Education New Zealand (ENZ) has officially unveiled 56 New Zealand Schools Scholarships (NZSS) for 2026, marking the highest number since the programme’s inception in 2019. The growth of this scholarship, dedicated exclusively to Vietnamese students, underscores the New Zealand government and its schools’ strong commitment to nurturing Vietnamese talent – supporting both academic excellence and holistic growth while responding to the rising demand from parents eager to provide their children with world-class education from an early stage.
The NZSS 2026 programme will accept applications from 5 January to 22 March 2026. Eligible candidates include Vietnamese students currently in grades 8, 9, or 10, with a minimum GPA of 8.0 and English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.0 or higher. The application process is simple, requiring academic transcripts, an international English certificate (optional), and a 1.5-minute personal video, encouraging creativity and individuality in true Gen Z style.
Beyond IELTS, the programme also recognises TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge B1 Preliminary, the Duolingo English Test, etc. Importantly, an international English certificate is not compulsory at the time of application. Students without one may submit it later during the assessment stage, or alternatively, participate in an interview or sit an English test depending on each school’s requirements.
As in previous years, NZSS 2026 will continue its dual-opportunity model, maximising chances for Vietnamese applicants. Each student will be assessed for the NZSS scholarship based on the two preferred schools listed in their application. If unsuccessful, they will still be considered for other scholarships offered independently by New Zealand schools. With just one application, students gain access to multiple scholarships.
To date, the NZSS programme has awarded nearly 80 scholarships, empowering talented Vietnamese students to study and thrive in New Zealand. Alumni have excelled academically and in extracurricular pursuits, progressed to leading universities worldwide, and entered the New Zealand workforce leveraging New Zealand’s policies that allow international graduates to stay and work in the country for up to 3 years.
Nguyễn Tuấn Minh, one of the first NZSS recipients, shared: “NZSS gave me the platform to accelerate a grade, win a bronze medal at the New Zealand Mathematics Olympiad, enter university at 16, and pursue a double major at the University of Auckland. Today, I’m proud to have secured an IT Graduate role in New Zealand after competing with nearly 300 applicants. I hope more Vietnamese students can seize these opportunities through NZSS.”
Phạm Gia Anh, NZSS 2023 scholar, preparing to study Nursing at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, reflected: “At the end of my final year, I was overjoyed to receive two prestigious awards rarely achieved by international students, adding to six trophies I had already earned. From arriving in New Zealand just two and a half years ago to now, I’m proud of my journey. NZSS opened this incredible door for me and many others.”
Mr. Ben Burrowes, Regional Director, Asia (excluding China), ENZ, commented: “The achievements of NZSS scholars reinforce the programme’s reputation as one of the most prestigious scholarships for Vietnamese students. With 56 places available in 2026, applicants will enjoy a broader range of school options tailored to their abilities and aspirations. This expansion reaffirms New Zealand’s commitment to providing comprehensive learning opportunities and equipping students for future success.”
The NZSS 2026 programme includes 56 high schools across New Zealand – state, private, single-sex, and co-educational institutions. These schools deliver either the New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) or international curricula such as Cambridge and the International Baccalaureate (IB). All share a dedication to academic quality and rich extracurricular offerings, fostering well-rounded student development.
Parents and students can explore eligibility criteria, application steps, and detailed school profiles at the official website: https://nzschoolscholarships.com.vn
