Overview
The National Student Index (NSI) is a database system maintained by the Ministry of Education and is the education sector’s core register of learner identity data.
The NSI is used to allocate a unique National Student Number (NSN) to every student in New Zealand. Each student should only be allocated one NSN upon entry to the New Zealand Education System. This NSN will be used throughout their education, including early childhood, school and tertiary education where applicable.
The NSN makes it easier for us to manage and share information about students in a way that protects their privacy.
Relevant Legislation
Users of the National Student Index (NSI) must be familiar with the Education and Training Act 2020. Requirements relating to national student numbers are outlined in section 649 of the Act. Additional authorised uses of NSNs, conditions of use, and specified users are detailed in the Education (National Student Numbers) Notice (No. 2) 2024, published in the New Zealand Gazette.
As the NSI contains personal information of students, users are required to strictly adhere to the principles outlined in the Privacy Act to ensure data is handled responsibly and securely.
Authorised user
Organisations seeking access to the National Student Index (NSI) must be authorised to use the National Student Number (NSN). The NSN may only be used by organisations and agencies authorised under section 649 of the Education and Training Act 2020. The authorised users and their permitted purposes are detailed in the Education (National Student Numbers) Notice (No. 2) 2024 published in the New Zealand Gazette.
The NSI can be accessed by authorised users from approved organisations to support the establishment and maintenance of student identities. Approved organisations may include:
- Early childhood services
- Schools (via ENROL)
- NZQA
- Tertiary Education Organisations (e.g. Universities, Private Training Organisations)
- Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)
- Network for Learning
Key tasks using this application
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Assign a unique National Student Number to students
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Update existing records to maintain accuracy of student information
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Request that two or more duplicate NSI records be merged
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Perform searches on existing records
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Receive notifications of changes made to an NSI record
NSI Data
The NSI collects and stores the minimum amount of personal identity information necessary to protect students’ privacy. The NSI does not collect and store demographic, enrolment, qualification or any other information relating to a student.
The information held in the NSI includes:
- Name,
- Alternative Name(s),
- Birth date,
- Date of death (if applicable),
- Residential Status,
- Gender
Further Information: