English Language Training for Officials (NZELTO) Asia Scholarship Programme

Overview 
For over 30 years, Manatū Aorere | the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has partnered with Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington to deliver the English Language Training for Officials (ELTO) Asia Scholarship. Since 2022, Education New Zealand has led the programme’s operational delivery under the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme. 

Target Audience 
The ELTO Asia scholarships are open to government officials from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and Mongolia, particularly those in priority sectors where English proficiency is essential. 

Client Needs 
Aligned with New Zealand’s support for ASEAN, the ELTO programme aims to enhance participants’ English skills, deepen knowledge on course themes, and build connections with New Zealanders and peers from across the region. 

Our Solution 
Wellington Uni-Professional, in collaboration with Victoria University of Wellington’s English Language Institute, delivers a three-month, theme-based English programme in Wellington. The programme includes world-class teaching and experiential activities, supporting participants from the selection process to completion. 

Results and Outcomes 
The ELTO programme has continuously evolved, strengthening New Zealand’s ties with ASEAN. The introduction of theme-based language training has enhanced its impact, fostering long-term connections between participants and New Zealand entities. 

The programme’s success inspired the ELTO Africa initiative, and it adapted to remote delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 2,500 alumni, many now leading government departments and embassies worldwide, demonstrate its lasting influence. 

More Information 
To learn more about the NZELTO programmes visit www.nzeltoasia.nz or www.nzeltoafrica.nz  

Testimonials 
“I feel that we are really lucky and happy to participate in this course. The preparation and design of the curriculum is thoughtful, scientific, and modern from the school, teachers, coordinators, volunteers… This will definitely be the best experience of my life.” —Vietnamese reflective journal

“Overall, the NZELTO program helps me a lot in personal improvement, professional development and work place performance enhancement. For personal improvement, I gain considerable English knowledge and skill. The most important things I learned in the program seem to be small and negligible language skills in surface but are in fact extremely important in substance such as words pronunciation, word collocation, small talk, softener, minimizer, and other small yet important language skills which can hardly found to be taught in anywhere else out of ELTO program.” —Cambodian reflective journal.  

“I want to sincerely thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), organizer teams, and teachers for making the New Zealand English Language Training for Government official program possible. This program has been crucial in my language development journey. I truly appreciate the well-structured curriculum, engaging activities, and the support provided by the team. I encourage MFAT to continue investing in similar programs that promote cultural exchange and language development. These initiatives empower individuals to improve their language skills and foster understanding and collaboration across borders. These programs have a significant impact, not just on language learning but also on personal growth, expanding perspectives, and building global connections. Once again, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to MFAT, the program organizer, and teachers for their valuable support and commitment to promoting language training and cultural exchange opportunities.” —End-of-course survey.