Education code of practice for pastoral care

The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (the Code) came into effect on 1 January 2022.

The NZQA maintains the register of education providers that the Code applies to. International students cannot study at an institution that is not a signatory to the Code.

The Code sets out the requirements that education providers must meet for the wellbeing and safety of their learners. It makes sure that:

• high professional standards are maintained
• the recruitment and contracting of international students is done ethically and responsibly
• information supplied to students is comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date
• students are provided with information prior to entering into any commitments
• the particular needs of international students are recognised
• students are in safe accommodation
• all providers have fair procedures for resolving student grievances.

Safe accommodation

The Code states that an international student must live with their parent or legal guardian if the student is:

• under 10 years old and will not be living in a school hostel
• between 10 and 17 years old and there is no residential caregiver.

The Code defines residential caregiver as any one of the following:

• a homestay carer
• a licensed hostel manager or other person responsible for the care of international students in a licensed hostel
• a designated caregiver
• a manager of tertiary student accommodation that is exempt from the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and covered by Part 5 of the Code
• in the case of temporary accommodation, a supervisor who is responsible for the care of international students.

Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 — NZQA