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guide_to_new_zealand Quality assurance

Quality assurance

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) consistently ranks the New Zealand school system very well. PISA is a 3-yearly survey of the achievement levels of 15-year old students in all industrialised countries. New Zealand has a higher percentage of universities listed on the Times Higher Education Supplement Top 500 and the Shanghai Jiao Tong Top 500 than any other country.

Approved (quality-assured) courses

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) develops and quality-assures national courses and qualifications.  It does this by:

  • requiring private training institutions to be registered if they offer programmes of 12 weeks or more
  • requiring all institutions to maintain the standard required to achieve accreditation
  • approving the programmes they deliver.

Code of Practice

New Zealand has a Code of Practice to ensure all international students are warmly welcomed and well looked after while they’re in New Zealand.

Fees protection

NZQA requires private training establishments to protect student fees and refund them in the event that a course stops before it’s meant to.

Complaints

If you have a complaint about your course that cannot be resolved with the provider, NZQA may be able to assist. Freephone 0800 QA HELP / 0800 724 357 in New Zealand.

If you have a complaint about the care provided for you, go to your international students' office. Your institution will have official grievance procedures you can follow.

The International Education Appeal Authority is set up to investigate complaints about pastoral care and enforce the standards in the Code of Practice. Contact the Authority by email or phone (09) 374 5481.

Visa requirements