National Student Index

The National Student Index (NSI) is a database, system, and set of processes used to assign a unique identifier to all tertiary learners and National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) candidates.

This unique identifying number is known as the National Student Number (NSN) and is used instead of learner names or other codes for privacy purposes.

The Ministry of Education uses NSNs to prepare statistical reports relating to learner enrolments at TEOs.

Where a learner qualifies for SAC funding, Rule ENR036[1] stipulates that the NSI must be accessed and updated or a new record created.

• [1]

  Rule ENR036: National Student Index

  When a tertiary education organisation receives an application for admission and enrolment from foreign students or other full-cost learners, or domestic students who qualify for Student Achievement Component funding, it must access the National Student Index (NSI) and complete the following:

  • For learners without a National Student Number (NSN), assign an NSN and create the NSI record
  • For learners with an NSN, update the NSI record, if appropriate.