Growing opportunities for Vietnamese students in New Zealand

The fair brought together more than 40 educational institutions across multiple academic levels and featured alumni, scholarship officials, and visa experts, offering participants access to official, comprehensive information about studying in New Zealand.

Speaking at the event, Caroline Beresford, New Zealand’s Ambassador to Vietnam, highlighted education as both the 'heart' of bilateral relations and a symbol of the emotional connection between the two nations. "Education promotes connectivity, fosters innovation, deepens mutual understanding, and creates business opportunities. More importantly, it serves as a critical bridge between our people, building generations of friendships, families, and professional networks," she said.

According to the ambassador, Vietnamese enrolment in New Zealand increased by 10 per cent in 2023, with over 1,700 students currently pursuing education across various fields. Secondary education showed the strongest recovery, growing 31 per cent to 308 students, while higher education maintained its role as a key driver, increasing by 7 per cent to more than 1,100 students - the highest level in a decade.

"We believe that New Zealand offers international students learning experiences that stand out compared to more crowded study destinations," Beresford explained.

Recognising education as a key focus in the cooperation between two countries, with growth in both scope and depth, New Zealand reaffirmed its strong commitment to the bilateral education partnership with Vietnam and expressed eagerness to welcome Vietnamese students back next year.

Parents and students receive consultations from over 40 leading educational institutions in New Zealand. Photo: ENZ

Additionally, New Zealand underscored the essential role international students play in fostering global citizenship among young Kiwis. The ambassador encouraged Vietnamese students to study alongside peers from diverse countries, cultures, and religions, gaining insights from perspectives that may differ significantly from their own.

The rising interest from Vietnamese parents and students was another key focus of the event. Ben Burrowes, acting general manager, International at ENZ, highlighted that Vietnamese learners are increasingly drawn to programmes in sustainable development, business, management, and newer fields like arts and animation.

"Many Vietnamese students have already achieved considerable success, thanks to the advanced educational foundation provided by New Zealand," said Burrowes.

The continued growth in student interest has prompted further efforts to connect Vietnamese learners with academic opportunities in New Zealand. Burrowes highlighted the New Zealand Education Fair as an ideal platform to explore high-quality educational courses and career prospects.

"This event marks the perfect starting point for students to discover outstanding learning options and unlock promising career opportunities," he said.

With its focus on fostering innovation and lifelong connections, New Zealand is positioning itself as an appealing destination for students planning to study abroad. As interest from Vietnamese families grows, the educational partnership between the two countries is expected to bring new opportunities for the next generation of learners and professionals.

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