The Code
As a signatory to the Pastoral Care Code (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners Code of Practice 2021), IPLS is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment and a positive experience for all trainees.
The Code sets out the roles and responsibilities of organisations such as IPLS in promoting and supporting your wellbeing, development and educational achievement.
We encourage you to familiarise yourself with the new Code which came into effect on January 1, 2022. Please see more information here.
NZQA Pastoral Care Code of Practice – Maori
NZQA Pastoral Care Code of Practice – English
Additional Support
In addition to our commitment to the Code and support from your instructors we offer further assistance to trainees with specific circumstances for example:
Trainees with a Disability/Health Condition
When you enrol with IPLS, you have the opportunity to disclose any disabilities/health conditions as part of the enrolment process. If you indicate on the form you have a disability/health condition our Trainee Services Co-ordinator will follow up with you to ensure a plan is put in place to accommodate your needs.
We also welcome you to share a disability/health condition with us at any stage during the course and we will follow the same process to ensure a plan is put in place. Please feel free to discuss directly with your instructor or our Trainee Services Co-ordinator at hello@ipls.org.nz or 0800 776 376.
Once a plan is agreed with you (and with your written permission) this information will be shared with your instructors so they can work with you throughout the course to ensure your needs are accommodated. Our team is there to support you from enrolment through to your successful completion of the course.
For your further information, please see an overview of our Trainee Wellbeing Policy.
Off-shore Trainees
With the introduction of our fully online courses, trainees now have the benefit of being able to complete the course from anywhere in the world. All you need is a PC or laptop with a camera and reliable access to the Internet.
(Please note: if you’re an International student you still need to meet the criteria to be able to complete a New Zealand Profs course – please see International Trainees to find out more)
It is also important to consider the impact of time zones and your ability to attend compulsory Zoom meetings that will be arranged in New Zealand time.
When you enrol with us, please tick the appropriate box to indicate you will be completing the course offshore. Our Trainee Services Co-ordinator will then get in touch with you to ensure you have any questions answered and support is in place to enable you to complete the course successfully.
Also, please feel free to ask questions or get in touch with us at any stage during the course either directly with your instructor or with our Trainee Services Co-ordinator, at hello@ipls.org.nz or 0800 776 376.
International Trainees
If you are an International Trainee and wish to complete your Profs course with IPLS, you either need to have obtained your LLB from a New Zealand university or, if you have an LLB from an overseas university, you need to obtain prior approval from the New Zealand Council of Legal Education (NZCLE). Please see the criteria for NZCLE approval on the NZCLE website.
Am I an International Trainee?
You are an International Trainee if you don’t fall into any of the three groups below:
New Zealand citizen, or hold a New Zealand residence class visa; or
Australian citizen or permanent resident currently residing in New Zealand; or
New Zealand citizen from the Cook Islands, Tokelau or Niue.
How does IPLS cater for International Trainees?
When you enrol with us, you will be asked to indicate if you are an International Trainee as well as provide the appropriate documentation for your visa status and qualifications (NZ LLB or prior approval from NZCLE) as well as Medical and Travel insurance policies. Upon receiving your enrolment application our Trainee Services Co-ordinator will get in touch with you to ensure you have any questions answered and support in place to enable you to complete the course successfully.
For more information please see our IPLS International Trainee Information document.
Also, please feel free to ask questions or get in touch with us at any stage during the course either directly with your instructor or with our Trainee Services Co-ordinator, at hello@ipls.org.nz or 0800 776 376.
Further information for International Trainees
Immigration: Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service, and can be viewed on their website at immigration.govt.nz
Eligibility for health services: Most international trainees are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed on their website at moh.govt.nz
Accident insurance: The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at acc.co.nz
Medical and travel insurance: International trainees must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss your particular situation, at any stage during your time with IPLS please reach out to your instructor or contact us at hello@ipls.org.nz or 0800 776 376, we’d love to help you.
Annual Pastoral Care Code Self-Review
Each year IPLS conducts a self-review of how well it is meeting the requirements of the Pastoral Care Code. To see an overview of this information please see the following documents:
