NZUA scholarship applications officially open from May 1, 2025. Photo: ENZ
For the first time, the New Zealand government is offering an undergraduate scholarship program exclusively for students from Vietnam called the New Zealand Universities Awards (NZUA).
With a streamlined selection process, substantial financial aid offerings, and post-graduation work opportunities, the program aims to empower a new generation of Vietnamese students to pursue high-quality international education.
Access to eight top-tier universities
On Tuesday, the New Zealand government officially announced its launch of NZUA undergraduate scholarship program for Vietnamese students.
Applications will be accepted from May 1 to August 31.
In its inaugural year, the program will grant 14 scholarships, each worth NZD15,000 (US$9,000), which will be applicable to the February 2026 intake.
The scholarships are available at eight prestigious public universities in New Zealand, including the University of Auckland, the University of Otago, the University of Waikato, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, the University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, and Auckland University of Technology.
Unlike many international scholarships, the NZUA is open only to Vietnamese students aged 16 to 19 who currently reside in Vietnam, have completed a high school program (either Vietnamese or international), and meet the entry requirements for a full-time undergraduate degree in New Zealand.
One of the NZUA's major selling points is its simplified application, which requires no essay or aptitude. Instead, applicants need only demonstrate a grade-12 GPA of 8.5 or higher and hold an international English proficiency certificate equivalent to IELTS 7.0.
Fields of study are broad and inclusive, ranging from engineering, healthcare, and law to business, media, and the arts, giving students the freedom to choose an academic path aligned with their strengths and interests.
Streamlined application, expanded support options
To apply, students must submit an online application package that includes their grade-12 transcript, English language certificate, a short video outlining their study aspirations and career goals, an acceptance letter from a New Zealand university, and a valid passport.
Applications must be submitted via the NZUA scholarship portal and results will be announced in October 2025.
An awards ceremony to honor the scholarship recipients is scheduled for late November.
Students may also apply for individual scholarships offered by each university in parallel.
Some universities allow scholarship values to be combined or offer supplementary scholarships to applicants with strong academic records who may not be selected for NZUA.
New Zealand universities currently maintain flexible admissions policies for Vietnamese students.
Applicants may apply as soon as their grade-12 results are available without waiting for their official graduation certificate.
Those enrolled in international programs like IB or A-Level may submit expected grades.
"We are excited to welcome the first cohort of NZUA scholars to New Zealand. With a learning environment that emphasizes personalization and a strong support system, Vietnamese students will not only realize their academic ambitions but also grow into resilient global citizens," said Ben Burrowes, regional director for Asia (excluding China) at Education New Zealand.
Career prospects after graduation
Beyond financial assistance, the NZUA scholarship opens doors to real-world work opportunities.
During their studies, students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week and up to 40 hours during holiday periods.
After graduation, they can stay in New Zealand for up to three years on a Post-Study Work Visa -- an opportunity to gain international experience and lay the foundation for a long-term career.
Max: 1500 characters
There are no comments yet. Be the first to comment.