New Zealand grants first-ever undergraduate scholarships to 8 Vietnamese students

Announced by the New Zealand Prime Minister during his visit to Vietnam in February, the scholarships are valued at nearly VND3.3 billion (US$125,100) and represent the first-ever New Zealand government-funded undergraduate awards for Vietnamese students.

The program, implemented by ENZ with the support of eight leading New Zealand universities, seeks to identify talented Vietnamese students and encourage them to pursue higher education and personal development in New Zealand.

Following a competitive selection process, eight high school students from across the country were awarded the scholarships, including students from prominent Ho Chi Minh City schools such as Le Hong Phong, Tran Dai Nghia, and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai.

Scott James, New Zealand Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, highlighted the diversity of fields chosen by the scholarship recipients, spanning business, physiotherapy, science, arts, commerce, and education.

He expressed confidence that each of the eight students will make meaningful contributions to the development of both Vietnam and New Zealand in their own ways.

He added that their achievements will become part of the story of the next 50 years of cooperation between the two countries.

Ben Burrowes, ENZ’s regional director for Asia, said the program’s first year attracted applications of exceptional quality, reflecting the talent, effort, and aspirations of each candidate.

He pointed out that the eight partner universities are ranked among the top 500 globally and are recognized for academic excellence, research impact, and innovative teaching methods.

Burrowes also announced plans to expand opportunities for Vietnamese students, including the upcoming New Zealand Schools Scholarships 2026.

New Zealand currently maintains an open policy for international students, including Vietnamese nationals, allowing bachelor’s degree graduates to stay and work in the country for up to three years.

In September, Immigration New Zealand revised residency visa rules, awarding additional points for university qualifications earned in New Zealand.

The changes make it easier for graduates to transition to permanent residency, either immediately after graduation or after one to two years of work experience, depending on the visa pathway.