From Viet Nam to Aotearoa: 20 bright minds awarded school scholarships

Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) proudly celebrated the achievements of 20 outstanding Vietnamese students at the New Zealand School Scholarships (NZSS) 2025 awards ceremony and pre-departure briefing, held on 22 June 2025 in Ho Chi Minh city. 

The event marked a milestone for these young students and their families, as they prepare to embark on a transformative education journey in New Zealand. It also served as a valuable orientation platform, offering practical insights into studying and living in New Zealand through sharing sessions led by NZSS alumni and their parents. 

Now in its fifth year, the NZSS programme continues to strengthen its footprint with a record 45 participating New Zealand high schools and 47 fully completed applications resulting in 20 winners this year. 

Among the New Zealand schools that successfully secured NZSS students, one private and four public schools joined for the first time – a testament to the programme’s growing influence and effectiveness in engaging with the education market in Viet Nam. 

Participation in NZSS plays a vital role in raising New Zealand schools’ profile in Viet Nam. ENZ rolled out the 2025 NZSS campaign from January to March, with additional amplification in June, generating 48 media clippings with a combined PR value of NZD 131,000 and a social media reach of over 2 million in Viet Nam.  

Speaking at the ceremony, New Zealand Consul-General and Trade Commissioner in Ho Chi Minh City, Scott James, said: “You had many choices for your education, and you chose New Zealand. For that, we are truly grateful.”  

The latest awardees of the New Zealand School Scholarship pictured alongside their parents and representatives from ENZ and NZ Inc.

Nguyễn Thiện Nhân, one of the 2025 awardees, shared his emotions on receiving the scholarship: 

“Being selected for this scholarship is not only one of the greatest honours of my life, but a moment that reminds me that hard work, belief, and perseverance can lead to something truly life changing. The more I learned about New Zealand – its values, its education system, and its people – the more I felt a strong connection. I realised: this isn’t just a place to study, it’s a place to grow.” 

ENZ Regional Director – Asia (excluding China), Ben Burrowes, said he is proud to see the tangible impact of this scholarship.  
 
“Many NZSS alumni have already achieved great success in their study and personal development journeys. Some are now beginning their careers in New Zealand, joining our workforce and contributing meaningfully to our economy and communities,” he said.   

“These achievements reflect both their talent and the opportunity the NZSS programme provides, and we are confident today’s recipients will follow in their footsteps,” Ben added. 

This year’s scholarship ceremony coincided with the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Viet Nam – a fitting backdrop to a programme that continues to strengthen people-to-people ties and foster future global citizens.