The Code explained
When international students come to New Zealand to study, education providers must ensure that students are well informed, safe and properly cared for.
In New Zealand we call this ‘pastoral care’. Students are entitled to be treated fairly, at all ages and at all levels of education.
To support this, the New Zealand Government has developed the Code.
The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021
NZQA administers the Code
NZQA is the Code Administrator and monitors the quality of international student care and support under the international Code across all levels of the education sector, from schools to universities.
Signatories can enrol international students
Education providers can only enrol international students if they are approved Code signatories. You can search for these providers here:
Search education organisations (external link)
Find out how to apply to become a signatory to the Code of Practice
Videos on the Code
NZQA has released a series of videos outlining what support all international students can expect for their wellbeing and safety while studying.
How to get a copy of the Code
You can download the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021:
If something goes wrong
Students should talk to their education provider first if they feel their needs are not being met or if they want to make a complaint.
Students can contact us if they are unhappy with the outcome of the complaint.
Find out more about making a complaint about an education provider