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The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021
The Code of Practice sets out what education providers must do to ensure the wellbeing and safety of domestic tertiary and international learners.
The Tertiary and International Learners Code of Practice - NZQA
Education providers wishing to enrol international students must become signatories to the Code of Practice.
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) provides support to signatories to ensure they meet the required outcomes and processes as outlined in the Code of Practice. It also has the power to take action against signatories who are found to be in breach of the code.
Since 1 January 2022, signatories have been required to comply with the Code of Practice. This Code replaced the existing Interim Code of Practice for domestic tertiary learners, and the Code of Practice for international learners.
The Education (Domestic Tertiary Student and International Student Contract Dispute Resolution Scheme) (DRS) 2023
The Dispute Resolution Scheme (DRS) is designed to provide a free and effective process for students to resolve contractual and financial disputes with education providers if a student has been unable to resolve it directly with their provider.
FairWay Resolution Limited administers the DRS.
More information about the DRS is available on the New Zealand Government's Legislation website.
Making a complaint
Students (or their advocates) should follow their education provider’s complaints process to work with the provider to resolve the issue. If this is unsuccessful, students can contact NZQA about their concerns or complaints about an education provider.
Student complaints about an education provider – NZQA
If the complaint is contractual or financial, NZQA will direct the complainant to Study Complaints for the complaint to be resolved under the Education (Domestic Tertiary Student and International Student Contract Dispute Resolution Scheme) (DRS) 2023. Students can also contact the DRS directly.
The DRS is a free service for students. Students may choose to use the DRS or take the case to a tribunal or court, which will charge a fee to users and may take longer.
NZQA can also assist with education quality concerns about institutes of technology, polytechnics and private training establishments, but will refer other concerns to other relevant agencies.
Funding for administering the Code and DRS
Funding comes from the Export Education Levy collected from all education providers enrolling international students.
The role of the Ministry
The Ministry's role is to lead policy advice on international education, including the:
- Code of Practice and DRS rules.
- Export Education Levy regulation.
- International Education Strategy.
International Education Strategy
We administer the Export Education Levy which is funded by providers for a wide range of initiatives for export education, including funding the administration of the Code of Practice and the operation of the DRS.
