Agent guidelines

The code of practice provides a framework for service delivery by educational providers and their agents to international students. The code applies to pastoral care and provision of information only, and not to academic standards.

Your obligations

Your agency will need to comply at all times with all relevant provisions in the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, which can be found on our Tertiary and International Learners Code of Practice – University of Auckland page, and ensure that staff employed by the Company have training appropriate to their role and to assist them to understand and apply the Code when recruiting and advising students on behalf of the University.

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
• International students under 18 are in safe accommodation
• All providers have fair and equitable internal procedures for the resolution of international student grievances

To read full details of what is covered in the code, visit the New Zealand Qualifications Authority website.

Application linking guideline

An applicant who has been issued at least one full offer within the past 12 months (regardless of acceptance) is not eligible to be linked to an agency or to request a change of agent. An agency may only be linked to an applicant if no full offer has been issued within the previous 12 months:

a. If no agency is currently linked, an Appointment of Agent Form must be completed, signed by the applicant, and signed and stamped by the authorized agency. 

b. If the applicant was previously linked to another agency, a Change of Agent Form must be completed. This form must be signed and stamped by that agency, as well as signed by the applicant and signed and stamped by the new agency. Forms that are not signed and stamped by all required parties will be considered invalid.

This new rule will take effect from 14 May 2026.

Form B must be completed by the student as well as the agency. Please send the completed form to int-marketing@auckland.ac.nz.

A review will be made and you will be informed of the outcome of the agent appointment request.  

Form A must be completed by the student as well as both the current and the new agency. Please send the completed form to int-marketing@auckland.ac.nz.

No change of agent will be recognised unless the completed form is received by the International Office. A review will be made and a decision will be communicated to the relevant parties.