New Zealand: outstanding education opportunity

Ambassador Matthews speaking at the meeting

Education New Zealand (ENZ), the Kiwi government agency for international education, held an all-encompassing seminar on the merits and advantages of New Zealand education for Vietnamese students.

The invited speakers, including Ambassador Matthews, Ben Burrowes, Marketing and Strategic Relations manager at ENZ, and Giang Nguyen, regional manager for Southeast Asia at the University of Waikato, as well as alumni prominent New Zealand universities, not only shared facts and information on this massive opportunity, but managed to convey genuine care and enthusiasm to extend this once-in-a-lifetime chance at living and studying at world class universities in a uniquely supportive environment to Vietnamese students.

According to John Laxon, regional director of South, South East Asia & the Middle East at ENZ, the country’s emphasis on the safety and overall well-being of its people has become one of the key factors for Vietnamese students in choosing New Zealand as their international education destination. Add to this the university’s devoted care to make international visitors and students at home, and you have the recipe for an accommodating and supportive learning environment.

Laxon emphasises first and foremost New Zealand's efforts to accommodate international students

“Safety is a major concern for many students and their families, and institutions in New Zealand are highly involved in ensuring their international students are well-cared for. New Zealand was the first country in the world to put in place a Code of Pastoral Care for International Students, which is aimed at ensuring they are well informed, safe, and well-adjusted to the wider society,” said Laxon.

Besides the socially-inclusive environment, education in New Zealand is nothing to scoff at, either. All New Zealand universities are ranked in the top three per cent worldwide, and the 2017 QS World University Rankings also included 22 subjects where New Zealand universities ranked the top 50 worldwide.

“Vietnamese families can be confident their children will gain a world-class education in New Zealand,” assured us Laxon.

In addition to offering world-class education, the New Zealand system also equips international students with industry-relevant experience through extra-curricular activities and work placements. International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week over term break, giving them the chance to add various entries to their resumes well before entering the job market.

These efforts to equip graduates with industry-relevant skills have landed two New Zealand universities, the University of Auckland and Massey University, on the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2017 list—the list of 300 leading global institutions based on five key aspects of graduate employability.

While the learning environment and academic strengths were potently stressed and clarified, the speakers also spent time on potentially the biggest obstacle for international education—tuition fees and scholarships.

New Zealand institutions currently offer over 100 different scholarships for Vietnamese students. These include the Wellington scholarship provided by 12 secondary schools located around New Zealand’s capital, offering students a 15 per cent subsidy on tuition fees for one academic year.

Additionally, the University of Canterbury offers a number of scholarships for international undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with the University of Auckland International Student Scholarships, the Auckland Grammar School First Year Scholarship, and the New Zealand ASEAN Scholar Awards.

Given New Zealand’s appeal as the most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific, its dynamic growth, and renowned jovial hospitality, it is little wonder that it is a top-choice for Vietnamese students. Currently, 2,200 Vietnamese students are living and studying in New Zealand, and, according to Matthews, the country has received twice the number of student visa applications from Vietnam than any month ever—and there is always space for a few more.

Trinh Thi Hang - Master of Development Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand ASEAN Scholars Awards 2015 New Zealand education is very different and advanced. Teachers are instructors who open topics and offer several ways for students to approach knowledge. Students also have full control in their approach and obviously, it will show through the quality of essays, presentations and discussions.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Anh (Austin) - Bachelor of Marketing & Finance (doubledegree), Massey University, year 2011-2014 If I can say a word about New Zealand education and people, it is "AWESOME". The Kiwis did impress me by their kindness and thoughtfulness. I remember when I had to walk to work in the early morning, there were a lot of cars stopping by and asking me if I needed help. I never forget the warm-hearted lady that worked in our Massey student support office, when she tried to help me get my visa to go back to Vietnam on time.