The RS20 annual return
The RS20 annual return
This page explains what the RS20 is, what the data is used for and who needs to complete one, and contains links to resources for preparing, uploading and submitting your RS20.
This page explains what the RS20 is, what the data is used for and who needs to complete one, and contains links to resources for preparing, uploading and submitting your RS20.
What is the RS20 and what is the data used for?
The RS20 is a census that collects data on the students and staff at private training establishments (PTEs).
Data is collected annually for the week in which 31 July falls. It provides a one-week snapshot of data from the academic year.
This information is for statistical purposes only; there is no direct funding attached to the return.
The Ministry of Education uses the data you supply to support policy analysis, development and decision making, to monitor the outcomes of the New Zealand education system, and for national and international reporting purposes.
Completed RS20 returns are due by the Sunday following the collection period.
| Collection period | Submission period | |
| 2025 | Monday 28 July–Sunday 3 August | Monday 4 August–Sunday 10 August |
| 2026 | Monday 27 July–Sunday 2 August | Monday 3 August–Sunday 9 August |
| 2027 | Monday 26 July–Sunday 1 August | Monday 2 August–Sunday 8 August |
Who needs to complete an RS20?
You should complete the RS20 statistical return if your organisation:
- is registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) as a private training establishment,
- is an active private training establishment during the week of 31 July,
- does not receive funding from
- Delivery at Levels 1 and 2 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) (DQ1-2) Fund,
- Delivery at Levels 3 to 7 (non-degree) on the NZQCF and all industry training (DQ3-7) Fund,
- Delivery at Levels 7 (degree) to 10 on the NZQCF (DQ7-10) Fund, or
- Youth Guarantee
- does not submit an Unfunded International Students (UIP) return. Providers enrolling only unfunded domestic students should return an RS20.
Resources for completing an RS20 annual return
Upload and complete your RS20 annual return in DXP Ngā Kete.
This table lists resources to help you prepare, upload and submit your RS20 annual return.
| Resource | Guidance |
| Completing your RS20 annual return (DOCX 799 KB) | Includes guidance on how to complete the RS20 Excel template and the validation rules that apply |
| Guidance for using DXP Ngā Kete | Step-by-step instructions on how to access and submit your RS20 |
| RS20 webinar recording (9 July 2025) – coming soon | Provides a demonstration of the data submission workflow in DXP Ngā Kete |
Frequently asked questions
What information do tertiary education organisations (TEOs) report?
RS20 consists of nine tables (tabs 1–8 and tab 10). Eight of these cover counts of student enrolments, and one covers staffing counts.
Students are counted by full-time and part-time status, age, gender, ethnicity, level of enrolment, prior activity and learning sector.
If we have no students, do we still need to complete an RS20 statistical return?
Yes. If your organisation is still registered with NZQA in the week in which 31 July falls, you will still need to complete an RS20 return even if there were no students studying during that week. The return will be a “Type A” return.
The regional offices do not need to complete an RS20 as long as the central office takes into account the figures of the regional offices as well as their own.
Need help?
For help with your RS20, contact 0800 601 301 or email customerservice@tec.govt.nz with subject: [Org ID #] – RS20.
For help with your Education Sector Login (ESL), contact the Education Service Desk on 0800 422 599 or email service.desk@education.govt.nz.