Education New Zealand Unveils Expanded Scholarship Opportunities for Vietnamese Undergraduates

Education New Zealand (ENZ), the government agency responsible for promoting New Zealand as a study destination, has announced the 2026 intake of the New Zealand Universities Awards (NZUA). This initiative provides 15 government-backed scholarships exclusively for Vietnamese students pursuing undergraduate degrees at participating New Zealand universities. Each award offers a NZ$15,000 tuition fee credit for the first year of study, representing a combined value of nearly VND 3.4 billion.

The programme builds directly on the inaugural 2025 cohort and reflects New Zealand’s strategic focus on strengthening educational ties with Vietnam. Applications open online from 15 April to 12 July 2026, with results expected in early September and an award ceremony scheduled for October.

Context of Bilateral Educational Partnership

New Zealand and Vietnam marked 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, providing the backdrop for the NZUA launch. The scholarships form part of a comprehensive suite of support that also includes the New Zealand Schools Scholarships (NZSS) for secondary students in grades 8–10 and Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for postgraduate study. This layered approach ensures Vietnamese students have access to New Zealand education at every stage of their academic journey.

ENZ emphasises that the inclusion of multiple universities in the NZUA demonstrates a collective commitment to welcoming high-calibre Vietnamese learners into one of the world’s most respected higher-education systems.

Scholarship Details and Eligibility Requirements

Successful applicants receive a NZ$15,000 tuition credit applicable to bachelor’s degree programmes at participating institutions. The awards are open to Vietnamese students who have completed secondary education in Vietnam and hold a valid offer of place from a New Zealand university.

Key eligibility criteria include the ability to commence full-time undergraduate study in February 2026. Applicants must submit academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, identification documents, and a 90-second video showcasing creativity and personal strengths. Notably, the English requirement has been adjusted to an overall IELTS equivalent of 7.0 without mandatory minimum component scores, broadening access for academically strong candidates.

• Completed secondary education in Vietnam
• Valid offer of place from a participating New Zealand university
• Ability to begin studies in February 2026
• Submission of a 90-second introductory video

Participating Universities and Award Distribution

Six of New Zealand’s eight universities are allocating specific numbers of awards for the 2026 intake: University of Auckland (2), University of Waikato (3), Massey University (3), Lincoln University (3), University of Canterbury (2), and University of Otago (2). Students retain the flexibility to apply to programmes across these institutions while competing only against other Vietnamese applicants.

Many participating universities also permit recipients to combine the NZUA with their own institutional scholarships, creating a dual-support mechanism that can significantly reduce the cost of the first year of study.

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Streamlined Application Process and University Support

The 2026 process is entirely online, removing geographical barriers for applicants across Vietnam. Universities have introduced practical measures to ease entry, such as accepting Year 12 results without waiting for the official graduation certificate and allowing predicted grades for International Baccalaureate or A-level students.

These adjustments reflect close collaboration between ENZ and the universities to make the pathway as accessible as possible while maintaining rigorous selection standards.

New Zealand’s Higher-Education Landscape

All eight New Zealand universities rank in the top 2 per cent globally according to recent QS assessments, with particular strengths in research output, teaching quality, and graduate employability. The system is noted for its emphasis on independent thinking, small class sizes, and strong industry connections.

Post-study work rights allow international graduates to remain in New Zealand for up to three years after completing a bachelor’s degree, providing valuable professional experience that can be leveraged either in New Zealand or upon return to Vietnam.

Implications for Vietnamese Students and Families

The NZUA represents a tangible reduction in financial barriers for talented students who might otherwise find overseas study cost-prohibitive. Combined with flexible English requirements and the option of dual scholarships, the programme lowers both monetary and procedural hurdles.

Families benefit from the certainty of a government-backed award and the knowledge that recipients join a growing cohort of Vietnamese alumni contributing to bilateral knowledge exchange.

Opportunities for New Zealand Universities and Administrators

For university administrators and faculty, the NZUA provides a targeted channel to attract high-achieving Vietnamese undergraduates. The programme aligns with institutional goals of internationalisation and diversifying student cohorts.

Participating universities gain visibility through the dedicated application portal and the opportunity to promote additional scholarships alongside the NZUA. Early engagement with Vietnamese secondary schools and agents is expected to grow as the programme matures.

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Future Outlook and Sector-Wide Impact

ENZ has indicated plans to refine the application process further in coming years, potentially expanding the number of awards or extending coverage to additional universities. The initiative sits within broader efforts to position New Zealand as a preferred destination for students from Southeast Asia.

Success will be measured not only by enrolment numbers but also by the long-term contributions of alumni to Vietnam’s development and the strengthening of research and industry linkages between the two countries.

Guidance for Prospective Applicants and Advisors

Students considering the NZUA should begin by researching undergraduate programmes at the participating universities and securing an offer of place well before the July application deadline. Preparing a compelling 90-second video and gathering strong academic references will be critical.

Education agents and school counsellors in Vietnam are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the updated English-language flexibility and dual-scholarship options to provide accurate guidance.