School Onsite teacher education programme

How does the programme work?

Each student is recruited into a specific secondary school. The student teacher is onsite for three days a week during the year and assigned a mentor teacher at the school. The specific three days can be negotiated between the student teacher and the school.

There are two intensive five-week teaching practicums of five-days a week. One intensive practicum is at the host school, the other intensive practicum is at a different school.

Who is eligible to apply for this programme?

All applicants must meet the Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching entry requirements.

How long is the programme?

This programme can only be taken full-time. Each student starts their programme when the secondary school commences for the year. The programme ends once the qualification is complete in late November.

What is the content of the programme?

The courses are the same as the on-campus Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching however the delivery will be adapted to suit online and in-school delivery.

When do I do my coursework?

Lectures are held in the late afternoon, twice a week for 90 minutes. There are additional online curriculum workshops.

Additional course materials, including readings, handouts and activities, will be on AUT's Canvas student platform.

Lectures will be designed in a way to equip student teachers to apply knowledge and skills in their schools.

How do I apply?

Applicants must:

• Apply online to study; and
• Fill in the Expression of Interest Form

In the form, you're asked to identify various geographical areas where you would like to undertake your school placement.

Applications close Friday 14 November 2025 at 5pm. Schools Onsite is only available to domestic student applicants.

When will I have an interview?

The interview is the final part of the process. For School Onsite teacher education, the interview panel will include AUT and school staff. The interview may be face-to-face or online.

Can I apply for both on-campus and School Onsite?

Yes, you can.

There is no bursary available for the programme delivered on campus.

Already applied for the Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching?

We can create a new application for School Onsite. Please indicate in the Expression of Interest form that you've already applied for the on-campus stream.

This is your first application for the Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching?

Select School Onsite training programme when you are given the option in the online application.

Will I lose my on-campus place if my additional application for School Onsite is unsuccessful?

No, you won't. If you've been accepted for the on-campus programme this remains until you make a choice between both opportunities.

What is the value of the bursary provided by the Ministry of Education?

Each participating student teacher receives a bursary totalling $19,930. this is to support the student teacher while they’re participating onsite and completing their teaching qualification.

Who is eligible for the bursary?

All students enrolled in AUT's School Onsite programme are eligible for the bursary as long as they’re not being paid for the three days per week when they’re completing their Schools Onsite training.

Are my fees covered?

School Onsite participants must cover their tertiary fees. They may use the bursary for this.

When is the bursary paid?

The bursary will be paid by AUT at regular intervals to the student teacher, over the course of the academic year.