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The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice

What is the Code?

When students come to study in New Zealand, education providers such as St Mark’s have an important responsibility to ensure that those students are well informed, safe and properly cared for.

To support this the New Zealand Government has developed The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021.

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.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 is 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)

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 if something goes wrong?

If you have concerns about how your education provider or an agent is treating you, you should first contact your provider and follow their grievance process.

Education providers must have an internal grievance procedure to listen to and deal with any concerns or complaints to ensure a fair result. They will have a designated a person who you can talk to and who will advise you on how to address your concerns or complaints. This may be the Director of International Students or the Principal.

If the provider’s grievance process does not address your concerns or complaints, you can contact:

NZQA (for concerns and complaints about a provider breaching the Code) or
iStudent Complaints (for concerns and complaints about money or contracts).

Is your complaint about a provider breaching the Code?

As the Code administrator, NZQA has the legal authority to investigate potential breaches of the Code. It has a process for finding out if the concern or complaint is valid and if a provider has breached the Code. This includes getting information from both the student who has raised the concern or complaint and the education provider.

For information about how to make a complaint see the NZQA website

Is your complaint about money or contracts?

iStudent Complaints is an independent service provided by the New Zealand Government that can help you resolve concerns and complaints that are about money or contracts with an education provider. This service is free.

You can contact iStudent Complaints in a few ways:

Website: www.istudent.org.nz
Email: complaints@istudent.org.nz
International phone number +64 4 918 4975
Freephone (within New Zealand) 0800 00 66 75
Fax + 64 4 918 4901

On social media:

Facebook www.facebook.com/istudent.complaints
WeChat (search for “NZ iStudent Complaints” Chinese language only)
iStudent Complaints
PO Box 2272
Wellington 6014
NEW ZEALAND