Coming Soon...

Bodhi is excited to announce that we are currently in the process of gaining approval from NZQA and the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand to deliver a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education). Our aim is to launch this programme in 2026, offering a high-quality, future-focused pathway for those pursuing a career in early childhood education.

As places will be limited, we encourage those interested to keep an eye on our updates and register their interest early, on this form

Applicants Under 20 Years of Age

To apply for the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) programme, applicants under 20 must:

• Hold University Entrance (UE) or an equivalent qualification (e.g., Cambridge International, International Baccalaureate), OR
• Be accepted through an alternate entry pathway approved by Bodhi, where we are confident the applicant has the academic ability and personal attributes needed for study at Level 7.

If applicants are admitted without UE, Bodhi will ensure:

• Clear and transparent selection criteria to assess readiness for tertiary study
• Systems to monitor student progress and ensure graduates can meet the Teaching Council Standards
• Strong academic and personal support (e.g., mentoring, learning support)
• Defined exit pathways if a student is unable to meet programme expectations

Pathways for Students Without UE

At Bodhi, we are committed to offering fair and supportive entry routes for a diverse range of learners. Students who do not meet the UE requirement can begin with the NZ Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5). This programme provides a solid academic and professional foundation and, upon successful completion, leads to the Level 6 Diploma or Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)

These qualifications are designed to scaffold learning and prepare students to succeed in tertiary study. They are particularly supportive for students who may face life circumstances such as pregnancy, English as an additional language, or gaps in prior schooling. By progressing step by step, students can build confidence, meet academic expectations, and smoothly transition into the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) programme.

Applicants Aged 20 Years and Over

Applicants who do not meet UE requirements may be admitted through discretionary entry if they can demonstrate:

• Academic readiness through workplace experience, prior qualifications, or completion of a bridging/foundation programme
• Personal and professional attributes aligned with the Teaching Council's Our Code, Our Standards

'Fit to be a Teacher' Criteria

Prospective students must:
1. Physically perform duties that contribute to caring for infants, toddlers, and young children.
2. Be willing to learn new skills and absorb new information.
3. Have an acceptable Police Vetting Check (no history of child abuse or serious criminal offences).
4. Effectively communicate both verbally and non-verbally.
5. Demonstrate genuine respect for others.
6. Maintain professionalism at all times.
7. Complete the practical work experience component of the course.
English Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Te Reo Māori Requirements

English Language Competency

All applicants must meet the Teaching Council's requirements for English language competency by providing one of the following approved forms of evidence:

• NCEA Level 2 or 3 UE literacy credits
• University Entrance
• Pre-UE tertiary entrance qualification
• International Baccalaureate (minimum 24 points in English medium)
• Cambridge International (minimum 120 UCAS points and CIE literacy)
• Six years of education in approved English-speaking countries, with minimum schooling requirements
• A Bachelor's or higher qualification taught in English in an approved country
• CELTA or CertTESOL certification
• Approved results from an English language proficiency test (IELTS 7.0 in all bands, PTE 65, TOEFL iBT 94, etc.)

Exemptions may be considered by the provider in exceptional cases where no approved evidence is available but there is strong alternative evidence of high English language competency.

Literacy and Numeracy Competency

Applicants must pass Bodhi’s internal literacy and numeracy competency assessments prior to entry. The required standard is equivalent to the literacy and numeracy requirements of University Entrance.

Te Reo Māori Competency and Progression

As part of induction, all applicants will be assessed on their competency in te reo Māori. The programme includes progressive support and monitoring of te reo Māori competency throughout the degree, underpinned by sound second language acquisition principles.

Minimum Technology Requirements

To successfully participate in the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE), students must have:

1. Internet Access
Reliable broadband internet connection with sufficient speed and data to support video conferencing, streaming lectures, and uploading assessments.

2. Computer / Device
A modern computer or laptop (less than 5 years old) capable of running current software.
Minimum specifications:
Operating system: Windows 10 or later / macOS Mojave (10.14) or later.
Processor: Dual-core, 2 GHz or higher.
Memory: 8 GB RAM minimum.
Storage: 256 GB minimum, with regular backups recommended.

3. Software
Microsoft Word (or equivalent word processing software compatible with .docx format).
Adobe Acrobat Reader (for viewing PDF documents).
Updated web browser (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox).
Access to email (for all programme communications).

4. Audio-Visual Capability
Webcam (built-in or external) for tutorials, assessments, and mentor meetings.
Microphone and speakers/headset for participation in Zoom tutorials and online discussions.

5. Additional Requirements
Ability to install and use the following platforms:
Moodle (Learning Management System, browser-based).
Zoom (for synchronous tutorials and meetings).
Kaiako Kete (e-portfolio platform for practicum evidence and mentor sign-off).