enter the third year of the degree. Applications for credit transfer must be submitted within five years of completing Te Pōkairua Reo (Rumaki) (Te Kaupae 6).

*Eligibility is subject to the credit transfer rules (see section 2.6.3.4 of the Gen Regs).


ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet both the Academic and English language requirements for this programme. In addition to the requirements outlined above, applicants for whom English is not their first language must use one of the following methods to demonstrate that they have the required level of English proficiency to study in New Zealand:

  • achieved NCEA level 3 and has met New Zealand university entrance requirements; or
  • awarded an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge A-level qualification for which the teaching and assessment were conducted in English; or
  • awarded the Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) or the Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL); or
  • completed all primary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand primary school years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (being the equivalent of three years from New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or 
  • completed at least five years of secondary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools is one of the countries listed in 22.5 where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or
  • been awarded a Bachelor's degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours Degree, Post-graduate Certificate, Post-graduate Diploma, Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree with English as the language of instruction from a tertiary education provider from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.
  • achieved, within the  two years preceding the start date of the programme in which the student is enrolled, one of the internationally recognised proficiency test outcomes specified below for the level of the programme in which the student is enrolling:
    • International English Language Testing System (Academic) (IELTS) - 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in writing, reading, speaking, listening
    • Cambridge English Exams: C2 Proficiency (CPE), C1 Advanced (CAE), Cambridge English Exams, B2 First (FCE): minimum of 169 across all bands (listening, reading, writing, speaking and total overall)
    • International English for Speakers of Other Languages qualifications by City and Guilds (IESOL) - C1 expert International ESOL Written (LRW) Pass with no less than 25/50 in each skill and Spoken (S) Pass.
    • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PToE) score of 52.
    • New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL) Level 4 (Academic).
    • equivalent (see Programme Approval, Recognition, and Accreditation Rules 2026 - NZQA)


POLICE CLEARANCE

It is a condition of enrolment in any internship or practicum course(s) that students complete a Police Vetting Service Request and Consent form as part of their application. 

International applicants must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of citizenship AND from any country in which they have lived for more than 12 months in the last 10 years. This police clearance should be less than six months old and should be presented at the time of application.

Should a candidate to the programme have a criminal conviction, an assessment of risk is made based on the severity, recency, age of offending, and pattern of offending. This assessment is conducted by a panel consisting of the Academic Dean, Programme Lead, and Head of School.


ADDITIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACHELOR OF ARTS (CHAPLAINCY)

Minimum Age

Applicants for the specialisation in Chaplaincy must be at least 20 years of age on or before the first day of the semester in which the proposed programme of study is offered.


Selection Interview

Applicants who have successfully completed the first stage of the application process will provisionally be accepted into the programme and invited to attend a group interview and, if required, a further interview by a panel of two selectors.


Police Clearance

It is a condition of enrolment in any Chaplaincy specialisation or any chaplaincy courses that students complete a Police Vetting Service Request and Consent form as part of their application. 

International applicants must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of citizenship AND from any country in which they have lived for more than 12 months in the last 10 years. This police clearance should be less than six months old and should be presented at the time of application.

Should a candidate to the programme have a criminal conviction, an assessment of risk is made based on the severity, recency, age of offending, and pattern of offending. This assessment is conducted by a panel consisting of the Academic Dean, Programme Lead, and Head of School.



ADDITIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACHELOR OF ARTS (YOUTH WORK)

Selection Interview

Applicants who have successfully completed the first stage of the application process will provisionally be accepted into the programme and invited to attend a group interview and, if required, a further interview by a panel of two selectors.

Police Clearance

It is a condition of enrolment in any Youth Work programmes that students complete a Police Vetting Service Request and Consent form as part of their application. 

International applicants must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of citizenship AND from any country in which they have lived for more than 12 months in the last 10 years. This police clearance should be less than six months old and should be presented at the time of application.

Should a candidate to the programme have a criminal conviction, an assessment of risk is made based on the severity, recency, age of offending, and pattern of offending. This assessment is conducted by a panel consisting of the Academic Dean, Programme Lead, and Head of School.


THEOLOGY

Certificate in Christian Ministry (Internship) (CertCM)

GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • Applicants to this programme who have no secondary schooling or NCEA level 1 attainment or equivalent will require an entry assessment (including a literacy test) to establish eligibility.
  • Applicants who have NCEA level 2 attainment (or above) or evidence of equivalent knowledge and skills have open entry to apply.
  • This programme requires an internship placement of a total of 420 hours (an average of 16-20 hours per week) of practical ministry involvement. Entry into this programme will require selection, supervision and mentoring by the learner’s faith community or community organisation. Applicants must complete an Internship Placement Contract which includes accreditation of the church or organisation, minister or director, supervisor and mentor; recommendation of student; and ministry proposal.

NCEA Equivalence can include:

  • NZ School Certificate;
  • Sixth Form Certificate;
  • Overseas equivalent qualifications, including IB and CIE, or HSC (Australia);
  • Other NZQA level 1 or 2 certificates in relevant disciplines to Laidlaw programmes;
  • Evidence of level of academic achievement or a portfolio of work for homeschooled students*;
  • Reference/support/documentation from employer*

*The applicant may need to sit assessment for entry.

NB. All equivalences must be documented.


ENTRY ASSESSMENT

  • Includes a literacy test.
  • Dates for assessment will be advised.


POLICE CLEARANCE

It is a condition of enrolment in the CertCM (Internship) that students complete a Police Vetting Service Request and Consent form as part of their application. This police clearance should be less than 6 months old if presented at the time of application.


ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

These requirements are in addition to those outlined above and apply to applicants for whom English is not their first language.

  • IELTS (academic): 5.5 or higher with minimum 5.0 in reading and writing.
  • Pearson Test of English (academic): 42

Applicants must meet both the Academic and English language requirements for the programmes. In addition to the requirements outlined applicants for whom English is not their first language must use one of the following methods to demonstrate that they have the required level of English proficiency to study in New Zealand:

  • gained NCEA level 3 and met New Zealand University Entrance requirements; or
  • holds a Bachelor’s degree of at least three years from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States of America; or
  • achieved a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA); or
  • achieved the required score, as indicated in the following subsections, in one of the following internationally recognised English proficiency tests, within the preceding two years:
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • University of Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
    • University of Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
    • University of Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE)
    • International English for Speakers of Other Languages qualifications by City and Guilds (IESOL)
    • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PToE)
    • New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL)

A waiver for the English language test may be granted:

  • For those applicants who have an undergraduate or higher qualification gained from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States of America.
  • For those who have studied in NZ for a minimum of two years at secondary school and gained either
    • eight, level 2 NCEA University Entrance literacy credits (4 credits in reading and 4 credits in writing) gained prior to 2014 or
    • ten, level 2 NCEA University Entrance Literacy credits (5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing).
  • For long-term residents (10+ years) in New Zealand, or another English speaking country, who are able to demonstrate English language competency appropriate to the desired level of study. Competency must be documented.

For other equivalent English Language Proficiency scores please refer to www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/the-table/

Diploma in Christian Studies (DipCS)
Bachelor of Theology (BTh)

GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

NCEA Level 3

  • Three subjects at Level 3, made up of 14 credits each, in three approved subjects
  • Literacy – 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
    • 5 credits in reading
    • 5 credits in writing
  • Numeracy – 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
    • Achievement standards – specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects, or
    • Unit standards – package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627 – all three required)

NCEA Equivalence can include:

  • University Entrance, A or B Bursary;
  • Overseas equivalent qualifications, including IB and CIE, or HSC (Australia);
  • Other NZQA level 3 certificates in similar disciplines to Laidlaw programmes;
  • Other NZQA level 4 certificate in a different discipline;
  • Evidence of level of academic achievement or a portfolio of work for homeschooled students*;
  • Reference/support/documentation from employer*

*The applicant may need to sit assessment for entry.

NB. All equivalences must be documented.


ENTRY ASSESSMENT

  • Includes a literacy test.
  • Dates for assessment will be advised.


SPECIAL ADMISSION

Possible study options can arise depending on the assessment result:

  • An offer of entry to the Certificate in Study and Career Preparation
  • Entry to the Diploma in Christian Studies programme if applied for
  • An offer of entry to the Diploma in Christian Studies if the BTh was applied for
  • Entry to the BTh (if appropriate).



POLICE CLEARANCE

It is a condition of enrolment in the DipCS (Christian Leadership Track) that students complete a Police Vetting Service Request and Consent form as part of their application, or for those including an Internship course in another programmes, before course enrolment can be approved. This police clearance should be less than 6 months old if presented at the time of application.


ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

These requirements are in addition to those outlined above and apply to applicants for whom English is not their first language.

DIPLOMA IN CHRISTIAN STUDIES

  • IELTS (academic): 6.0 or higher with minimum 6.0 in all bands.
  • Pearson Test of English (academic): 58

BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY

  • IELTS (academic): 6.0 or higher with minimum 6.0 in all bands
  • Pearson Test of English: 58

Applicants must meet both the Academic and English language requirements for the programmes. In addition to the requirements outlined applicants for whom English is not their first language must use one of the following methods to demonstrate that they have the required level of English proficiency to study in New Zealand:

  • gained NCEA level 3 and met New Zealand University Entrance requirements; or
  • holds a Bachelor’s degree of at least three years from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States of America; or
  • achieved a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA); or
  • achieved the required score, as indicated in the following subsections, in one of the following internationally recognised English proficiency tests, within the preceding two years:
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • University of Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
    • University of Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
    • University of Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE)
    • International English for Speakers of Other Languages qualifications by City and Guilds (IESOL)
    • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PToE)
    • New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL)

A waiver for the English language test may be granted:

  • For those applicants who have an undergraduate or higher qualification gained from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States of America.
  • For those who have studied in NZ for a minimum of two years at secondary school and gained either
    • eight, level 2 NCEA University Entrance literacy credits (4 credits in reading and 4 credits in writing) gained prior to 2014 or
    • ten, level 2 NCEA University Entrance Literacy credits (5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing).
  • For long-term residents (10+ years) in New Zealand, or another English speaking country, who are able to demonstrate English language competency appropriate to the desired level of study. Competency must be documented.

For other equivalent English Language Proficiency scores please refer to www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/the-table/

Graduate Certificate in Theology (GradCertTh)
Graduate Diploma in Theology (GradDipTh)

GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The normal requirement for admission into the GradCertTh and GradDipTh programmes is a completed undergraduate degree, or higher qualification, as defined in the National Qualifications Framework of the NZQA.


SPECIAL ADMISSION

Serious consideration will be given to those who have a combination of relevant experience and non-degree qualifications. This is particularly relevant for those whose qualifications are at a level that, in the current New Zealand environment, is likely to be regarded as having been gained at degree level. Each application will, however, be considered in light of the applicant’s overall background and ability to benefit from the programme. The onus is on the applicant to provide details of all qualifications and experience relevant to the application procedure.


ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

These requirements are in addition to those outlined above and apply to applicants for whom English is not their first language.

  • IELTS (academic): 6.5 or higher with minimum 6.0 in all bands.
  • Pearson Test of English (academic): 58

Applicants must meet both the Academic and English language requirements for the programmes. In addition to the requirements outlined applicants for whom English is not their first language must use one of the following methods to demonstrate that they have the required level of English proficiency to study in New Zealand:

  • gained NCEA level 3 and met New Zealand University Entrance requirements; or
  • holds a Bachelor’s degree of at least three years from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States of America; or
  • achieved a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA); or
  • achieved the required score, as indicated in the following subsections, in one of the following internationally recognised English proficiency tests, within the preceding two years:
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • University of Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
    • University of Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
    • University of Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE)
    • International English for Speakers of Other Languages qualifications by City and Guilds (IESOL)
    • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PToE)
    • New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL)

A waiver for the English language test may be granted:

  • For those applicants who have an undergraduate or higher qualification gained from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States of America.
  • For those who have studied in NZ for a minimum of two years at secondary school and gained either eight, level 2 NCEA University Entrance literacy credits (4 credits in reading and 4 credits in writing) gained prior to 2014 or
    • ten, level 2 NCEA University Entrance Literacy credits (5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing).
    • For long-term residents (10+ years) in New Zealand, or another English speaking country, who are able to demonstrate English language competency appropriate to the desired level of study. Competency must be documented.

For other equivalent English Language Proficiency scores please refer to www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/the-table/

Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (PGDipTh)
Master of Theology (MTh)

GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The normal requirement for admission into the PGDipTh and MTh programmes is a completed undergraduate degree, or higher qualification, as defined in the National Qualifications Framework of the NZQA, in an appropriate discipline. The following options are available:

  • Completed Bachelor’s qualification in theology or Christian ministry OR
  • Applicants who hold a recognised Bachelor’s level degree in a discipline other than theology may be accepted for study towards the PGDipTh or MTh following successful completion of a bridging programme of theological study such as those provided by Laidlaw or as approved by the Postgraduate Committee. Bridging requirements may be satisfied wholly or partly by credit transfer and/or recognition of prior learning.

A grade average of 7.0 (B) or higher in papers of the qualifying undergraduate programme equivalent to NZQA levels 6 and 7 is required.


SPECIAL ADMISSION

Serious consideration will be given to those that hold qualifications of an equivalent standard. In exceptional circumstances the Postgraduate Committee may allow applicants who do not meet these requirements, or who do not have qualifications of an equivalent standard, to be granted provisional candidature into the PGDipTh. Candidature in the MTh shall be confirmed after the satisfactory completion of the PGDipTh.

Each application will, however, be considered in light of the applicant’s overall background and ability to benefit from the programme. The onus is on the applicant to provide details of all qualifications and experience relevant to the application procedure.


ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

These requirements are in addition to those outlined above and apply to applicants for whom English is not their first language.

  • IELTS (academic): 7.0 or higher with minimum 7.0 in writing (conditions apply).
  • Pearson Test of English (academic): 65

Applicants must meet both the Academic and English language requirements for the programmes. In addition to the requirements outlined applicants for whom English is not their first language must use one of the following methods to demonstrate that they have the required level of English proficiency to study in New Zealand:

  • gained NCEA level 3 and met New Zealand University Entrance requirements; or
  • holds a Bachelor’s degree of at least three years from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States of America; or
  • achieved a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA); or
  • achieved the required score, as indicated in the following subsections, in one of the following internationally recognised English proficiency tests, within the preceding two years:
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • University of Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
    • University of Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
    • University of Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE)
    • International English for Speakers of Other Languages qualifications by City and Guilds (IESOL)
    • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PToE)
    • New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL)

A waiver for the English language test may be granted:

  • For those applicants who have an undergraduate or higher qualification gained from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States of America.
  • For those who have studied in NZ for a minimum of two years at secondary school and gained either eight, level 2 NCEA University Entrance literacy credits (4 credits in reading and 4 credits in writing) gained prior to 2014 or
    • ten, level 2 NCEA University Entrance Literacy credits (5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing).
    • For long-term residents (10+ years) in New Zealand, or another English speaking country, who are able to demonstrate English language competency appropriate to the desired level of study. Competency must be documented.

For other equivalent English Language Proficiency scores please refer to www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/the-table/

COUNSELLING

Bachelor of Counselling (BCouns)

GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

NCEA Level 3

  • Three subjects at Level 3, made up of 14 credits each, in three approved subjects
  • Literacy – 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
    • 5 credits in reading
    • 5 credits in writing
  • Numeracy – 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
    • Achievement standards – specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects, or
    • Unit standards – package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627 – all three required)

NCEA Equivalence can include:

  • University Entrance, A or B Bursary;
  • Overseas equivalent qualifications, including IB and CIE, or HSC (Australia);
  • Other NZQA level 3 certificates in similar disciplines to Laidlaw programmes;
  • Other NZQA level 4 certificate in a different discipline;
  • Evidence of level of academic achievement or a portfolio of work for homeschooled students*;
  • Reference/support/documentation from employer*

*The applicant may need to sit assessment for entry.

NB. All equivalences must be documented.


MINIMUM AGE

BCouns applicants

All BCouns applicants must be at least 20 years of age on or before the first day of semester in which the proposed programme of study is offered.


ENTRY ASSESSMENT

For applicants who do not meet the above requirements, an Entry Assessment may be required.

  • Includes a literacy test.
  • Dates for assessment will be advised.


SPECIAL ADMISSION

Possible study options can arise depending on the assessment result:

BCouns applicants

  • An offer of entry to a level 4 programme
  • Entry to Bachelor of Counselling (if appropriate)


SELECTION INTERVIEW

All applicants who have successfully completed the first stage of the application process will provisionally be accepted into the programme and invited to attend a group interview and, if required, a further interview by a panel of two selectors.


POLICE CLEARANCE

It is a condition of enrolment that students complete a Police Vetting Service Request and Consent form as part of their application. This police clearance should be less than 6 months old if presented at the time of application.


ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

These requirements are in addition to those outlined above and apply to applicants for whom English is not their first language.

BACHELOR OF COUNSELLING

  • IELTS (academic): 6.5 or higher with minimum 6.0 in all bands
  • Pearson Test of English (academic): 58

Applicants must meet both the Academic and English language requirements for the programmes. In addition to the requirements outlined applicants for whom English is not their first language must use one of the following methods to demonstrate that they have the required level of English proficiency to study in New Zealand:

  • gained NCEA level 3 and met New Zealand University Entrance requirements; or
  • holds a Bachelor’s degree of at least three years from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States of America; or
  • achieved a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA); or
  • achieved the required score, as indicated in the following subsections, in one of the following internationally recognised English proficiency tests, within the preceding two years:
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • University of Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
    • University of Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
    • University of Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE)
    • International English for Speakers of Other Languages qualifications by City and Guilds (IESOL)
    • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PToE)
    • New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL)

A waiver for the English language test may be granted:

  • For those applicants who have an undergraduate or higher qualification gained from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States of America.
  • For those who have studied in NZ for a minimum of two years at secondary school and gained either
    • eight, level 2 NCEA University Entrance literacy credits (4 credits in reading and 4 credits in writing) gained prior to 2014 or
    • ten, level 2 NCEA University Entrance Literacy credits (5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing).

For other equivalent English Language Proficiency scores please refer to www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/the-table/

TEACHER EDUCATION

Bachelor of Education (Primary) (BEd)

GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Entry to the Laidlaw College Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree is New Zealand University Entrance or a recognised equivalent (i.e. International Baccalaureate or Cambridge International) or be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of Laidlaw College that they have the skills and ability to study at a tertiary level. 

Students under the age of 20 applying to the BEd without UE must be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of Laidlaw College that they have the ability to study at a tertiary level. 

Students 20 years or older must meet comparable literacy and numeracy requirements as those entering with UE. This will usually be assessed by the entrance literacy and numeracy testing.


VISUAL INTERVIEW

All applicants for the Bachelor of Education and Graduate Diploma in Education are required to have a visual interview by panel. The panel consists of a rūnanga delegate, member of the teaching profession, and a Laidlaw teacher educator. The interview determines:

  • The applicant’s disposition to teach, through judging their ability to meet the values that underpin Our Code Our Standards
  • The applicant’s ability to meet the Code of Professional Responsibility in a supported environment
  • Vulnerable Children’s Act risk assessment (interview component) AND
  • Other relevant matters


NUMERACY AND LITERACY TESTING

All applicants for the Bachelor of Education (Primary) are required to undergo a literacy and numeracy assessment.

  • Candidates must score step 4 in the TEC literacy (reading and writing) assessment to enter the programme
  • Candidates must score step 6 in the TEC numeracy assessment to enter the programme


SPECIAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

For applicants who do not meet the above requirements, possible study options can arise depending on the assessment and interview result:

  • An offer of entry to a level 4 programme
  • An offer of entry to another Laidlaw programme



POLICE VETTING

All education applicants must complete a Police Vetting Service Request and Consent form as part of their application. All international applicants for the BEd and GradDipEd must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of citizenship AND for any country in which they have lived for more than a 12 month period in the last 10 years. This overseas police clearance should be less than 6 months old and be presented at the time of application. This is to meet the requirements of the Vulnerable Children Act 2014. 

Any education student charged with an offence during their programme of study must disclose the charge in writing to the Head of Education within 3 working days.


ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

English Language Requirements for the Bachelor of Education (Primary) and the Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) follows the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand requirements for preservice teachers. As such, one of the following types of evidence must be provided to demonstrate English language competency:

  • The New Zealand University Entrance literacy credits at either NCEA level 2 or 3 OR
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • New Zealand tertiary entrance qualification gained on completing senior secondary school prior to the introduction of current University Entrance OR
  • International Baccalaureate full diploma in English medium (24 points minimum) OR
  • Cambridge International Examinations minimum 120 points on the UCAS Tariff plus meeting the CIE literacy requirements OR
  • All primary schooling and at least three years secondary schooling completed in the English language and while living in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America or South Africa* OR * candidates from South Africa must also provide South African Matriculation Certificate Minimum D pass in English (higher grade) OR South African Senior Certificate Minimum D pass in English (higher grade)
  • Six years of education comprising secondary schooling to at least year 12 and at least two years of successful tertiary education, taught in English as the primary language of instruction and through face-to-face learning and assessment such as tutorials and labs completed in the English language and while living in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America or South Africa OR
  • Awarded a Bachelor’s degree, Bachelor with Honours degree, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate, Master’s degree at NZQF level 7 or up which:
    • Took two or more years of full-time study to complete and
    • Was taught in English as the primary language of instruction and through face-to-face learning and assessment such as tutorials, presentations, seminars, and supervisory meetings and was gained while living in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States or South Africa.
  • Awarded Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) OR
  • Awarded Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL) OR
  • Achieved an outcome in one of the following approved tests which is equivalent to or better than those specified (see table) within the past two years:

For other equivalent English Language Proficiency scores please refer to https://teachingcouncil.nz/getting-certificated/for-overseas-trained-teachers/language-competency-requirements/

* Please note that applicants should refer to the Education handbook for more details.

Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) (GradDipEd)

GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The normal requirement for admission requires applicants to show evidence they have:

  • An appropriate bachelor’s degree at Level 7 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework and/or postgraduate qualification, AND
  • A body of knowledge from Levels 5 to 7 or higher in support of New Zealand Curriculum learning areas for at least one Year 7-10 teaching subject/s and at least one Year 11-13 teaching subject/s, OR
  • For language teaching: native or fluent reading, writing, speaking and listening in the language.

The learning areas within the New Zealand Curriculum are:

  • English
  • Te Reo Māori
  • The arts - art history, dance, drama, music, visual arts
  • Health and physical education
  • Learning languages - Cook Island Māori, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Lea Faka-Tonga, NZ Sign Language, Mandarin, Samoan, Spanish
  • Mathematics and statistics
  • Science - science, biology, chemistry, physics
  • Social sciences - accounting, business, classics, economics, geography, history, legal, media, philosophy, psychology, religious education, social studies, sustainability
  • Technology - bio and chemical, design and visual communication, digital (computer science, information, infrastructure, media, programming), electronics, food, manufacturing, textiles, resistant materials

It is recommended that applicants wishing to teach less common specialist subjects, such as religious education, philosophy, psychology, environmental studies (Education for Sustainability), are capable of teaching in another learning area as well, based on their previous study, or language fluency.

Laidlaw College provides support for applicants when choosing teaching subjects.


VISUAL INTERVIEW

All applicants for the Bachelor of Education and Graduate Diploma in Education are required to have a visual interview by panel. The panel consists of a runanga delegate, member of the teaching profession, and a Laidlaw teacher educator. The interview determines:

  • The applicant’s disposition to teach, through judging their ability to meet the values that underpin Our Code Our Standards 
  • The applicant’s ability to meet the Code of Professional Responsibility in a supported environment
  • Vulnerable Children’s Act risk assessment (interview component) AND
  • Other relevant matters


NUMERACY AND LITERACY TESTING

All applicants for the Graduate Diploma in Education are required to undergo a literacy and numeracy assessment.

  • Candidates must score step 4 in the TEC literacy (reading and writing) assessment to enter the programme
  • Candidates must score step 5 in the TEC numeracy assessment to enter the programme


ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

English Language Requirements for the Bachelor of Education (Primary) and the Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) follows the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand requirements for preservice teachers. As such, one of the following types of evidence must be provided to demonstrate English language competency:

  • The New Zealand University Entrance literacy credits at either NCEA level 2 or 3 OR
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • New Zealand tertiary entrance qualification gained on completing senior secondary school prior to the introduction of current University Entrance OR
  • International Baccalaureate full diploma in English medium (24 points minimum) OR
  • Cambridge International Examinations minimum 120 points on the UCAS Tariff plus meeting the CIE literacy requirements OR
  • All primary schooling and at least three years secondary schooling completed in the English language and while living in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America or South Africa* OR * candidates from South Africa must also provide South African Matriculation Certificate Minimum D pass in English (higher grade) OR South African Senior Certificate Minimum D pass in English (higher grade)
  • Six years of education comprising secondary schooling to at least year 12 and at least two years of successful tertiary education, taught in English as the primary language of instruction and through face-to-face learning and assessment such as tutorials and labs completed in the English language and while living in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America or South Africa OR
  • Awarded a Bachelor’s degree, Bachelor with Honours degree, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate, Master’s degree at NZQF level 7 or up which:
    • Took two or more years of full-time study to complete and
    • Was taught in English as the primary language of instruction and through face-to-face learning and assessment such as tutorials, presentations, seminars, and supervisory meetings and was gained while living in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States or South Africa.
  • Awarded Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) OR
  • Awarded Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL) OR
  • Achieved an outcome in one of the following approved tests which is equivalent to or better than those specified (see table) within the past two years:

For other equivalent English Language Proficiency scores please refer to 

https://teachingcouncil.nz/getting-certificated/for-overseas-trained-teachers/language-competency-requirements/

* Please note that applicants should refer to the Education handbook for more details.