Education New Zealand (ENZ) announced the launch of the 2026  New Zealand Universities Awards (NZUA), offering 15 prestigious government-backed scholarships exclusively for Vietnamese students.

The expanded number of scholarships, combined with enriched benefits both during study and after graduation, is unlocking exceptional opportunities for Vietnamese students to pursue world-class education at New Zealand universities, a system which is ranked fifth in the world for its quality and first in Academic Reputation in English-speaking countries according to the 2026 QS World University Rankings.

First introduced by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during his official visit to Viet Nam in 2025, the NZUA scholarship programme awarded its inaugural scholarships to the first cohort of Vietnamese students later that year. This landmark moment signaled the start of a pioneering academic journey within one of the world’s leading education systems – renowned for nurturing independent thinking, creativity, and personalised learning. Building on this foundation, the 2026 intake expands to 15 scholarships, with a combined value of nearly VND 3.4 billion, while continuing to broaden access for Vietnamese students through an innovative and flexible application process.

The NZUA 2026 scholarship opens for online applications from April 15 to July 12, 2026. Results will be announced in early September, followed by the award ceremony in October 2026. Full details and application guidelines are available on the official website: https://hocbongnzua.com/

The “dual-scholarship” privilege from New Zealand universities

As a scholarship programme designed exclusively for Vietnamese students, NZUA offers a unique advantage: applicants compete only within Viet Nam, while retaining the freedom to apply to all undergraduate programmes across six of New Zealand’s leading universities. This allows students to pursue fields aligned with their personal aspirations, supported by a prestigious government-backed award.

The NZUA scholarships are distributed as follows: The University of Auckland (2 scholarships), the University of Waikato (3 scholarships), Massey University (3 scholarships), Lincoln University (3 scholarships), the University of Canterbury (2 scholarships), and the University of Otago (2 scholarships). Each scholarship is valued at NZD 15,000 and applies to the first year of undergraduate study. In addition, most universities participating in the NZUA 2026 programme allow Vietnamese students to apply for their own institutional scholarships, which can be combined with NZUA. This dual-scholarship mechanism strengthens financial support and expands opportunities for applicants to pursue diverse academic pathways in New Zealand.

Enhanced flexibility in the application mechanism

The 2026 NZUA programme continues to adopt a fully online application process reducing geographical and financial barriers while expanding access nationwide. In addition to academic transcripts, English language certificates, and an offer of place from a New Zealand university, applicants are required to demonstrate their identity, creativity, and personal capabilities through a 90-second video to engage the selection panel.

English language requirements have been made more flexible: applicants need to achieve an overall proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0, without a mandatory minimum score for each individual component. This adjustment broadens access for academically strong students who may perform unevenly across language skills, enabling them to apply with greater confidence.

In parallel, New Zealand universities have also taken proactive steps to facilitate the process for Vietnamese students to obtain an offer of place - the first requirement for applying to NZUA. Accordingly, most New Zealand universities allow Vietnamese students to submit applications upon receiving their Year 12 results, without needing to wait for the official national high school graduation certificate. Students undertaking IB or A level programmes may also apply based on predicted grades, without the need to wait for final results.

 Mr. Ben Burrowes, Regional Director for Asia (excluding China) at ENZ, emphasised: ‘We remain proactive in refining the application process to ensure NZUA is increasingly accessible and relevant to Vietnamese students. The strong engagement of universities through the dual -scholarship mechanism highlights New Zealand’s commitment to welcoming talented Vietnamese learners. We believe that by accessing prestigious scholarship opportunities early, Vietnamese students will gain the confidence to step into the world and embrace new prospects for the future.”

Optimised benefits for Vietnamese students studying in New Zealand

Students enrolled in New Zealand under the NZUA programme enjoy New Zealand’s attractive work rights package both during their studies and after graduation. Specifically, they may work up to 25 hours per week during term time and fulltime during holidays and scheduled breaks, enabling them to gain practical experience while supporting their living expenses. After graduation, students are eligible for a three-year Post Study Open Work Visa, providing valuable international professional experience and helping them build a strong foundation for future career development.

Dang Ngoc Minh Khue, a recipient of the NZUA 2025 scholarship and currently studying at University of Auckland, shared: “I arrived in New Zealand earlier this year and have truly enjoyed the learning experience. Lecturers consistently encourage me to ask questions, experiment with ideas, and approach problems from different perspectives. The open and supportive environment has greatly boosted my confidence. Looking ahead, I hope to continue my journey in New Zealand, make the most of the favourable policies and support available to international students, and gradually build an international career in the field of Science - Technology”

Currently, students enrolled at New Zealand universities represent nearly 60% of all Vietnamese international students in the country. The NZUA programme is expected to attract an even greater number of talented students to New Zealand’s leading universities in the coming years.

To support parents and students in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the programme and to better prepare for the NZUA 2026 application process, ENZ will host an online webinar. The session will provide detailed guidance on the application process and address questions directly from participants.

● Date & time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 24, 2026

● Free registration at: https://enz.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gYQEOC_xQhiSQ9HO49tFIg

For more information about the NZUA 2026 scholarship, please visit the official website: https://hocbongnzua.com/

Submit online application for the NZUA scholarship at: https://forms.office.com/r/1nXpEQzk7E