28 May 2026 at 8:30 am
Supporting university recruitment and raising New Zealand’s profile in Viet Nam
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) has launched the 2026 New Zealand Universities Awards (NZUA). The awards are a provider-based government-backed scholarship programme that helps New Zealand universities attract high quality undergraduate students from Viet Nam while raising New Zealand's profile in this important market.
Building on the programme first introduced in 2025, NZUA 2026 is larger and more flexible. It continues to serve as a key tool for student recruitment and for building long-term connections in Viet Nam.
In 2026, there are 15 scholarships available, each worth NZD $15,000 for the first year of undergraduate study. The scholarships are offered at six New Zealand universities: University of Auckland, University of Waikato, Massey University, Lincoln University, University of Canterbury and University of Otago. The awards help universities connect with high‑achieving Vietnamese students for whom receiving a scholarship is both a major achievement and a source of pride.
The programme was first introduced following Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit to Viet Nam in 2025. It recognises students’ academic achievement, creativity and leadership, while showcasing the strengths of New Zealand’s university system.
A key feature of NZUA is that students can combine the award with other university scholarships (depending on each university’s rules). This helps make studying in New Zealand more affordable and strengthens New Zealand’s competitiveness in attracting undergraduate students.
The 2026 programme offers greater flexibility in entry requirements while maintaining strong academic standards. Applications are submitted online and require academic documents, an offer of place from a New Zealand university, and a short video introducing the student and their goals.
The awards have already generated strong visibility for New Zealand education, with coverage in major Vietnamese media. This helps reinforce New Zealand’s reputation among students, parents and education agents.
Applications are open until 12 July 2026. The successful applicants will be announced in early September followed by an awards ceremony in October.
Through NZUA, ENZ continues to work closely with New Zealand universities to build long‑term engagement in Viet Nam, support sustainable growth in student enrolments, and align scholarships with wider international education and brand goals.
