New Zealand announces new government scholarship for Vietnamese students

New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford

The NZUA program, applicable for the February 2026 intake, will be offering a total scholarship fund of nearly VND3.2 billion.

Caroline Beresford, New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam, said, “With the launch of NZUA, alongside the New Zealand Schools Scholarships (NZSS) and the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (Manaaki) for postgraduate studies, New Zealand has provided a full suite of support for Vietnamese students at all study levels with its government-supported scholarship programs.”

New Zealand’s higher education system is globally recognised, with all eight universities ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. In addition to academic prestige, New Zealand leads globally in sustainability stewardship, as recognised by Times Higher Education (THE) in its most recent Impact Rankings 2024. Demonstrating a commitment to quality, 50% of New Zealand’s universities hold the distinguished "Triple Crown" accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), a status achieved by only 1% of business and economics institutions worldwide.

In response to the increasing interest among Vietnamese parents and students in New Zealand as a study destination, particularly for higher education, Education New Zealand (ENZ) announced the launch of the New Zealand Universities Awards (NZUA). This inaugural provider-based and government-supported scholarship scheme for undergraduate programs opens valuable opportunities for Vietnamese students to access and experience New Zealand’s world-class education, supporting both their personal growth and their future contributions to Vietnam’s development.

The 2025 NZUA program offers 14 scholarships, worth NZD15,000 each, for students enrolling at one of New Zealand's eight universities: University of Auckland (UOA), Auckland University of Technology (AUT), University of Waikato (UOW), Massey University (MU), Victoria University of Wellington (VUW), University of Canterbury (UC), Lincoln University (LU), and University of Otago (UOO). Applications are expected to open in May 2025 for the February 2026 intake. The official NZUA’s information portal and application details will be announced soon.

Ben Burrowes, Acting General Manager – International at ENZ, said, “New Zealand’s tertiary education system is highly regarded globally for its positive impacts on students and communities. The inclusion of all New Zealand universities in the NZUA program underscores our strong commitment to expanding learning and development opportunities for Vietnamese students at our world leading institutions. The initiative also demonstrates New Zealand’s dedication to fostering our bilateral educational ties as we approach the 50th anniversary of our longstanding partnership with Vietnam next year.”

With the announcement of this undergraduate government scholarship scheme, New Zealand has provided a full suite of support for Vietnamese students at all study levels with its government-supported scholarship programs. In addition to NZUA, New Zealand offers New Zealand Schools Scholarships (NZSS) specifically for Vietnamese students in grades 8, 9, and 10 to study at New Zealand high schools, as well as Manaaki Scholarships for Vietnamese candidates pursuing postgraduate study programs in New Zealand.

In addition to government-supported scholarships, New Zealand universities currently offer a wide range of scholarships for Vietnamese students, valued from NZD5,000 to NZD35,000. Many institutions have introduced dual scholarship schemes allowing students to access high-value scholarships, as well as scholarships for pathway programs. With impressive graduate employment rates, the universities invest in equipping students with job-search skills, interview preparation, career planning, and networking with industry professionals.

Ms. Beresford added, “New Zealand’s policy allows international students to stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years after graduating with a bachelor’s degree. Many international graduates have successfully joined New Zealand companies to begin their careers, before returning home or advancing in other international markets.”

The well-concerted support from both the New Zealand government and universities provides a rich learning experience, enhancing the country’s reputation as a preferred study destination. 75% of Vietnamese students who participated in the annual 2024 Education New Zealand Student Experience Survey rated their overall experience in New Zealand positively. Their education experience and opportunity to meet new people and develop connections were particularly valued with 84% rating them positively.