You must apply to study the diploma at Massey University at the same time you apply to us for the award.

Check Massey University's application dates on their website.

Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching (Blind and Low Vision) – Massey University

What the award covers#

The study award covers:

• a contribution towards your travel and accommodation to attend block courses
• the full amount for your domestic tuition fees (paid to Massey University)
• an employer contribution to cover teacher release time for up to 50 study leave days per year.

If you are employed part-time, your study leave days will be based on your (pro-rata) full-time equivalent status.

Who can apply#

Teachers and kaiako who work with blind and low vision students | ākonga can apply. You must be employed full-time or part-time.

If you are in a fixed term position, this must be the same duration as the study programme.

You must be working in one of these roles:

• A registered teacher with a current practicing certificate at a state or state-integrated school.
• A registered teacher with a current practicing certificate in a registered early childhood service.
• Currently teaching blind or low vision students or have lived experience with children | tamariki with blind and low vision.

We will give priority to applicants who:

• are currently working as Resource Teacher (Vision)
• have not received a study award or fellowship for which leave with pay was granted within the last 2 years.

You will need:

• a minimum of 3 years teaching experience in schools as a registered teacher
• approval and support from your employer
• rights to live and work in New Zealand
• a relevant professional qualification such as a Bachelor of Education or equivalent.

If you are unsure about whether you have an equivalent qualification, contact Massey University.

Contact us – Massey University

Who cannot apply#

You cannot get this award if you:

• are employed in a relieving position
• are not accepted into Massey University's Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching (Blind and Low Vision)
• have already received a study award and failed the course.

How to apply#

Applications are now open.

Apply online

Documents to include in your online application#

If you are not employed by BLENNZ, you will need to include the following documents with your application.