Education code of practice for pastoral care
International students are often younger and potentially very vulnerable. The Code makes sure that international students are well informed, safe and properly cared for. All education providers that enrol international students must be a signatory to the code.
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