You can download the PDF version of this information or go to the te reo Māori information page:
Learner wellbeing and safety [PDF, 265 KB]
Te oranga me te haumaru Ākonga
What is the Code?
The Code sets out the requirements that providers must meet for the wellbeing and safety of their tertiary and international learners.
Under the Code, your tertiary education provider must help you to be:
- Safe (physically and mentally)
- Respected and accepted for who you are
- Supported in your learning and wellbeing
- Connected with your social and cultural networks and
- Able to have a say in decisions about student services.
On this page
Who is the Code for?
The Code covers all learners enrolled at Te Pūkenga, Wānanga, Universities and Private Training Establishments (PTEs) including learners studying online, offshore, and/or in workplace-based settings.
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is the administrator of the Code on behalf of the New Zealand Government. NZQA monitors and supports providers to meet the Code.
In New Zealand, only education providers who are signatories to the Code can enrol international learners.
Check to see if an education provider 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:
What you can expect of your education provider
Your education provider must:
- enable you to make informed choices about your education
- support you to prepare and adjust to your studies
- provide a safe, supportive, and accessible environment for study
- ensure you can raise your concerns when you need to
- connect you quickly to appropriate support services
- have plans for helping you in an emergency – whether on campus or your student accommodation.
To find out more, see our Know the Code – videos:
Student accommodation
The Code also sets out requirements for tertiary education providers to support learners in student accommodation.
Find out more about the requirements for student accommodation under the Code
International tertiary learners
What can international learners expect?
Under the Code, international tertiary learners are entitled to the same kind of care and support as domestic tertiary learners.
Your education provider must acknowledge and consider that international learners have different support needs. They must seek to identify your needs and respond appropriately.
Your education provider must also ensure that:
- you are safe and well while living and studying in New Zealand
- you have a full and realistic picture of what it will be like to live and study in New Zealand
- you get reliable advice and support from your education agent
- they have good systems and documentation set up to manage your:
- offer of study
- enrolment process
- contract of enrolment
- your visa and insurance status and records.
Read about your insurance obligations
- you are clear on your likely educational outcomes, and your rights and responsibilities as an international learner before signing an enrolment contract
- you understand your rights and obligations if you withdraw from study, do not attend, or your education provider cancels a programme or closes for any reason.
- you can participate in an orientation programme and get ongoing information and support to help you settle into life and study in New Zealand.
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 tertiary learners and their families.