School leavers must have a minimum of 4 years secondary schooling (completion of Year 12) and show the potential to study at a tertiary level (Level 5 on the NZQA framework).

Applicants 20 years or over and without formal qualifications will be considered if they have relevant experience and the potential to study at tertiary level (Level 5).

Entry under 20 years of age: University Entrance. International applicants must have the equivalent to University Entrance.

Entry over 20 years of age: Applicants will be required to meet comparable literacy and numeracy requirements as those entering with University Entrance.

Applicants to the Diploma of Teaching (ECE) qualification must also meet the requirements set down by the NZ Teachers Council for registration as a teacher in New Zealand in terms of good character and fitness to be a teacher.

The usual period of enrolment for the Diploma of Teaching (ECE) is 3 years and the qualification must be completed within 6 years of the student’s initial enrolment.

Applicants for whom English is not their first language shall have achieved a score of 7.0 in each band of the Academic version of IELTS for entry into the Diploma of Teaching (ECE) qualification.
Please note: The Diploma of Teaching entry criteria meets NZ Teachers Council guidelines. Contact the College for further information on exemption information.
The IELTS requirement for the Nanny Education qualification is 6.5 (academic).
International students should contact Jenny Walker on j.walker@rangiruru.ac.nz for further information.

Application forms are available from the College and can be downloaded on line.
(Download Documents)

Applicants are advised to check their entitlements for student loans and allowances from Studylink prior to applying, as a number of changes were implemented from 2011.
Website: www.studylink.govt.nz

Applicants are short-listed for an interview and further information regarding the interview process is provided in writing to applicants when their interview date is advised, once the referee forms are completed and returned to the College. Applicants outside the Canterbury region who cannot travel to the College for an interview are able to complete a visual interview via SKYPE. Interviews commence in October.

Selection for the study programme is based on academic criteria, information from referees and an assessment of a range of skills and qualities relevant to working with young children, including:
• An awareness of the skills and qualities necessary for working with young children
• An ability to communicate in a positive and empathetic manner.
• Personal qualities including patience, humour, adaptability, warmth, maturity, integrity, initiative and time management skills.
• An awareness of and sensitivity to diversity.
• Interests and community involvement.

Diploma of Teaching (ECE) students enrolling at Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College are eligible to apply for Teach NZ scholarships. Information on Teach NZ scholarships is available on the TeachNZ website www.teachnz.govt.nz and scholarships for Maori and Pasifika students on www2.careers.govt.nz.

Applicants who apply to staircase into Year 2 of the Diploma of Teaching (ECE) from 2012 onward (ie for entry into Year 2 in 2013 and beyond) will need to have University Entrance (under 20 year olds); and over 20 year olds will need to meet comparable numeracy and literacy requirements as those entering with UE.

Students who successfully complete the nanny education qualification are eligible to apply to enter Year 2 of the Diploma of Teaching (ECE). Selection criteria is based on assessment of academic and practical work in the nanny qualification. Successful applicants are required to undertake a bridging course (late January) prior to the commencement of the Year 2 programme.

Applicants from other NEONZ providers should contact j.walker@rangiruru.ac.nz at the College for staircasing information by mid-year prior to any application.