ECANZ is a private, voluntary, incorporated not-for-profit organisation. Membership is free and entirely optional. Like most professional associations in New Zealand it is not a Governmental agency and therefore has no statutory powers, compulsory membership or regulatory authority. Our purpose is to support and upskill those working in the international student sector, particularly in relation to student recruitment to New Zealand. By providing training, continuing professional development (CPD), and opportunities for collaboration, ECANZ helps raise professional standards across the industry. This benefits not only our members but also international students, education providers, and the wider sector.  ECANZ is self-regulated and continues to evolve as more stakeholders choose to join voluntarily. Governance processes, membership expectations, and professional standards are clearly communicated to all members. Our CPD education offerings cover a broad range of topics including immigration matters, study options in New Zealand, labour market dynamics, job searching, career opportunities, lifestyles in New Zealand, and resources developed in cooperation with Education New Zealand and other sector participants.

ECANZ is an independent, non-governmental initiative. While we work constructively with relevant agencies and organisations, our structure, decision-making processes, and code of conduct are determined internally and transparently shared with members.  As a non-government non-profit professional association of education counsellors we are free to set rules of membership that are informed by sector stakeholders, such as education providers, immigration authorities, Education New Zealand, education policy makers, and overseas regulators such as the Australian Skills Quality Authority, etc.

To claim status as a Licensed Education Counsellor of the Education Counsellor Authority of New Zealand Ltd, you must be shown on the license register here. Licensing is FREE for everyone, requirements apply to be granted a license and continued education commitments are needed to keep your ECANZ license valid. All required ECANZ education is FREE for all licensees. 

It is not unlawful to be unlicensed/unregistered here when giving education advice. Registration here gives no points towards residence in New Zealand and is not part of any Government occupational/vocational licensing/registration scheme in New Zealand.

We are very grateful to our sponsors and the many who contribute their time and expertise to "do good".


CPD Session schedule for ECANZ-registered counsellors:
August 25: Avoiding Visa Declines
September 25: Show reasons why to study in NZ
October 25: Compelling reasons to return home after studies
November 25: Demonstrate progression of learning
December 25: Dealing with High-Risk visa applications
January 26: Showing good funding evidence
February 26: Getting an LIA 'second opinion'
March 26: Post-Visa work opportunities - or not