Education New Zealand (ENZ) hosted an Awards Ceremony and Pre-Departure Briefing to honour 27 outstanding Vietnamese students who have been awarded the 2026 New Zealand Schools Scholarships (NZSS), along with 7 recipients of scholarships granted by New Zealand schools. At the event, ENZ officially announced the opening of applications for the second cohort of the 2026 NZSS programme, running from 15 June to 14 August 2026.
A prestigious launchpad for an educational journey in New Zealand
Launched in 2019, the New Zealand Schools Scholarships (NZSS) programme has established itself as one of the most prestigious and highly sought-after scholarship initiatives in Vietnam. Since its inception, the programme has awarded more than 100 scholarships to students from Years 8 to 10 across provinces and cities nationwide, opening the door to a distinguished educational journey in New Zealand - a country consistently ranked among the world’s leading destinations for educational excellence and the care and wellbeing of international students.
This year, under a dual-opportunity model designed to broaden access, seven additional outstanding students were awarded scholarships directly by New Zealand schools, complementing the 27 recipients of the NZSS. In total, 34 students were formally recognised and presented with scholarship certificates at the Awards Ceremony and Pre-Departure Briefing. Proudly taking the stage alongside their families, teachers, and education agents, the students received warm congratulations and a heartfelt welcome from representatives of the New Zealand government, NZSS schools, and alumni from previous NZSS cohorts.
NZSS recipients have consistently demonstrated the capability and resilience of Vietnamese students while studying in New Zealand, excelling not only in academics but also in their contributions to schools and local communities. At the event, three alumni shared first-hand insights into their journeys - from overcoming initial challenges and adapting to a new environment, to developing independence, maturity, and confidence.
The sharing session also featured parents of NZSS students, offering practical advice on supporting children as they adapt to a new culture, manage their academic commitments, and make the most of the opportunities available in New Zealand. These authentic accounts highlighted the country’s safe living environment, welcoming communities, and the education system’s strong emphasis on holistic development, helping this year’s recipients and their families feel confident and well-prepared for the journey ahead.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Scott James, Consul-General of New Zealand, remarked: “Education has always been a cornerstone of the partnership between New Zealand and Vietnam. We are proud to see successive generations of talented Vietnamese students embark on their educational journeys at New Zealand’s high-quality secondary schools through the NZSS programme. Their accomplishments are a powerful testament to the enduring value and impact of the NZSS programme over the years.”
Cohort 2 applications for NZSS 2026 now open
At the Awards Ceremony, ENZ officially announced the opening of applications for Cohort 2 of the 2026 NZSS programme. This intake offers 29 NZSS scholarships, alongside a range of scholarships provided directly by New Zealand schools, for students across Vietnam who have recently completed Years 8, 9, or 10.
A key feature of this application round is the introduction of the “First Submitted, First Assessed” approach. Unlike previous rounds where applications were reviewed collectively after the deadline, the selection panel will begin assessing eligible applications immediately upon submission. ENZ also implements a dual-opportunity model, under which applicants who are not successful in securing a New Zealand Schools Scholarship (NZSS) will still be considered for scholarships offered directly by New Zealand secondary schools. This approach provides applicants with greater opportunities to secure scholarships while encouraging them to align their school choices with individual academic goals, interests, and future aspirations.
Mr. Ben Burrowes, Regional Director at ENZ, commented: “Year after year, we continue to be impressed by the calibre of applications submitted by Vietnamese students, particularly their strong independent learning capabilities, initiative, and creativity. The steady increase in the number of NZSS scholarship recipients not only reflects the determination of young Vietnamese learners to pursue international educational opportunities, but also highlights the growing presence and contribution of Vietnamese students within New Zealand communities. We are proud to support these students through the NZSS programme, which is exclusively available to Vietnam, and we remain committed to creating more opportunities of this kind in the future.”
In 2025, the Vietnamese international student community in New Zealand recorded impressive growth, with approximately 2,200 students enrolled nationwide - a 14% increase compared with the previous year, surpassing New Zealand’s overall international enrolment growth rate of 11%. Notably, secondary education became the second largest sub-sector, behind only universities. Vietnamese students currently account for around 2% of all international secondary school students in New Zealand, with many choosing to continue their academic journey in the country by progressing to higher levels of study after completing secondary school.
