New Zealand more than doubles government scholarships exclusively for Vietnamese

New Zealand offers 45 government scholarships for high school students in Vietnam under a dual admission mechanism, starting today (January 9) and lasting until March 16.

Thuy Truc (left cover) with her mother on the first day of school at Awatapu College and Minh Tri is currently studying at Waitakere College thanks to a New Zealand government scholarship for secondary school.

Reasons for the sharp increase in the number of government scholarships

According to information from Education New Zealand (ENZ), the number of government secondary school scholarships (NZSS) in 2025 is similar to 2023 and increased 2.5 times compared to the previous year (18 scholarships). Meanwhile, the number of scholarships in the first year of initiation was 36 (2019), then increased to 40 (2020). ENZ added that the NZSS 2025 scholarship program has the participation of 45 secondary schools across regions and cities in New Zealand.

Currently, the NZSS scholarship program is only available to students in grades 8, 9, and 10 in Vietnam. To apply, you need to have an average GPA of 8 or higher and an English level equivalent to IELTS 5.0 or higher, and must submit a 1.5-minute video introducing yourself and explaining why you deserve to be selected. In addition, you also need to fill in other required information to complete the application, all completely online.

According to Mr. Ben Burrowes, Regional Director for Asia at ENZ, 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Vietnam. "In that context, we believe that increasing the number of NZSS 2025 scholarships not only affirms the strong commitment of New Zealand schools, but also creates conditions for more and more Vietnamese students to realize their dream of studying abroad in New Zealand," Mr. Burrowes shared.

ENZ added that each scholarship is worth 50% of the first year's tuition fees in New Zealand and the application process is completely free. Scholarship winners will begin studying at New Zealand secondary schools in July 2025. Details on the conditions and how to apply for the 2025 NZSS scholarship can be found HERE.

A total of 45 secondary schools are participating in the NZSS 2025 scholarship programme.

Flexible admission mechanism

According to ENZ, the dual admission mechanism and flexible English requirements are two new features of this year's program. With the dual admission mechanism, the agency said that candidates will be considered for scholarships based on the two wishes they registered. If they are not accepted, they will continue to be considered for scholarships from high schools. This mechanism ensures that candidates can maximize their chances of receiving a scholarship with just one application, ENZ emphasized.

Regarding the flexible English requirement, ENZ said that candidates can still apply even if they do not have any English certificates, as long as they are confident that their abilities meet the requirements. Depending on the specific procedures and conditions of each school, candidates will be required to participate in an interview or take an English proficiency test during the application process.

Having won the 2023 NZSS scholarship, Hoang Thuy Truc, a student at Awatapu College (New Zealand), said that this opportunity not only opened the door for her to study in a dynamic and friendly international environment, but also helped her mature and become more aware of her own worth. "Over the past year, thanks to the support of teachers and friends, I have achieved many new achievements," the female student proudly said.

Ms. Pham Thi Linh Giang, parent of Le Minh Tri (a student at Waitakere College High School, New Zealand, who received the NZSS scholarship in 2024), was impressed with the policy of protecting international students and the close coordination between the school and the host family to support her child.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/new-zealand-tang-hon-gap-doi-suat-hoc-bong-chinh-phu-danh-rieng-cho-nguoi-viet-185250109133838413.htm