How a Vietnamese International Relations Graduate Earned the Fully Funded Manaaki New Zealand Government Scholarship to Study Public Policy at the University of Auckland

Xin chào! I’m Thi Hoang Anh (Annie) Nguyen from Hanoi, Vietnam. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in International Relations from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, and last year, I completed a Master of Public Policy at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, thanks to the generous support of the Manaaki New Zealand Government Scholarship.

When I was choosing a major for my postgraduate study, Public Policy felt like a natural path. As an IR graduate, I had always been drawn to the ways policy decisions shape society, especially in countries like Vietnam, where development is happening fast and unevenly. I grew up wondering why some communities had more access to services and opportunities than others and how better policymaking could help bridge those gaps. That curiosity eventually turned into a strong desire to learn how to contribute meaningfully to inclusive and sustainable development.

Apart from Manaaki, I was accepted to the May 18th Institute’s Master's Scholarship in South Korea, along with some other short-term exchange programs. But Manaaki stood out to me. It wasn’t just about the funding - it was about the values. The scholarship emphasised leadership development, long-term community impact, and a strong connection to the home country’s development. That aligned perfectly with what I wanted.

Now, to be honest, my GPA wasn’t perfect: 3.29 out of 4.0. I knew it wasn’t the most impressive number for such a competitive, merit-based scholarship. But I had other strengths. During my undergraduate years, I supported my lecturer on research projects and volunteered in various community development initiatives. These hands-on experiences helped me develop a solid foundation in research, critical thinking, and communication, all essential for public policy work. I believe it was this blend of academic effort and real-world engagement that helped me stand out.

One unique aspect of Manaaki is that you can apply to universities after being shortlisted for the scholarship. It made the process more straightforward, but also riskier. Even if you’re awarded the scholarship, you still need to meet the university's admission requirements. So, I really recommend reading program details carefully and preparing more than one option because Manaaki lets you list up to three universities. I chose the University of Auckland because its Public Policy program focused on policy analysis with applications beyond government, exactly what I was looking for. Plus, Auckland’s vibrant mix of NGOs, think tanks, and international organisations made it a great place for internships and networking.

Another (slightly less academic) reason I chose Auckland? It’s the largest city in New Zealand. I knew I’d get the chance to experience a dynamic city life, exploring, traveling, and working outside the classroom, which mattered a lot to me.

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

The scholarship application process itself was intense, but also surprisingly helpful in shaping my goals. Instead of writing a long personal statement or submitting full letters of recommendation, Manaaki asks a series of short questions, each with a 200-word limit. It sounds simple, but it forces you to be clear, concise, and strategic. Every word matters. I reviewed the guidelines carefully and made sure each response connected to the others, building a story that reflected both my past experience and future plans. I also shared my drafts with mentors, who gave me great feedback and helped me refine my message.

After the written application came a comprehensive test and interview. Connecting with other applicants helped me a lot, I was lucky to receive a mock interview from a scholarship alumna, and her insights gave me the confidence I needed. But more than any tip or technique, the best advice I got was this: just be honest. Be yourself. That authenticity is what really matters.

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

Looking back, if I could change one thing, I’d give myself more time. I made the decision to apply a bit impulsively and only had a little over a week to pull everything together. It was doable, but it was stressful. If you’re thinking about applying, start early. Give yourself time to do the research, reflect on your story, and get feedback from people who can support you. Do mock interviews if possible. And talk to people who’ve been through it before, it makes a huge difference.

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

If you’re preparing your own application, here are a few things I learned that might help:

• Start early. Time is your best ally.
• Be authentic. Let your real voice and motivation shine through.
• Highlight your impact. Show how your work can benefit not just you, but your community or country.
• Seek support. Find a mentor, connect with past recipients, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Have a plan B. Scholarships are competitive, and rejection is part of the process. Be ready to try again.

Applying for the Manaaki Scholarship changed my life. It gave me the chance to study what I love, meet incredible people, and grow into the kind of person I want to be. If you believe you have something to offer, go for it. You never know where it might lead.