National Student Number - Background

Summary

Provides an overview of the development and implementation of the National Student Number as a unique identifier in the education sector. 

The National Student Number (NSN) was initially authorised via a privacy code issued by the Privacy Commissioner in 2001.  The Post-Compulsory Education Unique Identifier Privacy Code 2001 enabled authorised users in the tertiary education sector to use the NSN for specific purposes.  The Code also authorised the compulsory school sector to use the NSN for senior secondary students as the candidate number for the National Certificate of Educational Achievement.  The NSN was used to keep students’ academic records correct and to ensure the efficient and accurate funding of the education institutions.

The Education Amendment Act 2006 authorised the use of the NSN throughout the rest of the education sector – in the school and early childhood sectors.  Part 30 of the Education Act 1989 outlines the legislative requirements that apply to the NSN.  You can see the authorised users and approved purposes below.

The purpose of this part of the Act is to authorise the use by authorised users of national student numbers for specific purposes, in order to facilitate the accurate use and transfer of information relating to individual students.  A student will be assigned an NSN when they first enrol in a school in New Zealand, and will continue to use that NSN throughout their school and tertiary education. 

The Act allows the use of the NSN in the early childhood education sector.  This has not been implemented. 

A privacy impact assessment was undertaken prior to the Code being established in 2000.  A second assessment was undertaken as part of the legislative process in 2004.  Both assessments can be downloaded in full from the Information for students and parents page.

The Post-Compulsory Education Unique Identifier Privacy Code will be revoked by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner under its separate processes.

The NSN itself is generated by the National Student Index (NSI) which is managed by the Ministry.  More detailed information on the NSI is available here.

Authorised Users

• Early childhood services, schools and tertiary education organisations
• Ministry of Education
• New Zealand Qualifications Authority
• Tertiary Education Commission
• Career Services, and
• Any other agency or body declared by regulations following consultation with the Privacy Commissioner.

Approved Uses

• Monitoring and ensuring a student's enrolment and attendance
• Ensuring education providers and students receive appropriate resourcing
• Statistical purposes,
• Research purposes, and
• Ensuring students' educational records are accurately maintained.

An offence provision is included for any instance where the National Student Number is misused. The maximum fine is $15,000