New Zealand provides 40 full micro-credentials scholarships for Vietnamese learners

ENZ doubled the amount of scholarships this year, with 20 scholarships for Digital and Collaborative Teaching and Learning for school teachers, university lecturers and educators in Vietnam. In addition, there will be 20 new Disruptive Technologies scholarships available for entrepreneurs, leaders, and managers.

A micro-credential is a certificate for a course that lasts between a few weeks and three months. The courses will be developed and delivered by academyEX (previously The Mind Lab), a postgraduate education institute that has achieved numerous New Zealand government, regional, and global honors in technology and education. Unlike traditional short courses, each Micro-credential in this program is accredited by the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) and can be used to redeem credits for learners in many graduate programs at academyEX or other international educational institutions subject to credit acceptance and recognition conditions.

Excellent applicants who pass the screening round will be enrolled in a Micro-credential course on an online platform, allowing students to study at their own pace and on their own time. During the study period, students will have online interactive sessions with instructors and fellow students studying in New Zealand to exchange and discuss the learning content and practical application in New Zealand, in addition to learning materials, lectures, and assignments on academyEX's specialized learning platform.

Ben Burrowes, Asia Regional Director of Education New Zealand, said: “New Zealand is regarded as one of the world-leading in preparing students for the future and fostering lifelong learning. We believe that upskilling and uplevel play a vital role in the overall development of economies, including Vietnam. Therefore, we want to empower people in Vietnam who work in the education and business management sectors so they may access opportunities to improve their ability to adapt to and succeed in the digital age through initiatives like this scholarship.”

The 15-week Digital and Collaborative Teaching and Learning Micro-credential course (August 7, 2023 - November 19, 2023) focuses on pedagogical approaches that are contemporary, creative, and effective, applying digital tools to innovative educational practices, particularly collaborative teaching and learning methods, thereby supporting students in developing digital skills and the ability to adapt to ever-changing contexts. Learners can also create their own instructional techniques that are appropriate for cultural contexts and sustainable environments.

The 10-week Disruptive Technology Micro-credential course (September 11, 2023 - November 19, 2023) provides foundational knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI), chain technology -Blockchain (Blockchain), network security, Internet of things, big data... how to evaluate and exploit the potential of new technologies to integrate into business strategy, enhance operational capacity of a business or organization. Learners will get a deeper grasp of the industries and fields experiencing the most rapid and dramatic change, as well as engage with a community of people eager to explore and contribute on ideas that utilize breakthrough technologies. This course also presents the principles of workplace flexibility and adaptability, which are critical for future competitive advantage.

Frances Valintine, Founder and CEO of academyEX, said: "We're thrilled to offer Vietnamese professionals our Micro-credentials through the partnership with Education New Zealand. These bite-sized, interactive courses use cutting-edge digital tools to foster collaboration. They're relevant to today's needs and hold immense future significance, equip learners with skills for an ever-evolving world. Our programmes empower Vietnamese professionals to seize tomorrow's opportunities.”

Le Phan Hung, lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education and one of 20 Vietnamese representatives to receive scholarships in 2022, said: "After attending the course, I was able to apply the criteria for cooperation, sustainability, and understanding more about planning and creativity in education to perfect the design of online courses for the subject I am teaching. By grasping the concepts of game design, I am more secure in incorporating games into my teaching. At the same time, I believe this learning experience gives long-term professional support for learners, particularly those who choose to continue their education at a higher level of study."