In his recent Vietnam visit, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon highlighted the contributions of Vietnamese students to New Zealand’s education sector and announced more new opportunities for them to study in the country.
In a LinkedIn post, Luxon said, “Students from Vietnam attending our schools and universities adds over $88 million to our economy.”
To commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations, New Zealand and Vietnam elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last week, emphasising enhanced collaboration in education and defence.
The prime minister highlighted that approximately 1,700 Vietnamese students are currently enrolled in New Zealand institutions. He further announced the expansion of scholarship programs, the introduction of new awards and courses, and enhanced transnational education opportunities aimed at establishing stronger ties between Vietnamese students and New Zealand universities.
This year, the New Zealand Schools Scholarships program will award a record 45 scholarships to Vietnamese students in grades 8–10. These scholarships target exceptional high school students aspiring to study at secondary schools across New Zealand. 14 New Zealand University Awards will also be available to undergraduate students.
“We are pleased to continue to welcome a steady stream of Vietnamese students on campus who we know are highly motivated by the potential for career opportunities post-graduation,” a spokesperson from the University of Auckland’s international office said.
According to the spokesperson, “The most sought-after courses among Vietnamese students are business, science, and engineering, which provide robust career opportunities in New Zealand and globally.”
As New Zealand advances key sectors such as STEM, economics, medicine, and artificial intelligence—areas that align closely with Vietnam’s development priorities—the educational institutions of both countries are intensifying their collaborative efforts.
Apart from education, economic growth was another key theme of Luxon’s visit, with both countries aiming to boost two-way trade from the current $2.6 billion to $3 billion by 2026.
Another highlight of the visit was Vietjet Air’s announcement of a direct Auckland–Ho Chi Minh City route, scheduled to begin operations in September 2025.