The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice
The University of Canterbury is completely committed to supporting the wellbeing of our students, and takes practical action towards this goal with a range of policies, processes and support services designed to foster positive experiences and outcomes for all. For more information about student support services, please see here.
Read more on the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021
What is the Code?
The University of Canterbury follows the The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice. The Code sets out the minimum standards of non-academic advice and care that are expected of educational providers with respect to international students.
A summary of the Code
The Code sets standards for educational providers to ensure that:
- high professional standards are maintained
- the recruitment of international students is undertaken in an ethical and responsible manner
- information supplied to international students is comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date
- students are provided with information prior to entering into any commitments
- contractual dealings with international students are conducted in an ethical and responsible manner
- the particular needs of international students are recognised
- international students under the age of 18 are in safe accommodation
- all providers have fair and equitable internal procedures for the resolution of international student grievances
Full details of what is covered can be found in the Code itself. Copies of the Code are available from the NZQA website.
How is the Code implemented at the University of Canterbury?
UC has a wide range of support services for students and provides regular communications to students about areas and services covered by the Code. The University has discussed with the UCSA Executive and student representatives how it will implement the Code and the nature and level of support services. The University also works closely with Halls of Residence providers to ensure that code requirements are implemented in student accommodation.
The University completes an annual self-review that assesses whether it is meeting the expectations of the code of practice, and identifies improvements to be made ahead of the next review cycle. This process is overseen by a Governance Group that includes senior staff members from the University and student representatives from the UCSA and Te Akatoki to ensure that the Student Voice is strongly represented.
What do I do if I have a concern?
If you have concerns about your experience at the university, the first thing you should do is contact Student Care, UCSA, or the University Grievance and Academic Processes Advisor to discuss your concerns and your options. For more information on the University's formal complaints process, please see the How to Raise a Concern page.
If you do this and you find your concerns are not resolved, you can pursue an external complaint through the NZQA. The NZQA can provide an independent assessment of your complaint and will either investigate your concerns or advise you what you can do next.
You can submit a complaint query on the NZQA website, or send an email to risk@nzqa.govt.nz. For more information, please contact the NZQA on 0800 697 296.
If your concern is about a financial or contractual dispute, you can contact iStudent Complaints or 0800 00 66 75. This is a free, independent service for international students.
