Long-term investment in Viet Nam’s education market

As international education becomes increasingly connected to workforce development and global competitiveness, New Zealand is pursuing a more targeted and sustainable approach to market development. Viet Nam is among the markets prioritised by Education New Zealand (ENZ) as part of this strategy.

“For Viet Nam, I think the conditions are really good. Our market assessment looks at demographics, students’ motivations, the education programmes we have on offer and whether they are right for students, as well as ease of travel. We also consult with other government agencies, including Immigration New Zealand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the education sector to understand their priorities. It is this combination of insights that informs our decision to identify a market as a growth market,” Sahinde Pala, General Manager, International at ENZ, shared.

Sahinde explained that ENZ assesses international markets based on their potential, the suitability of New Zealand’s education offerings and the level of investment required. The assessment considers not only population size and demand for overseas study, but also students’ motivations, the relevance of available programmes and the accessibility of New Zealand as a study destination.

She highlighted Viet Nam as a growth market with strong potential for long-term collaboration. ENZ also consults with New Zealand government agencies, including Immigration New Zealand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as stakeholders across the education sector, to identify opportunities and priorities in different markets.

Viet Nam presents favourable conditions for the continued development of international education. However, ENZ’s objective is not simply to increase international student numbers rapidly. Instead, the organisation aims to achieve sustainable growth while ensuring that students have positive learning experiences and derive long-term value from their education.

Studying overseas is a significant financial and personal decision for students and their families. Parents and students typically need time to research programmes, compare costs and assess potential career opportunities before committing to an overseas education pathway. This makes sustained investment, reliable information and long-term engagement essential to building confidence in a study destination.

Prioritising Viet Nam enables ENZ to allocate more resources to initiatives in the market than in countries that are not classified as growth markets. These initiatives include providing information, connecting education institutions, supporting education agents and working with Vietnamese authorities to strengthen bilateral dialogue on education.

Strengthening connections between students and education providers

A key part of ENZ’s approach is diversifying engagement channels rather than relying solely on large-scale education fairs. The organisation is developing activities that allow Vietnamese students to connect directly with representatives of New Zealand institutions, academic staff and alumni.

Alumni talk series give prospective students opportunities to learn from first-hand experiences, including academic life, living in New Zealand and career development after graduation. Information shared during the discussion indicated that ENZ’s alumni engagement activities involved 17 former students from 10 different education providers.

Meanwhile, ENZ also planned to deliver nearly 50 online masterclasses in November, expanding access to academic experiences for students in Viet Nam. Those online masterclasses delivered by lecturers and academic experts from New Zealand enable students to explore subject areas, experience teaching approaches and interact directly with representatives of education institutions.

ENZ is also tailoring its engagement to different education segments. Following University Roadshow activities targeting universities in October, further initiatives are planned for secondary schools and vocational education providers in 2027.

This segmented approach allows institutions to present their strengths in ways that better reflect the needs of specific student groups. It also creates more opportunities for Vietnamese education partners to exchange information, build networks and explore potential collaboration.

Scholarships expand access to New Zealand education

Sahinde explained that scholarships are an important part of New Zealand’s education engagement in Viet Nam, helping more students access international education opportunities. She noted that, alongside scholarships offered by individual New Zealand education institutions, ENZ runs two dedicated programmes in Viet Nam: the New Zealand Schools Scholarships (NZSS), which support school-level study, and the New Zealand University Awards (NZUA), which provide opportunities for university-level students.

She highlighted that both NZSS and NZUA are exclusive to Viet Nam and are not offered in other markets. According to Ms. Sahinde, these programmes are delivered in partnership with the education sector and reflect the value New Zealand places on the Vietnamese market. She also noted that scholarships serve as an important tool in enabling more students to pursue their studies in New Zealand.

In addition to ENZ’s scholarship programmes, Ms. Sahinde shared that a number of New Zealand institutions, particularly universities, offer their own scholarships to Vietnamese students. These opportunities provide further options for students and families when considering the financial aspects of overseas study.

She also emphasised the importance of ensuring that prospective students have access to clear and accurate information about available opportunities, including scholarship conditions and study pathways, to help them make informed choices.

Preparing students for a changing global workforceNew Zealand’s education brand, Minds Made For More, locally expressed in Vietnamese as “Tư duy mở lối, rộng đường tương lai”, highlights education’s role in developing students’ capabilities and adaptability.

The underlying message extends beyond completing a qualification. It emphasises the ability to apply knowledge, develop professional expertise and respond to the changing demands of the global workforce.

New Zealand offers a range of education pathways, including university degrees, vocational and applied learning programmes delivered by institutes of technology, polytechnics and private training establishments, as well as English-language programmes. This diversity enables students to explore options aligned with their individual goals and career aspirations.

New Zealand’s education approach emphasises not only academic knowledge but also adaptability, practical application and the capabilities students need to navigate a changing global workforce.

Regarding immigration settings and students’ work rights, ENZ’s representative explained that recent policy adjustments were intended to address specific issues and ensure that immigration settings continue to serve their intended purposes, with education and research remaining central to the international student experience.

Eligibility for work during study and after graduation depends on the relevant programme and current immigration requirements. Students are therefore encouraged to consult official Immigration New Zealand information when assessing their options.

Sahinde also emphasised the importance of sustained engagement and collaboration in supporting the country’s international education ambitions. “Viet Nam is an important growth market for New Zealand. By investing in long-term relationships, working closely with education partners and ensuring students have access to accurate and relevant information, we aim to support sustainable growth and create meaningful opportunities for Vietnamese students,” she said.

Looking ahead, continued engagement with education institutions, agents and prospective students will remain an important part of ENZ’s market development strategy. Through long-term investment, diversified engagement and access to reliable information, New Zealand aims to build sustainable education partnerships with Viet Nam while helping students identify study pathways that support their future ambitions.