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Jan 18, 2018 / 09:59

First time Vietnamese student visas to New Zealand up by 60% in 2017

In 2017, first time student visa applicants from Vietnam to New Zealand climbed by 60%, according to Economist Intelligence Unit`s recognition.

On January, 17, Education New Zealand also recognised the lastest 30 recipients of the New Zealand-ASEAN Scholarships (NZAS) Awards.
John Laxon, Education New Zealand’s Regional Director of South, South East Asia& Middle East said: “Vietnamese students and their families are increasingly choosing New Zealand universities and secondary schools for a world-class education”.
Education New Zealand’s Regional Director of South, South East Asia& Middle East
Education New Zealand’s Regional Director of South, South East Asia& Middle East
“We have seen an 67% increase in the numbers of Vietnamese students choosing New Zealand universities in 2017, and our secondary schools received 75% more first-time Vietnamese students”, he added.
In the public sector, the annual NZAS scholarships are provided by the New Zealand Government, and will see 30 Vietnamese schoolars begin their post  graduate study in New Zealand next month. The recipients will receive full academic scholarships, financial assistance with research and thesis costs, as well as living allowances.
Vietnamese scholars of NZAS programme this year
Vietnamese scholars of NZAS programme this year

Since its inception in 1994, the NZAS scholarship programme has witnessed over 250 Vietnamese students pursue their postgraduate education in the South Pacific nation. However, it is only one of the numerous tie-ups between education institutes from both countries.
“The ASEAN scholarship is an example of how education partnership give Vietnamese students the opportunity to leverage New Zealand’s expertise in niche area to develop skills that can help them contribute to their communities”, said Laxon.
Doan Thanh Hai, one of the NZAS’ alumni shared: “ The educational experience in New Zealand has not only given me skills to progress my career but also provided broader perspective to global issues. It has shaped my mind set positively to get ready for the local challenges back home”. Hai’s currently a project manager of the Centre for Social Initiatives Promotion (CSIP), a Vietnam-based NGO supporting social enteterprises.
According to H.E Wendy Matthews, New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam: “Over the last 24 years, many New Zealand ASEAN Scholars have gone on to become respected leaders in Vietnam. New Zealand ASEAN scholars grow academically, professionally and personally as the result of their time in New Zealand.”
Application for NZAS scholarships starting in 2019 will open on 1 February and close on 14 March 2018.