Reminder: 2025 Code self-review and attestation
NZQA is in the process of redesigning its quality assurance framework. The revised framework aims to take an integrated approach to quality assurance, and this includes how NZQA undertakes Code monitoring.
The Code requires self-reviews of performance be undertaken and documented. For 2025, tertiary education providers should conduct a Code self-review as usual and publish a summary of this review on their websites. However, providers do not need to submit an attestation this year.
We will not be running information sessions on self-review, however if you are new to this process, please check out the web page:
We’ll update providers on how the new integrated Quality Assurance Framework (iQAF) will affect Code self-reviews and attestations when more information is available.
On this page
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: Providers are best placed to resolve learner concerns
Requirements around the handling of learner complaints are outlined under Outcome 2, Clause 13, Process 2: Learner Complaints. These processes need to be learner-focused, timely, and transparent and providers should actively communicate with learners about how complaints are handled.
Ultimately, providers are best placed to resolve complaints, and learners should be supported to raise concerns directly with their education provider.
What the Code requires
The Code sets out requirements for how providers handle complaints:
- Work with learners to respond to complaints effectively, including appropriate engagement with support people.
- Inform learners about how their complaint will be handled, including expected timeframes and progress updates.
- Handle complaints in a timely and efficient way, ensuring procedural fairness and respect.
- Make complaints processes visible and accessible, so learners and those supporting them know where to go and what to expect.
Providers should also ensure that learners understand the full process, from initial complaint through to resolution, and that they are kept informed throughout. This includes being clear about who is responsible for managing the complaint, what steps will be taken, and some of the possible outcomes.
Messaging matters
When dealing with complaints clear, proactive messaging is essential. International learners need to know that the provider:
- has a complaints process
- is best placed to address complaints directly
- will take the complaint seriously and respond appropriately.
Learners should follow the provider’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 learners through the process
Complaints can be stressful, and providers have a responsibility to ensure international learners feel safe and supported when raising concerns. This means creating a culture where feedback is welcomed.