The New Zealand - Vietnam EduConnect event took place on February 26 at Foreign Trade University (FTU), marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Co-hosted by the New Zealand Embassy in Vietnam and Education New Zealand (ENZ), the event welcomed high-level officials, including New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Foreign Minister Winston Peters, Vietnam’s Minister of Education and Training, and ambassadors from both countries.
Addressing an audience of over 200 students and delegates, Prime Minister Luxon announced new initiatives aimed at strengthening educational collaboration between New Zealand and Vietnam. He underscored education as a cornerstone of bilateral ties and stressed the importance of expanding student exchanges, enhancing scholarship opportunities, and fostering deeper academic partnerships.
“The relationship between New Zealand and Vietnam is built on shared values, and education plays a critical role in shaping our future together,” Luxon said.
The event reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to expanding cooperation in education, paving the way for increased academic engagement and opportunities for young people from both countries.
| New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon presents New Zealand's education programs at the event. Photo: Khanh Van |
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening education cooperation with Vietnam, aiming to build a globally connected and dynamic education sector. He expressed confidence that deeper collaboration would not only benefit students and academic institutions but also enhance broader bilateral ties in trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
As part of this commitment, Luxon announced a series of scholarships for Vietnamese students, including 14 New Zealand University Scholarships (NZUA) worth NZD 15,000 (US$8,500) each, 39 Manaaki New Zealand Postgraduate Scholarships, and 45 New Zealand Secondary School Scholarships (NZSS) with flexible English language requirements and a dual assessment selection process.
Highlighting the strength of New Zealand’s education system, Luxon noted that all eight of the country’s universities rank in the top 2% globally. He emphasized that New Zealand excels in key fields such as technology, space science, STEM, business, medicine, AI, and chatbots, areas that closely align with Vietnam’s development priorities.
The new initiatives mark a significant step in deepening educational partnerships between the two nations, reinforcing education as a key pillar of New Zealand-Vietnam relations.
New Zealand's Top 2% universities. Photo: Khanh Van
Another important announcement was the launch of the New Zealand Alumni Network (NZAN) in Vietnam, a community of Vietnamese graduates of New Zealand institutions. The network will facilitate professional networking, knowledge sharing and collaboration among alumni.
Prime Minister Luxon expressed hope that these initiatives will encourage more Vietnamese students to study in New Zealand and vice versa, fostering deeper cultural and economic ties.
The New Zealand - Vietnam EduConnect event is an important step in strengthening the educational partnership between the two countries. By expanding opportunities for academic exchange, it reinforces long-term cooperation and enhances the strategic relationship between New Zealand and Vietnam.
