New Zealand Schools Scholarships relaunched in Viet Nam

The 2023 round of New Zealand Schools Scholarships – launched in January – will see 45 scholarships to 45 secondary schools offered exclusively to secondary school students from Viet Nam. Secondary schools from Kerikeri to Invercargill are taking part in what is ENZ’s latest international education initiative in Viet Nam.  

This year’s initiative follows the New Zealand Education Fairs in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City in October 2022 that attracted more than 1,000 attendees. The New Zealand – Viet Nam education relationship was also at the forefront of a visit to Viet Nam in November 2022 by former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. 

Viet Nam is a priority market for New Zealand schools. Pre COVID, the sector saw 80 percent growth in students from Viet Nam between 2017 and 2019. Moreover, nearly a third (28 percent) of all international students from Viet Nam choose to study in New Zealand schools.  

ENZ’s Business Development Manager Mary Camp said the New Zealand School Scholarships initiative has attracted quality students with high grade point average and good English language ability to study in New Zealand.  

“Vietnamese school students are usually very committed to New Zealand, they stay for several years, experience success, and often pathway to study in New Zealand universities.  

“We are delighted to welcome them back to New Zealand and eager for them to experience our quality education in a safe and nurturing environment.” 

With relaunching the New Zealand Schools Scholarships for Viet Nam, it was also valuable to have the support of the Schools in International Education Business Association (SIEBA), Camp said. 

“SIEBA has been supporting schools by undertaking reference checks in relation to interested education agents, thus reducing the burden on schools and helping them connect with new agents. Activating new agents in Viet Nam will help the entire sector.” 

ENZ’s Regional Director – Asia, Ben Burrowes said he was pleased to support the reactivation of the New Zealand Schools Scholarships initiative in Viet Nam. 

“ENZ is absolutely committed to its education relationship with Viet Nam and we’re excited to relaunch the New Zealand School Scholarships this year.  

“It’s fantastic to see that our international education sector continues to foster strong education ties with Viet Nam, which is demonstrated by the number of schools offering scholarships in 2023.” 

Since its launch in 2018, the New Zealand School Scholarships initiative in Viet Nam has grown to become a prestigious, top of mind scholarship for local students. 

 

Celebrating past recipients of the New Zealand School Scholarships  

 

Xuan Khang
Year 13, Pakuranga College 
2019 New Zealand School Scholarship recipient 

Xuan Khang came to Pakuranga College in June 2019 and graduated at the end of 2022. He remained in New Zealand throughout the pandemic, and achieved an outstanding academic record. He passed NCEA Levels 1 to 3 endorsed with Merit or Excellence gaining Excellence in both Level 3 Calculus and Chemistry. He was involved in the Academic Council, Environmental Council, the Service Council, the Cultural Council and Peer Support. Xuan Khang won Top Academic International Student at senior prizegiving in 2022 and will study Engineering at the University of Auckland in 2023.

"I came to New Zealand to broaden my horizons and become more independent. I have really enjoyed the practical aspects of working in labs and putting theory into practice. By using English daily, I feel my English has improved to a high standard. I have enjoyed being able to discuss my work with my teachers, who have been friendly and helpful. I feel I have really benefitted from the opportunities provided by living in New Zealand and studying at Pakuranga College."

 - Xuan

  

 

Ho, Thi My Ha (Ha)
Year 13, Mt Roskill Grammar School 
2020 New Zealand School Scholarship recipient 

Ha began her study at Mt Roskill Grammar School in 2020. Intent on success, she achieved ‘Excellence’ endorsements at all three NCEA levels, obtaining 230 Excellence credits even before final exams. This is despite COVID lockdowns, the challenge of online learning, and not being able to travel back to see her family. Her homestay and the Mt Roskill International Department supported her during this time. At the 2022 Senior Graduation, she won the International Student Award, 1st in Level 3 accounting, 2nd in Level 3 Physics, the Hays trophy for Excellence in Commerce and the Lacy Cup for Senior literature. 

“My time at Mt Roskill Grammar School was a really fun and helpful experience. One of the things I like most is how helpful everyone is. The teachers and the students are all happy to help and support each other. I also like how different it is from Vietnam because there is flexibility to choose our own subjects and how we learn. We have options about how we study and do exercises, so long as we get the results. There are a lot of extra-curricular activities and opportunities to learn new things.”  

– Ha