The Tertiary and International Learners Code of Practice

The Code supports the wellbeing and safety of learners in Aotearoa. Find links to helpful information and resources for students and education providers

About the Code

The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 makes sure that tertiary and international learners enrolled with New Zealand education providers are safe and supported.

The Code sets out what education providers must do to ensure the wellbeing and safety of their learners.

You can download the Code in Te reo Māori and English:

Ngā Tikanga Mahi Mātauranga (Te Manaaki i Ngā Ākonga Mātauranga Matua me Ērā o Tāwāhi) 2021 [PDF, 1 MB]

The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 [PDF, 1009 KB]

Who the Code applies to

The Code applies to:

  • education providers who enrol international students, domestic tertiary students, or industry trainees or apprentices
  • students who came from overseas to study in New Zealand
  • domestic tertiary students.

An education provider must be an approved signatory to the Code before enrolling international students. If you're already an approved signatory provider, you don't need to reapply.

Becoming a signatory to the Code

Information for education providers and students

A science teacher showing students some equipment

Education providers

Your obligations under the Code and resources to help you meet them

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Two international students smile

Tertiary and international students

Your rights under the Code, including videos and summaries in several languages

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Two men study in a student library

NZQA as Code Administrator

Information about our approach, priorities and key focus areas as the Code Administrator

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Questions about the Code?