You can download the PDF version of this information:
Wellbeing and safety for international learners [PDF, 301 KB]
What is the Code?
The Code aims to protect international learners. It ensures they have a positive student experience and are supported to meet their goals.
Under the Code, your school must make sure you are welcome, safe, and properly cared for.
On this page
Who is the Code for?
The Code covers all international school learners enrolled with a New Zealand school. This includes learners studying in New Zealand, online, or offshore.
The Code also covers all tertiary learners studying with New Zealand education providers.
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is the administrator of the Code for the New Zealand Government. NZQA monitors and supports schools to meet the Code.
In New Zealand, only schools who are signatories to the Code can enrol international learners.
Check to see if a school is an approved Code signatory:
How do I get a copy of the Code?
You can download the full version of the Code in Te reo Māori and English:
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the Code contact the Code team: code.enquiries@nzqa.govt.nz
What does the Code say?
The Code sets out the standards of care expected of New Zealand providers for the wellbeing of their international learners.
Outcomes 13-22 of the Code are for international learners in schools
Outcome 13 – Marketing and promotion
This outcome ensures that you and your family have a full and realistic picture of what it will be like to live and study in New Zealand.
Outcome 14 – Managing and monitoring education agents
This ensures that education agents give you and your family reliable information and support.
Outcome 15 – Offer, enrolment, contracts, and insurance
Ensures your school has good systems and documentation set up to manage your:
- offer of study
- enrolment process
- contract of enrolment
- visa and insurance status and records.
Before an enrolment contract is signed, your school must ensure that you and your family are clear on your likely educational outcomes and your rights and responsibilities as an international school learner.
Read about your insurance obligations
Outcome 16 – Immigration matters
Ensures your school is confident that you meet immigration requirements to study in New Zealand before you are enrolled.
Outcome 17 – Orientation
Ensures you participate in an orientation programme to help you settle into life and study in New Zealand.
Outcome 18 – Safety and wellbeing
Ensures you are safe and well while living and studying in New Zealand.
Outcome 19 – Learner support, advice, and services
Ensures you have the information you need to live and study successfully in New Zealand.
Outcome 20 – Managing withdrawal and closure
Ensures you and your family understand your rights and obligations if you withdraw from school, do not attend, or if your school cancels a programme or closes for any reason.
Outcome 21 – Dealing with complaints
Ensures there are transparent, accessible, and effective processes in place to resolve any complaints you may have.
Outcome 22 – Compliance with international learner contract dispute resolution scheme (DRS)
Ensures that your school is familiar with the Disputes Resolution Scheme (DRS) available to international learners, and complies with its rules.
What if something goes wrong?
Find out what you can do if you want to make a complaint about your provider or if you have a financial or contractual complaint.
Learner complaints about providers’ compliance with the Code
The Code summary translations
We have translated summaries of the Code for international school learners and their families.