University strengthens ties with Vietnamese students

The University of Auckland looks forward to welcoming students from Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh University of Technology (HUTECH) after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Hanoi.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater's signing of the MOU marks a significant step forward in fostering a sustained and mutually beneficial relationship, paving the way for HUTECH students to pursue opportunities in Auckland.

Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, who is leading a trade delegation to Vietnam, witnessed the signing.

“Vietnamese students have always been interested in studying in New Zealand – we are here to tell them, and their families, that we want to welcome more of them to our shores with the promise of an excellent, high-quality education,” Mr Luxon says.

Professor Freshwater says University staff have met with HUTECH colleagues since July 2023, seeking to deepen the institution’s engagement and presence in Vietnam and build a long-term relationship.

“International education is a significant opportunity for students to extend their studies, experience and understand new cultures, and explore opportunities for the future,” she says.

Over time, the University intends to provide HUTECH students with a range of opportunities to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across diverse fields in Science, Education and the Arts.

The two universities also plan to collaborate on research and teaching, and to integrate sustainable development as a key focus. This will leverage the University of Auckland’s global leadership in sustainability.

Facts:

• In 2024, 1,055 Vietnamese students studied at New Zealand universities.
• Pre-Covid, in 2019, 1,070 Vietnamese students studied at New Zealand universities.