Education New Zealand (ENZ), in partnership with the New Zealand Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City, hosted a special award ceremony to honour 20 Vietnamese students who have received the New Zealand Schools Scholarships (NZSS) for 2025. This prestigious scholarship, funded by the New Zealand Government, offers students the opportunity to study at top-tier secondary schools across New Zealand starting from July 2025 or January 2026.

Since its launch in 2019, the NZSS has become one of the most respected government-funded scholarships for Vietnamese high school students. Beyond financial support, it represents a bridge connecting Vietnam’s talented youth with a modern, inclusive, and future-ready education system in New Zealand. To date, over 70 scholarships have been awarded to outstanding students nationwide.

This year’s scholarship presentation was especially meaningful, as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Vietnam. With a record 45 participating schools across cities and regions of New Zealand, the NZSS 2025 cohort reflects the country’s strong commitment to welcoming and supporting Vietnamese learners.

At the ceremony, students and families were welcomed by Mr. Scott James, New Zealand Consul-General and Trade Commissioner in Ho Chi Minh City, who emphasized: “These scholarships symbolize our shared belief in the power of education to transform lives. We are proud to welcome more Vietnamese students into our communities and classrooms.”

Mr. Ben Burrowes, ENZ’s Regional Director for Asia, added: “New Zealand offers more than a globally ranked education – it’s a place where students can grow confidently in a peaceful, inclusive society that values cultural connection and lifelong learning.”

The NZSS selection process looks beyond academic grades. It also considers each student’s aspirations, English communication ability, creativity, and motivation. This year’s winners represent a diverse range of interests and backgrounds – but they all share the same curiosity, courage, and drive to explore the world.

Student representative Nguyen Thien Nhan, who will attend Upper Hutt College, shared: “Receiving the NZSS scholarship is a huge honour. I’m excited to study in New Zealand, meet new friends, and grow in an environment that values both academic and personal development. I’m nervous, of course, but more than that, I feel ready.”

Another highlight of the ceremony was the presence of past NZSS winners and their parents, who offered practical insights on study preparation, adapting to New Zealand culture, and long-term growth. Their stories, from building new friendships to gaining independence in homestays, offered comfort and inspiration to this year’s cohort.

Among them was Mr. Phan Thanh Nam, father of NZSS 2023 recipient Phan Dieu Ngan, who shared: “Our daughter’s experience in New Zealand has helped her grow into a confident, thoughtful, and mature young adult. Now, our second child is also preparing to go. It’s a life-changing journey for our whole family, and we’re grateful to the NZSS for making it possible.”

This year’s event also included a lively panel discussion with former scholarship recipients who are now thriving in New Zealand. They spoke candidly about how NZSS helped shape their academic path, independence, and global mindset. Their journeys served as real-life proof that the scholarship is not just about going abroad – it’s about growing into the best version of yourself and gaining skills that last a lifetime.

As the event closed, the students took part in a symbolic gesture, launching paper airplanes carrying their dreams toward New Zealand. For many, this is more than a scholarship. It’s the start of a journey toward a broader world, lifelong friendships, and becoming global citizens of tomorrow.