Record numbers of Vietnamese students are now choosing New Zealand as their international education destination of choice, according to Education New Zealand (ENZ).

 This is the result of the country’s serious effort to provide the best experience for international students, including those from Vietnam.

There were over 2,500 Vietnamese students in New Zealand at the end of 2017, with the number of secondary school students increasing 36 per cent compared to 2016, while university student numbers grew 14 per cent. This year continues to see positive growth, with an increase in student visas in the first half.

New Zealand is one of only two countries in the world that has in place an International Education Strategy. As part of this strategy, ENZ continues to work closely with education agents to further promote New Zealand as a study destination. 

It is also set to re-launch the Education New Zealand Recognised Agent (ENZRA) program near the end of 2018, which will review and update the list of recognized agents annually to ensure the highest quality support is delivered to the students. 

Agents will also be given comprehensive online training, providing them with updated skills and more information to better assist international students.

Mr. Ben Burrowes, ENZ’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, said it is encouraging to see the rising number of Vietnamese students in New Zealand, as it reflects New Zealand’s commitment towards the education and well-being of international students.

“As New Zealand’s third-largest source market within Southeast Asia for international students, Vietnam is a crucial market for our education institutions,” he said. “Over the past few years, we have really focused our efforts in delivering an excellent education experience for Vietnamese students, making sure they are well-equipped with the necessary tools. The ENZRA program, once re-launched in Vietnam, will encourage local education agents to improve their capabilities and provide the best support possible for Vietnamese students as they begin their overseas education journey.”

As well as providing more support to high-performing agents, ENZ is also focusing on making the process easier for students with, the launch of the My StudyNZ app, which is designed to better support students’ search process by matching them with the courses and institutions that best suit their profiles. Students are also able to review personalized study recommendations, shortlist matches, and track their progress towards applying for courses and visas.

“New Zealand offers innovative and world class education,” said Ambassador of New Zealand to Vietnam, H.E Wendy Matthews. 

“This is also evident in New Zealand’s approach to international students. We want students to be well-prepared and well-informed even before their arrival to New Zealand. The ENZRA program and My StudyNZ app are good examples of how we are making it easier for Vietnamese students to access and understand New Zealand education.”

VN Economic Times