New Zealand will offer 56 government scholarships to Vietnamese students in grades 8, 9, and 10 for the 2026 academic year - the highest number ever awarded under its secondary school scholarship (NZSS) program.

The New Zealand Education Agency (ENZ) announced the application period would run from January 5 to March 22. Eligible students must currently be in grades 8–10 in Vietnam, with an academic GPA of 8.0 or higher and an English level equivalent to IELTS 5.0 or above.

Ben Burrowes, Regional Director for Asia at ENZ, noted: “The increasing number of NZSS scholarships offered each year allows Vietnamese students to explore a wider range of schools that match their strengths and personal goals. It also demonstrates New Zealand’s ongoing efforts to provide well-rounded international learning opportunities.”

Applicants must submit academic transcripts, international English certificates (if available), and a 1.5-minute personal video to showcase their individuality and creativity.

While IELTS is preferred, other English certifications such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge B1 Preliminary, and Duolingo English Test are also accepted. However, proof of English proficiency is not required at the time of application. Those who don’t submit a certificate initially may be asked to complete an interview or language assessment during the selection process.

Students will be considered for government scholarships based on their two preferred schools in New Zealand. If not selected, they may still be eligible for other scholarships directly offered by individual schools.

The 2026 NZSS program involves 56 high-quality secondary schools across various regions of New Zealand, including public, private, single-sex, and co-educational institutions. These schools follow either the New Zealand National Curriculum or international programs such as Cambridge and the International Baccalaureate.

Thuy Nga