Pastoral Care & the Code of Practice

We believe it is important that students who come to New Zealand are well-informed, safe and properly cared for while they are here.

Code of Practice

The Ministry of Education has created the "Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students" which sets out the minimum standards for the welfare of students and the way advice is given to them. These standards are required of all education providers who have students enrolled on international student permits. The code applies to pastoral care and provision of information only, and not to academic standards, which are regulated in other ways.

The Code is continuously being upgraded.

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 Susceptible 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 also establishes the International Education Appeal Authority (IEAA) to sort any complaints international students might have about the way they have been treated by their educational institution, if these cannot be resolved within the institution.

You can get a copy of the Code from the institution where you are studying.