2025 Code self-review and attestation
We are streamlining attestation processes for school signatories by merging the ‘Code self-review' and the 'Consent to assess and international course approval’ attestations.
This change will enable schools to submit a single form covering both processes.
School signatories will still need to complete a Code self-review for 2025, however, the subsequent attestation will now be due on 6 March 2026.
We will be offering our Code self-review and attestation information sessions to go over the new process once it’s confirmed. For any questions, please contact the NZQA Code team:
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Mental Health Awareness Week 2025
Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from 6 to 12 October 2025. The theme for this year is “Top up together” and it is meant to encourage people to connect with others in bringing the “Five Ways to Wellbeing” into daily life. To learn more about Mental Health Awareness Week and how you can take part with your learners, visit:
Forum on supporting international learner wellbeing
ISANA NZ is hosting a forum for health professionals and practitioners to gather and discuss the wellbeing and safety needs of international students. The forum will be held on 29 October 2025 in Auckland.
This forum is an opportunity for schools, pathways and niche international programmes to enhance practitioner-to-clinician connections and strengthen tailored student support for international learners.
Code spotlight: School signatories are best placed to resolve learner concerns
School signatories need to have an effective internal process for dealing with complaints raised by international learners (see Outcome 21).
These processes need to be suitable to the needs of international learners, timely, and transparent— and signatories should actively communicate with international learners and their whānau to keep them informed.
School signatories are best placed to resolve complaints, and international learners should be supported to raise concerns directly with them.
What the Code requires
The Code sets out requirements for how school signatories deal with complaints:
- have an effective internal process for addressing complaints raised by international learners
- inform international learners about that process
- advise international learners how to raise disputes to the Code administrator or relevant authority (such as with the dispute resolution scheme operator, Study Complaints) if they cannot access the school’s complaints process or are dissatisfied with the outcome or their experience with that process.
School signatories should also ensure that international learners and their whānau understand the full process, from initial complaint through to resolution, and that they are kept informed throughout. Clearly outlining how a complaint will be handled, and the possible outcomes, helps international learners and their whānau understand the process and reduces the risk of miscommunication.
Messaging matters
When dealing with complaints clear, proactive messaging is essential. International learners need to know that the school signatory:
- has a complaints process
- is best placed to address complaints directly
- will take the complaint seriously and respond appropriately.
International learners should follow the school signatory’s complaints process all the way through, along with any appeals process. NZQA provides guidance to learners on raising concerns about a provider and what steps can be taken if a concern is not effectively resolved:
Concerns about education providers
Supporting international learners through the process
Complaints can be stressful, and school signatories have a responsibility to ensure international learners feel safe and supported when raising concerns. This means creating a culture where feedback is welcomed.
School signatories are encouraged to review their complaints messaging and ensure it reflects the Code’s requirements. That includes updating websites, enrolment materials, and learner communications to make the process clear and accessible.