The programme strengthened connections with education partners, parents and students in Vietnam, while institutions from Christchurch announced expanded scholarship opportunities for Vietnamese learners.
Strengthening presence in Vietnam
Christchurch, New Zealand’s second-largest city, is one of the country’s fastest-growing centres for international education. In 2025, the city welcomed 9,180 international students – a 10% increase from 2024. Vietnamese enrolments rose by 13%, with the strongest growth across universities, institutes of technology and polytechnics.
To meet rising demand, Christchurch Educated has organised annual promotion activities in Vietnam for five consecutive years. In 2026, nearly 200 Vietnamese education agents and prospective students engaged directly with Christchurch’s leading schools, institutes and universities, receiving updates on admissions policies and insights into Canterbury’s academic strengths – a region recognised for education and innovation.
Highlights included a seminar in Ho Chi Minh City showcasing New Zealand’s distinctive school uniforms, which received enthusiastic engagement. School life in New Zealand was vividly reflected through the diverse designs and colours of the uniforms, while the seamless collaboration between New Zealand teachers and Vietnamese students highlighted the rich history and unique identity of each school.
At the event, parents and students also received personalised consultations on study pathways, programmes and scholarships, and heard inspiring stories from Vietnamese alumni. Beyond academics, Christchurch was presented as a “smart city” and gateway to Antarctica, offering career opportunities across New Zealand’s leading industries.
Speaking at the event for education agents in Hanoi on 25 May, New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam, Caroline Beresford remarked: “Education has long been a strong cornerstone in the enduring relationship between Vietnam and New Zealand. We are delighted to see growing interest among Vietnamese students and parents in innovative, safe and holistic study destinations such as Christchurch. Direct engagement activities like this series of events play an important role in helping Vietnamese learners gain closer access to New Zealand’s education system and explore future study and career opportunities.”
Expanded scholarships and career opportunities for Vietnamese students
In recent years, Christchurch has become increasingly attractive to international students thanks to its combination of world-class education, safe environment and dynamic innovation ecosystem. The city is home to three world-leading universities – the University of Canterbury, Lincoln University and the University of Otago’s Christchurch Medical School – along with the South Island’s largest institute of skills and technology, Ara Institute of Canterbury. These institutions are supported by strong links with industry and research, and more than 60 welcoming schools that specialise in supporting international students.
At the Vietnam events, a range of valuable scholarships was announced, including scholarships of up to NZD 15,000 from the University of Canterbury and Lincoln University, a NZD 3,000 scholarship from Ara Institute of Canterbury, and the Global Student Award offering a 10% tuition fee reduction from the University of Canterbury International College (UCIC). Secondary schools also introduced practical financial support packages for Vietnamese students.
Christchurch also offers strong career prospects in aerospace, health technology, clean technology and the agri-economy. Canterbury’s regional economy is outpacing the national average, with 1.2% growth compared to 0.4% nationwide. Job opportunities are expanding rapidly, with online listings up 11% year-on-year – nearly double the national increase.
Ms. Stefi Porter, ChristchurchNZ Regional Manager International Education, said: “Christchurch offers international students far more than a world-class education. As one of New Zealand’s most future-focused cities, it provides study pathways that lead directly to career opportunities in its rapidly growing industries, while ensuring a safe environment, affordable living and strong connections to nature. We are delighted by the continued positive interest from students, parents and education partners in Vietnam through this year’s series of events.”
Through these initiatives, Christchurch Educated reaffirms its commitment to strengthening educational cooperation between New Zealand and Vietnam, while offering Vietnamese students more high-quality, future-focused study options amid growing demand for safe, balanced and future-focused learning environments.
