The Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students

The Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students was introduced by the New Zealand Government in March 2002 to establish standards for the welfare of students.

New Zealand education providers must, by law, be a signatory to the Code of Practice to enrol international students and meet the standard requirements for pastoral care.  When students from other countries come to study in New Zealand, it is important that they are well informed, safe and properly cared for.

Over 1200 schools, private training establishments and public tertiary institutions are now signatories to the Code of Practice. 

The code ensures that:

•    high professional standards are maintained
•    recruitment, financial and contractual dealings with international students are done ethically and responsibly
•    students receive comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date information
•    students receive information before making commitments
•    the particular needs of international students are recognised, especially those who are vulnerable because of their youth or lack of experience
•    support services are sensitive to cultural matters
•    appropriate accommodation is provided, with special measures to ensure the safety of students under 18
•    there are fair procedures for the resolution of grievances.

The Code of Practice can be viewed on www.minedu.govt.nz/gotoInternational

The Code of Practice has been translated into a number of languages – Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Thai. This can be downloaded through the above website.

Groups of Young Students

The Code of Practice also has specific requirements for groups of younger aged students.  For a group of young students staying in New Zealand without their guardian, the education provider must:

•    have policies in place that clearly set out the responsibilities of the provider and any third party involved in the visit

•    have special arrangements for weekend and school holiday care

•    have approval to host groups (approval from the Code Administrator)

•    the group must meet the definition of a “Group Student” as defined in the Code.   

There are also tight age restrictions on young students staying without a guardian.  The Code of Practice defines ‘Young International Students’ as those in Years 1-8 at school (or aged 13 and under if they are enrolled with any other provider). 

A younger student can ONLY study in New Zealand without a parent if they are enrolled in Years 7-8 at school or are aged 11-13 and enrolled with a New Zealand education provider that is NOT a school.  [For example, an English Language programme that is not part of a School Curriculum Year 7 or 8 programme and is offered by a Private Training Establishment.]  School hostels must have approval from the Code Administrator to enrol young international students. 

This diagram outlines who can study in New Zealand without a parent under the Code of Practice.

 

 

Recruitment Agents and the Code of Practice

As outlined under Quality Control - the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Care was introduced to establish standards for the education, care and welfare of international students.

It is a requirement of the New Zealand government that New Zealand education providers must be a signatory to the Code of Practice to enrol international standards. 

The Code of Practise also outlines standards required of recruitment agents. 

A Recruitment Agent is defined in the Code as “a person or organisation, other than the signatory or its employees, involved in the identification and/or recruitment of potential international students, whether individually or in a group, either in an overseas market or in New Zealand.”.

Recruitment, financial and contractual dealings with international students are to be done ethically and responsibly.

Students must receive comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date information – before making commitment.

Agent and Provider Responsibilities - Marketing

Part 2 of the Code of Practice outlines marketing, recruitment and enrolment of international students.  It also clearly states what information must be made available to students by education providers and recruitment agents.  This includes:

•      cost of tuition and all other course-related costs
•      application requirements / procedures
•      conditions of acceptance
•      refund policies
•      English language proficiency requirements (if applicable)
•      information on facilities, equipment and staffing
•      information on medical and travel insurance requirements 
•      information and advice on types of accommodation applicable to students.

Signatory Responsibilities to Agents

The Code of Practice states that an education provider (who is a signatory to the Code) using a recruitment agent assumes responsibility for the actions of that agent. 

It is important that all agents have their services agreed to in an agreement or contract with the education provider. 

It is the responsibility of the education provider to advise the agents of their obligations under the Code.  Part 3 (Contracted Agents) of the Code states the following:

•    Signatories must advise recruitment agents that recruitment agents must comply with the Code
•    Signatories must direct recruitment agents to a copy of the Code, in the agent's first language where available
•    Signatories must advise recruitment agents that their agreement may be terminated for breach of the Code by the agent.  This must be stated in any written agreement between a signatory and an agent
•    Signatories acknowledge that the ethical performance of recruitment agents is of paramount importance
•    If a signatory becomes aware that a recruitment agent is:
(a) Engaging in any false, misleading, or deceptive conduct; and/or
(b) Contravening any of the signatory's obligations under the Code; the signatory shall immediately advise the agent in writing that they must cease that activity
•    If the agent fails to cease the activity, the signatory must immediately:
(a) Withdraw their accreditation of that agent;
(b) Terminate their agreement with that agent; and
(c) Stop accepting students through that agent.

If a student has concerns about how they have been treated by either their education provider or the provider’s agent, that cannot be resolved internally, they are able to approach the International Education Appeal Authority. 

Appeal Authority for Complaints

The International Education Appeal Authority (IEAA) is able to handle any complaints international students might have about the way they have been treated by their institution or their institution’s agent.  IEAA is an independent organisation that enforces the standards in the Code of Practice. 

To contact IEAA, see www.minedu.govt – Code of Practice

It is the responsibility of the education provider to make sure students know who to talk to if they have a complaint or concern about their education.  Part 7 (Grievance Procedures) of the Code states the following:

•    Signatories must display information about complaints procedures available and the IEAA in prominent positions within the institution
•    Students who consider that the services provided by a signatory do not satisfy the requirements of the Code may contact the IEAA after they have used the school’s internal procedures
•    The IEAA may refer complaints about matters outside the scope of this Code, such as complaints about the quality of education delivery and/or quality assurance, to any relevant body empowered to investigate the particular complaint
•    The IEAA will notify all parties affected by a complaint of its decision in writing.  The IEAA's decision will be binding on all affected parties.

If IEAA considers a signatory has committed a serious breach of the Code they will refer the issue to the International Education Review Panel.

Transferrable qualifications through the National Qualification Framework

The New Zealand education system is structured so that students can move between education sectors easily.  A student can begin study at a New Zealand secondary school and move to a tertiary programme by only giving proof of identity and one piece of paper outlining their NZQA approved qualifications.  Likewise, a student can move between tertiary providers easily as their completed qualifications can be credited to their new institution.

Where a student’s English language skill is not good enough for entrance to their chosen programme, English courses can be arranged to bring skills up to the required standard.

All levels of education within New Zealand fit within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). 

The National Qualification Framework (NQF) is a system which integrates all New Zealand Qualifications (including University degrees) into an overall framework.  There are 10 levels on the National Qualification Framework, starting with the least complex certificates at Level 1 and finishing with Doctorates at Level 10.  The three levels of NCEA – what students are able to complete during Years 11-13 of secondary school - are the first levels of the NQF.  Other providers may also offer programmes at these levels.

Level 4 usually refers to a one-year Certificate programme completed at a private training establishment or tertiary provider.  However, it can also refer to a series of examinations (including portfolios) that can be completed by very capable Year 13 secondary students.  This extension programme is called “Scholarship” and is designed to challenge and financially reward Year 13 secondary students who achieve extremely well academically.  However it does NOT mean applications for financial assistance such as the NZIDRS.



Source:  Careers Services website


The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is designed to provide:

•    nationally recognised standards and qualifications
•    recognition and credit for a wide range of knowledge and skills.

Unit standards and achievement standards, National Certificates and National Diplomas are registered on the NQF. 

Refer to www.nzqa.govt.nz (framework) or www2.careers.govt.nz/ncea_framework 

Note:  When referring to the numbered levels, the term ‘Scholarship’ at Level 4 does not mean general applications for financial assistance (as outlined later in the programme).  In this situation, the term ‘Scholarship’ refers to a series of examinations (including portfolios) that are designed to challenge and financially reward very able secondary students going onto tertiary education. 

Key Agencies

Immigration New Zealand (INZ)

Immigration New Zealand has offices around the world to help people to apply for visas to come to New Zealand for work or study.  For more information contact your nearest branch of Immigration New Zealand.

Refer to www.immigration.govt.nz

New Zealand Embassies (MFAT)

These are based around the world to help New Zealanders develop government to government relationships.  They also help those who want to learn more about New Zealand. 

Refer to www.mfat.govt.nz – go to Embassies, New Zealand embassies overseas.

Ministry of Education (MoE)

The Ministry develops and maintains education policy, curriculum and funding of New Zealand education.  It works closely with other government agencies and education sector bodies.  The Ministry developed the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.

Refer to www.minedu.govt.nz

New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)

The main role of NZQA is to assure the quality of programmes offered by state and private institutions in New Zealand.

Refer to www.nzqa.govt.nz

Education New Zealand (ENZ)

Education New Zealand promotes New Zealand as a student destination and assists the recruitment of individual students.  It is recognised by the New Zealand Government as the umbrella industry body for education exporters in New Zealand. 

Refer to www.educationnz.org.nz

Other Industry Associations

There are a number of national or official industry associations that represent groups of New Zealand education providers.  These include:

•    the New Zealand Association of Private Education Providers (NZAPEP) – represents private tertiary institutions in New Zealand.  See www.nzapep.co.nz

•    English New Zealand – represents a group of English Language Schools located across New Zealand.  See www.englishnewzealand.co.nz

•    Independent Tertiary Institutions (ITI) – represents a group of private tertiary education providers.  See www.iti.org.nz