International Students Information

Application Form and Contract of Enrolment​
The Education (Pastoral Care Of International Students) Code Of Practice 2021

This summarises the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2021 (the Code). It provides information for students and their parents on what to do if they have a complaint about their treatment by a New Zealand education provider or agent of an education provider.

What is the Code?
New Zealand education providers have an important role in ensuring the well-being of their international students. The Code sets out the minimum standards of advice and care that are expected of education providers for international students. This ensures students coming from other countries to study in New Zealand are well informed, safe, and properly cared for.

New Zealand defines international students as those that are not domestic students. There is further information about this on the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at www.education.govt.nz

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is the administrator of the Code on behalf of the New Zealand government.

Who does the Code apply to?
All education providers in New Zealand who enrol international students must be a signatory to the Code and adhere to its requirements.
A list of education providers that have signed up to the Code is available on the NZQA website at www.nzqa.govt.nz

How can I get a copy of the Code?
You are encouraged to read the Code, which is available on the NZQA website in several languages. If you have further questions about the Code you can email code.enquiries@nzqa.govt.nz

What can you expect of an education provider?
Students and their families can expect education providers to:
  • provide clear, sufficient and accurate information so you can make informed choices about your education
  • give you clear, understandable information on your legal obligations and rights, including refund policies, and termination of your enrolment under any contracts you enter into with the provider
  • check that you have the prescribed insurance cover
  • provide a safe and supportive environment for study
  • as far as practicable, ensure you live in accommodation that is safe and appropriate
  • provide you with a comprehensive orientation programme to support you in your study and outline your obligations
  • monitor their agents to ensure they provide you with reliable information and advice about studying, working and living in New Zealand
  • ensure that the educational instruction on offer is appropriate for your expectations, English language proficiency, and academic capability
  • have proper policy and processes in place to safeguard students’ fees paid and be able to provide an appropriate refund if you withdraw or your course closes
  • ensure you have access to proper and fair procedures for dealing with grievances (concerns or complaints).
 
Supporting documents:
2021-Code-of-Practice-summary-English
2021-Code-of-Practice-summary-Maori
​Dispute Resolution Scheme Rules

Immigration

Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service, and can be viewed on their website at www.immigration.govt.nz

Health and Travel Insurance 

Eligibility for Health Services
Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment.
Full details on entitlements to publicly funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed on their website at www.moh.govt.nz

Accident Insurance
The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accidents insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents, and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at www.acc.co.nz

Medical and Travel Insurance
International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand.

Suggested minimum content for appropriate insurance policies
The policy should commence the day the student leaves home for the airport on their way to New Zealand, apply while in transit, apply while the student is in New Zealand, cover the student for any trips to other countries during the period of study, cover the student for any holidays en route back to their home country during the period of study.

International Educational News

This is the New Zealand Ministry of Education’s international education news website.

This site provides you with the latest international education news from the Ministry, and fellow agencies such as Education New Zealand.

https://www.enz.govt.nz/