At a New Zealand education conference on August 26, Education New Zealand said Vietnam now ranks fifth among countries sending international students to New Zealand. In 2025, Vietnamese student numbers increased by about 14% year on year, outpacing the country’s overall growth in international enrollment.

Universities accounted for the largest share, at 61%, the highest proportion recorded in a decade.

Vietnamese students are concentrated primarily in bachelor’s programs, followed by master’s and doctoral degrees. The most popular fields include Business and Management, Languages and Literature, Information Systems, Economics and Econometrics.

Secondary schools - covering Years 9 to 13 in New Zealand, broadly equivalent to Grades 8 to 12 in Vietnam - attract the second-largest group of Vietnamese students. According to Education New Zealand, Vietnamese students at this level tend to study for longer periods than international students from other countries.

87% of Vietnamese student visa applications approved

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Ben Burrowes, Education New Zealand’s Regional Director for Asia, discusses international study trends in New Zealand.

On visa trends, Ben Burrowes, Education New Zealand’s Regional Director for Asia, said 87% of student visa applications from Vietnamese students were approved during the first seven months of the year, compared with a global average of 78%. Applications are assessed by Immigration New Zealand.

Burrowes said applications are assessed against requirements and criteria designed to ensure students can study safely in New Zealand without relying too heavily on employment to cover their living costs.

“Being able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses after arriving in New Zealand is an important requirement,” Burrowes said.

Meanwhile, David Downs, Global Chief Executive of Education New Zealand, said the country currently offers competitive post-study work opportunities.

Students completing programs at bachelor’s level or above may have opportunities to remain in New Zealand and work after graduation, depending on their qualification and the duration of their studies.

For students enrolled in bachelor’s programs, the permitted working time during the academic term has recently increased from 20 to 25 hours a week. During scheduled breaks between terms, students can work full time.

Students pursuing research master’s degrees and PhD candidates are permitted to work without restrictions on the number of hours, including during the academic term.

For those seeking to remain longer and eventually pursue permanent residency, there are also pathways available.

“New Zealand is a country that needs skilled people. We are very happy to have talented people who want to work in New Zealand,” Downs said.

Thuy Nga