How a Cambodian Educator Won the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship to Study a Fully Funded Master’s in TESOL at Victoria University of Wellington

My name is Sovannvatey Khlaing, and I come from Takeo, a small but vibrant province in Cambodia. I earned my Bachelor of Education in English from the Royal University of Phnom Penh (Institute of Foreign Languages) in 2019. After working in the education sector for several years, I realized the importance of further study, not only to deepen my expertise, but also to challenge myself and grow beyond the familiar.

Pursuing a Master’s degree abroad has given me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, explore new academic and cultural environments, and develop the skills I need to help improve English teaching and learning in Cambodia. I am especially passionate about bringing back new knowledge and practices that can contribute to teacher training, curriculum development, and systemic improvements in my country. On a personal level, I also saw this as a much-needed chance to recharge after four intense years of full-time work and to reconnect with my passion for lifelong learning and intercultural exchange.

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Details

I was awarded the prestigious Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, a fully funded scholarship offered by the New Zealand Government through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). This scholarship is highly competitive and is designed to support future leaders from developing countries in gaining the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to their home countries’ development.

The scholarship covers full tuition fees, living allowance, travel costs, insurance, and establishment support, making it possible for me to pursue my studies without financial burden. I was not only honored to be selected but also deeply motivated to make the most of this opportunity to give back to Cambodia’s education sector.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor of Education in English from the Royal University of Phnom Penh (Institute of Foreign Languages), which I completed in 2019 with a GPA of 3.14. My undergraduate studies laid a solid foundation in English language teaching, linguistics, and education theory — all of which directly supported my transition into a full-time teaching role after graduation.

This academic background, combined with over four years of hands-on teaching experience, inspired me to pursue the Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MATESOL). Through both study and practice, I became increasingly aware of the limitations of traditional language teaching methods in Cambodia. This motivated me to deepen my understanding of innovative and evidence-based strategies that could improve English language teaching and learning in my country. My prior education not only gave me the technical foundation to succeed in the MATESOL program, but also fueled my long-term goal of contributing to educational reform and teacher development back home.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Victoria University of Wellington?

After receiving the scholarship offer from MFAT, I began actively searching for the right university and program in New Zealand. Fortunately, there is strong support for prospective applicants in Cambodia. The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Cambodia team regularly holds information sessions, which were extremely helpful in guiding my application journey. These sessions not only explained how to prepare a strong application but also featured alumni speakers from various universities and majors, who shared their personal experiences, tips, and advice.

Through these events, I was able to connect with senior scholars, who became valuable mentors as I explored different MATESOL programs. Their insights helped me make informed decisions about where and what to study.

In terms of requirements, most New Zealand universities expect international students to have an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall, with no band lower than 6.0, though this may vary by program. While I was asked to submit my IELTS score at a later stage of the selection process, I would strongly recommend that future applicants take the IELTS early, as it can help strengthen both scholarship and university applications.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship?

Preparing for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship was a year-long journey that required careful planning, reflection, and persistence. I began by attending information sessions organized by the Manaaki team in Cambodia. These sessions were instrumental in helping me understand the structure of the application, the key documents required, and the types of questions I would need to answer. I also reached out to alumni and previous awardees, who generously shared their experiences and guided me through the process.

In terms of documentation, I prepared my passport, academic certificates, transcripts, and an employment letter to verify my two years of professional experience. I started my preparation about six months before the application opened, giving myself time to reflect on my goals and gather the necessary materials. Once the application portal opened (usually in February), I spent 1–2 months writing and revising my responses. I also sought feedback from trusted friends and alumni to ensure that my answers were clear, compelling, and aligned with the scholarship’s vision.

After being shortlisted, I was invited to take a psychometric test, which was unfamiliar to me. I spent time practicing online, speaking with past recipients, and building confidence for this stage. Finally, for the interview, I revisited my application responses, practiced common interview questions with friends, and asked my seniors for advice on how to present my story authentically and professionally.

Altogether, the application process spanned nearly a full year, from early preparation to the final results in August. While timelines may vary by country, I found that early and steady preparation was key to navigating each stage successfully.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

In my opinion, the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship values not only academic excellence but also passion, leadership, and resilience. While my academic record may not have been the highest compared to some other applicants, I believe what truly set my application apart was my consistent involvement in educational projects, conferences, and professional development activities. These experiences demonstrated my genuine commitment to the field of English education and my readiness to pursue higher study with purpose.

I also presented a clear vision for how my postgraduate study would contribute to improving English teaching and learning in Cambodia. My application reflected a deep understanding of the current challenges in my field and a well-thought-out plan for how I could address them through teacher training, curriculum innovation, and policy engagement.

Perhaps most importantly, I shared my personal journey as a woman from a small village in Takeo province, who dared to dream of studying abroad and contributing to national development. I believe this part of my story resonated with the selection committee, not only because it reflected resilience, but also because it carried the potential to inspire other young Cambodian women to pursue their goals and believe in their ability to make a difference.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Looking back, I don’t have any major regrets about my scholarship journey, but if I were to go through the process again, I would invest more time in learning about life as a Master’s student in New Zealand. Transitioning into postgraduate study, especially in a new academic culture, can be quite different from what many of us are used to, and having a clearer picture of those expectations might have helped me feel more prepared from the start.

I also wish I had taken more time to explore the richness of Māori culture before arriving. While I’ve since come to deeply appreciate its beauty and significance, having that cultural awareness earlier would have enriched my understanding of New Zealand society and helped me engage more meaningfully with local perspectives right from the beginning.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

First and foremost, take time to truly reflect on your goals and ask yourself why you want to pursue a scholarship abroad. Knowing your “why” will give you the motivation and clarity to navigate the challenges ahead.

Many people hesitate because they doubt their abilities or compare themselves to others, but the truth is, everyone has a fair chance. The key is to believe in yourself and start taking action. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start preparing, step by step. It may feel intimidating to step outside your comfort zone, but once you do, it can lead to one of the most rewarding chapters of your life.

Getting this scholarship has been a transformative experience for me, not just academically, but personally. So if you’re dreaming of this opportunity, go for it. You’re more capable than you think.