About National Student Numbers

What an NSN is

The NSN is a unique number given to every student as a digital identity. Students get an NSN when they first enrol in an early learning service, school or tertiary provider. The NSN follows students through their education all the way to tertiary level.

The NSN makes it easier for us to manage and share information about students in a way that protects their privacy.

Who can access and use NSNs

Using NSNs correctly is a requirement of the Education and Training Act 2020. There are also legal requirements around who can access NSNs. Misusing an NSN is an offence and includes a penalty of up to $15,000.

Schedule 24 of the Education and Training Act 2020 – New Zealand Legislation

Education (National Student Numbers) Notice 2023 – Gazette.govt.nz

You can use NSNs for:

• monitoring student enrolment and attendance
• making sure education providers and students receive the right resourcing
• research and statistical purposes
• making sure students’ educational records are accurately maintained, including to support online learning.

Students have the right to use or disclose their NSN for any purpose. Students can request a copy of their NSN from their education provider. They can also request it from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority or from us directly.

Database for NSNs

NSNs are allocated and stored in the National Student Index (NSI). Early learning services and tertiary institutions can access NSNs through the NSI web application or an NSI-integrated student management system.

Education providers can create, search for and change the information in this application.

Schools can access NSNs in ENROL or through an integrated student management system.

National Student Index (NSI) web application

Education Sector Logon (ESL) – Applications and Online Systems

Data matching with the Department of Internal Affairs

We match data held on the National Student Index (NSI) with data on the New Zealand Birth and Death Registers held by the Department of Internal Affairs. The information we match is:

• given names
• family name
• date of birth
• gender
• New Zealand citizenship by birth.

We check the details on the birth register record to see if they match the identification details on an NSI record. If they clearly match, the record will be verified and cannot be changed.

If the details on the birth register record match the details on one or more NSI records, the NSI team will investigate further. If a person has more than one NSN we will merge them.

We will also check NSI records against the death register. If they match, the NSI will be updated to record the date of death and the NSI record will be deactivated.

More information

Our user guide and quick reference guide have more information about NSNs and NSIs.