National Student Number (NSN): for schools

What is the NSN?

The National Student Number (NSN) is a unique number given to every student. The NSN makes it easier for us to manage and share information about students in a way that protects their privacy.

~~Download these guidelines for schools~~

How to access the NSN

You can access NSNs for your students in ENROL, the school student enrolment register. Every student record includes their NSN.

Other software you use may also use NSNs, such as your student management system.

Who can use the NSN

Contractors of suppliers providing services on a school's behalf act as an agent of the school. and can use the NSN.

Parents or students will only need to use the NSN during the NCEA process. The NCEA process uses the NSN as the registration number to link it to students' record of achievement maintained by the NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority).

Students have the right to use or disclose their NSN for any purpose. They can also request a copy of their NSN information and ask for corrections. They can request a copy through their school or education provider or by emailing e.edmin@education.govt.nz .

What the NSN is used for

You can use NSNs for:

enrolment - schools include NSNs in ENROL, the school student enrolment register, and in their student management system. The NSN has become a data element within the student management system record for each student. The NSN is mandatory in the .moe file for each roll return.
e-asTTle - an online assessment tool for school students
single data return - tertiary education organisations include NSNs in their data return to the Ministry for statistical and funding purposes
roll returns
record of achievement - the New Zealand Qualifications Authority includes NSNs in their records of a student's credits and qualifications.

What the NSN is not used for

You cannot use NSNs:

for school identity cards
as a primary key or index in a student database
for most pastoral or health care information (except for hearing and vision test information)
administration of activities not with NCEA or similar educational records (such as sports and extra-curricular activities)
administration of school fees, accounts or library use
general communication with parents or students.

Concerns with the use of NSN

Students or parents who have concerns about the NSN should contact their schoo principal or email e.admin@education.govt.nz .

The NSN is authorised under Part 30 of the Education Act 1989. Changes to the Education Act in 2006 authorised the use of NSNs by schools, the Ministry of Education, NZQA and other agencies. Misusing~~Misusing~~ the NSN is an offence. The Act includes a penalty of up to $15,000 for conviction.