For the first time, New Zealand is offering government-funded scholarships to Vietnamese students enrolling at one of its eight public universities in 2025.

The New Zealand Education Agency recently announced the New Zealand Government Undergraduate Scholarship for Vietnamese students, applicable for the academic intake starting in February 2026.

A total of 14 scholarships will be awarded, each valued at NZD 15,000, for students admitted to one of New Zealand's eight public universities: University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, Massey University, University of Waikato, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, and University of Otago. Applications for this program are expected to open in May 2025.

In addition to the government scholarship program, New Zealand universities currently offer various scholarships to Vietnamese students, ranging in value from NZD 5,000 to NZD 35,000.

New Zealand’s eight public universities are all ranked in the top 2% globally according to the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Half of these institutions have earned the prestigious “Triple Crown” accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA for international quality standards.

Most undergraduate programs in New Zealand span three years, with some exceptions in fields like engineering and medicine.

Currently, high school and undergraduate students in New Zealand are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during holidays, provided they have consent from both their guardians and their schools.

Meanwhile, postgraduate students face no restrictions on working hours. International graduates may stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years after completing their studies.

Thuy Nga