Pastoral Care and the Code of Practice

Sacred Heart College is a proud signatory to The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, developed by the New Zealand Ministry of Education. The Code outlines the high standards of care and support that all international learners can expect while studying in New Zealand.

A summary of the Code of Practice is available in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Japanese, German, and Vietnamese.

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is the Code Administrator and monitors the quality of international student care across all education providers.

Education Review Office (ERO)

The Education Review Office works with all New Zealand schools to ensure high-quality teaching, learning, and wellbeing practices.

ERO’s most recent review of Sacred Heart College highlighted our strengths in:

• A warm, inclusive school culture grounded in Catholic values
• Strong relationships between students and staff
• A commitment to culturally responsive teaching
• A supportive environment where students feel safe, known, and valued
• Flexible learning pathways that respond to individual student needs

ERO reviews schools on a three‑year cycle.

24/7 International Student Emergency Support

If you require Police, Fire, or Ambulance, please call 111 first.

Immigration Requirements

Full details of visa and permit requirements, including information about work rights for international students, are available from Immigration New Zealand.

Medical & Travel Insurance

All international students must have comprehensive medical and travel insurance for the duration of their stay in New Zealand. Insurance must meet the requirements of NZQA and the Code of Practice.

Sacred Heart College can arrange insurance on your behalf using a trusted New Zealand provider.

If you receive medical treatment while in New Zealand, you will need to pay for the appointment and bring the receipts to the International Office. We can assist you with your insurance claim.

We can also help you book doctor’s appointments. Local youth health services such as VIBE offer free, confidential support for young people aged 10–24 in the Hutt Valley. We can assist you with enrolling.

Dispute Resolution Scheme

The Dispute Resolution Scheme (DRS) supports international learners with contractual or financial concerns.

Study Complaints (Ngā Amuamu Tauira) is a free, independent service established by the New Zealand Government to help resolve issues between international learners and education providers.

For more information or to make a complaint, visit the Study Complaints website.

Policies and Procedures

To view Sacred Heart College's policies and procedures relating to international students, please visit our SchoolDocs site:

SchoolDocs:  How to access Sacred Heart College Policies and Procedures

Contact the International Team

We warmly welcome enquiries from students, families, and agents.

Email: [email protected]