Why Vietnam is a priority
Vietnam is one of five markets that New Zealand is prioritizing for promotion and one of two countries where it invests across every education segment.
Sahinde Pala, director of the international division at Education New Zealand (ENZ), shared the information on October 28 during a working visit to Vietnam and meetings with relevant organizations.
Pala said New Zealand divides global markets into three groups. Vietnam and four other countries are in the grow group, which receives more resources for promotion. New Zealand is running two government scholarship programs specifically for Vietnam, along with initiatives that help students experience its education system and connect with schools.
Under the New Zealand Schools Scholarships program, New Zealand will offer 59 places to Vietnamese lower and upper secondary students next academic year, three more than last year and the highest number so far.
New Zealand is expanding cooperation with education agencies in Vietnam so they have accurate information and can advise students on suitable study paths. ENZ is also strengthening work with Vietnamese government agencies to support bilateral dialogue on education.
ENZ is consulting schools to make it easier for Vietnamese pupils and students to study in New Zealand. More universities and academies are accepting Vietnamese applicants based on school records and English ability. Some have begun accepting applications after first-semester Grade 12 results.
Pala said the decision was based on demographic analysis, student motivation and how well New Zealand's education products fit needs in Vietnam. ENZ also consulted New Zealand's immigration authority, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the education sector.
Decision-making in Vietnam takes longer than in some other countries, Pala said. Once finalized, New Zealand does not plan to change the classification in the near future.
Commitment to international education
Pala said New Zealand will hold an election next week to choose the government for the next three years. Regardless of the result, both parties view international education and cooperation with Vietnam as important priorities.
New Zealand aims to double the value of its international education sector by 2034, from NZD 3.6 billion in 2024 to NZD 7.2 billion. The figure has reached about NZD 5 billion so far.
An ENZ survey of more than 5,000 international students, including Vietnamese students, found that more than 90% had a positive experience in New Zealand. Another survey found that more than 77% of residents believed international education benefited the country and wanted more international students.
In 2025, about 2,200 Vietnamese pupils and students were studying in New Zealand, up 14% from 2024. The overall increase was 11%. Secondary schools had 370 Vietnamese students, about 2% of all international secondary students in the country.
Sources: Thanh Niên
