Vietnam as a strategic education partner

Vietnam has become a key education partner for New Zealand, with the number of Vietnamese students studying there increasing by 18% in 2024 compared to 2023. During her recent visit to Vietnam, Amanda Malu, Chief Executive of Education New Zealand (ENZ), highlighted strategic initiatives aimed at expanding education collaborations between the two nations.

“New Zealand's education system offers a high-quality, future-focused learning environment that prepares students for global success,” Ms. Malu said.

Since 2014, 449 Vietnamese scholars have benefited from the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Program, which supports tertiary students, short-term trainees, and government officials in English language training.

Additionally, the New Zealand School Sector Engagement Strategy, launched in 2019, has awarded 51 scholarships to Vietnamese students. Building on this success, New Zealand will introduce the New Zealand Universities Awards (NZUA) in 2025, offering bachelor’s degree scholarships for Vietnamese students.

With increased competition from traditional study destinations such as Australia, the US, and Canada, New Zealand is positioning itself as an attractive choice for Vietnamese students.

“We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-quality education experience,” Ms. Malu emphasized. “New Zealand’s whole-of-sector approach ensures that students at all levels - from secondary schools to universities - receive strong academic support and access to diverse learning opportunities.”

Beyond traditional higher education, New Zealand is also expanding partnerships in education technology (EdTech), collaborating with Vietnamese companies to enhance digital learning.

A unified approach: Strengthening bilateral education partnerships

One of New Zealand’s key advantages is its collaborative education model. The upcoming NZUA initiative will involve all eight New Zealand universities, while the New Zealand School Scholarships (NZSS) 2025 will feature 45 participating schools - the highest number since the program’s launch.

"With three government-supported scholarship programs - NZSS (for secondary education), NZUA (for bachelor’s degrees), and Manaaki (for postgraduate studies) - New Zealand provides a full suite of opportunities for Vietnamese students at every academic level," Ms. Malu explained.

ENZ is also working closely with Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training to enhance study pathways and support government scholars.
Education is not just about numbers - it fosters long-term cultural and economic connections between nations.

“Vietnamese students and alumni are vital bridges between our two countries,” Ms. Malu noted.

As Vietnam and New Zealand celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties, education remains a core pillar of their relationship. Vietnam’s growing emphasis on upskilling its workforce aligns well with New Zealand’s strengths in vocational training and STEM education.

The Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia have further strengthened bilateral ties, enabling 213 New Zealand students to study or intern in Vietnam since 2013.

Supporting Vietnamese students for success in New Zealand

New Zealand prioritizes student well-being through initiatives like the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, which ensures international students receive academic, social, and emotional support.

To further enhance the student experience, the New Zealand government launched the International Student Wellbeing Strategy and the NauMai NZ platform, which provides resources on healthcare, housing, and academic success.

“We recognize the challenges of adapting to a new education system, and we are committed to equipping Vietnamese students with the tools and support they need to thrive,” Ms. Malu affirmed.

The future of New Zealand-Vietnam education collaboration

Looking ahead, New Zealand sees significant potential in strengthening higher education, research, and innovation partnerships with Vietnam.

“Vietnam has made remarkable progress in education,” Ms. Malu highlighted. “With Vietnam’s ambitious education and technology goals for 2045, New Zealand is well-positioned to support this journey.”

ENZ is actively working to expand joint programs and research collaborations between New Zealand universities and top Vietnamese institutions.

“We aim to create more pathways for Vietnamese students to access high-quality education while fostering innovation and knowledge exchange between our two countries,” Ms. Malu concluded.

With New Zealand’s long-term commitment to supporting Vietnamese students and enhancing education partnerships, the future of New Zealand-Vietnam education collaboration looks brighter than ever.

PV