Learner identity

It is important for TEOs to verify the identity of learners for the following reasons:

• To ensure learners are eligible to study
• To determine, for funding calculation purposes, whether learners are domestic or foreign students
• Enrolment may entitle a learner to apply for a student loan or student allowance
• The need to maintain confidence that a New Zealand qualification has been awarded to an individual claiming such.

Under Rule ENR028[1] TEOs must verify the identify of learners enrolling in a programme of study leading to a qualification with an EFTS value of greater than 0.03. First time enrolments at a TEO, including learners new to tertiary study, must be verified even if a learner has an active NSN. For subsequent enrolments at the same TEO, a learner's identity needs to be confirmed using a learner's NSN and photo identification document (e.g. a drivers licence).

The identification criteria are those appropriate to a 'moderate' risk rating under the Department of Internal Affairs' Evidence of Identity Standard. TEOs should refer to that standard, or contact the Department of Internal Affairs by email if in doubt about the appropriate procedures for verifying learner identity.

All learners are required to have a unique National Student Number allocated under the National Student Index.

• [1]

  Rule ENR028: Verifying learner identity - requirement

  Tertiary education organisations (TEOs) must verify the identity of learners (domestic and foreign students) if the learner is enrolling in a programme of study leading to a qualification with an Equivalent Full-Time Student value of greater than 0.03.

  To verify a learner’s identity, the TEO must validate the learner’s:

  • full legal name
  • date of birth
  • gender
  • citizenship or residency status.

  First time enrolments at a TEO, including learners new to tertiary, must be verified even if a learner has an active NSN. For subsequent enrolments at the same TEO, a learner's identity needs to be confirmed using a learner's NSN and a photo identification document (e.g. a drivers licence).