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 our CPD education offerings cover a broad range of topics including immigration matters for students, study options in New Zealand, labour market dynamics, job searching, career opportunities, lifestyles in New Zealand, and resources developed especially for education advice overseas.

ECANZ licensees adhere to a stringent Code of Conduct, see "About the Authority", and thus its licensees operate to a high level of accountability, to improve consumer/student protection. ECANZ licensees are NOT LICENSED IMMIGRATION ADVISERS (unless they hold a separate LIA license) and those located outside of NZ operate as exempted persons when they give visa advice limited to student applicants only.

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.

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
April 26: New recognition of NZ and overseas studies for residence points