Incorporating Code self-review into TEO review
Monitoring of learner wellbeing and safety practices, required by the Code under the integrated quality assurance framework (iQAF), will be achieved through a range of activities including programme monitoring, thematic reviews, and the annual TEO self-review summary report and discussion.
The requirements to undertake a regular self-review of a TEO’s compliance with and giving effect to the Code, will be met as part of the ongoing TEO self-review, in which TEOs will:
- share key initiatives undertaken to improve practice in the areas of learner wellbeing and safety (this can include sharing success and challenges)
- share Code-related improvements in their quality improvement plan
- attest that:
- They are compliant with the relevant requirements of the Code
- a self-review of the organisation’s performance against the Code has been undertaken; and
- the resulting self-review report, including complaints and critical incidents data, is available in an accessible format to learners, staff, and the public, on the organisation’s website.
Questions relating to a TEO’s Code self-review will be included in the annual discussion between a TEO and NZQA as part of the TEO review process.
TEOs are still responsible for making a summary of their Code self-review report readily available and accessible to learners, staff and the public, including on their websites where available. These summary reports should include annual complaints and critical incidents data reporting for the previous year. NZQA will check that TEOs are meeting these requirements through our performance and compliance monitoring activity separate from TEO review.
Our Code self-review toolkit for undertaking a Code self-review can still be used as a resource for TEOs who find them helpful to guide their Code self-review process. We are currently updating these resources to better reflect this new process.
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Upcoming Code webinars
We will run our suite of Code webinars beginning July 2026 through the remainder of the year. Our webinars aim to support providers’ understandings of the Code and to support provider capability where needed.
View and register our upcoming webinars
Our webinars are free for providers and meant to complement the ongoing training and resources tailored to staff roles provided by an organisation as outlined under clause 10(2) of the Code.
If there are any Code-related topics you would like to see as a webinar, please email us at spc@nzqa.govt.nz.
Code spotlight: Managing education agents
Education agents play an important role in upholding New Zealand’s reputation of being a safe, high-quality education destination for international learners. They are also a key partner in a signatory’s learner wellbeing and safety system. Education agents—including subcontracted agents—may support various aspects of an international learner’s enrolment and study on behalf of a New Zealand education provider.
Education agents are not required to register with NZQA. The Code regulates education providers, not education agents directly. This means that approved Code signatories are responsible for effectively managing and monitoring the performance and conduct of education agents in relation to learner wellbeing and safety. Outcome 9 (clause 38, process 2) of the Code outlines the required policies and processes education providers need to have in place to manage and monitor their agents.
Some of these include:
- Carrying out reference checks on potential agents.
- Entering a written contract with each agent.
- Terminating contracts if there is evidence of poor performance or non-compliant conduct.
- Ensuring agents have up-to-date information relevant to their duties
We are seeing increases in concerns related to the conduct and behaviour of education agents raised to us by learners, providers and other government agencies. We encourage signatory providers to regularly review their policies and processes to ensure they are fit-for-purpose and inform us of any known or suspected misconduct or behaviour by their agents. Signatory providers may also be notified of agent misconduct by government agencies such as Immigration New Zealand. NZQA may follow up with providers where necessary.
If you have concerns regarding the conduct of education agents that you would like to report to us, you can do so by filling out a form on our website. While we may be limited in the action we can take to address agent misconduct, the information shared with us can help us identify systemic issues across the sector.
Raise concerns about education providers
For further guidance or questions, see:
Education New Zealand also has helpful information for prospective international learners on ensuring education agents have a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of studying and living in New Zealand.
Education agents (external link) (external link) - Education New Zealand