Years ago, Filipino parents had to sacrifice a lot to send their children to university and support them during their studies. However, times are changing. And now, the idea of studying abroad without huge financial investments is becoming part of our reality.
International education is becoming more available. And more and more students are seizing the chance to broaden their horizons and gain unique experiences. Commission on Higher Education in the Philippines stated that in 2019 the number of Filipino students studying abroad has doubled from a decade ago. Such studies open many doors, and the choice of a country to go to becomes the first step towards a new life. In fact, many get an internship and their first job when in college. It can be exam preparation, extracurricular activities or friends’ meetings. Student life is a time full of events, and of course, a lot will depend on the study destination.
So, what are the best countries for studies and what exactly do they offer?
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USA
The United States has always been a leader in higher education. Thus, the local environment is made up of different cultures and languages.
Filipinos and the US share a long history. Today the US is home to the largest number of Filipinos abroad. Thus, it is easier for students to get used to new surroundings and find new friends. There is already a huge community. Moreover, the K-12 system is familiar to many Filipinos, which helps them adapt faster.
Recent studies have shown that about half of Filipinos in the United States have a Bachelor’s degree, which is easy to explain. Colleges, universities, and private donors offer many scholarships. Many of them aim at representatives of migrant and minority groups. One of them is Philippine International Aid US Scholarship Fund, which helps students from low-income families.
Another advantage of local education is the cooperation between universities, companies and corporations. So, students can undertake an internship and possibly work for them in the future.
And here is the list of scholarships:
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowships for International Students;
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Masters, Ph.D.);
- ICSP Scholarships at University of Oregon (Undergraduate);
- American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (Undergraduate);
- Outstanding Filipino Youth Awards;
- Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund;
- Yuchengco: Maria Elena Yuchengco Memorial Journalism Scholarship;
- Philippine Medical Association of West Virginia Scholarship.
Australia
Family ties and communities play a huge role in our lives and certainly affect where we want to study. 310,000 Filipino migrants are calling Australia their home. They represent one of the largest groups of overseas-born residents in Australia. From a psychological point of view, it is easier for students to get comfortable in an environment with many of their compatriots. Plus, Australia is known for its friendly attitude towards migrants.
As for the studies, human development is a top priority for the local system. And this means one can study at their own pace. There are also many postgraduate courses for expanding your horizons.
Besides, many Filipino schools partner with Australia to allow studying in both countries.
Now, let’s move on to the scholarships:
- Health System Governance – Postgraduate Research Scholarship at University of Sydney, NSW (Ph.D., Research);
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Scholarships at University of Melbourne (Research);
- Destination Australia Scholarship – University of Tasmania (Undergraduate, Postgraduate);
- Kangan Institute Hume Multiversity Tertiary Scholarship Program (Undergraduate);
- Monash University Dal Sasso Family Scholarship (Undergraduate);
- UNSW International Ph.D. Scholarship Awards in Psychiatry (Ph.D.).
Canada
In Canada, Filipino learners apply for study permits through SDS (Student Direct Stream). Thanks to it, receiving necessary documents is now way faster. Another great advantage of SDS is that students don’t have to provide any financial records. Even more, they can get funding through a Guaranteed Investment Certificate.
Another amazing thing about Canada is that its educational system is similar to Filipino. After graduating from a K-12 school, students go to college, university, or CEGEP.
And here’s a list of available scholarships:
- Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award at University of British Columbia (Bachelor’s Degree);
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Ph.D. Degree);
- York University International Student Scholarships (Bachelor’s Degree);
- Humber International Entrance Scholarships (Bachelor’s Degree);
- Entrance Scholarship Awards at LaSalle College Vancouver (Undergraduate and Graduate Studies);
- Dalhousie University Killam Predoctoral Scholarship Awards (Masters, Post Doctorate).
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New Zealand
New Zealand is a beautiful place to live and study. It has one of the world’s best educational practices. And it combines them with a harmonious international environment. Even though it’s rather remote, in many ways, New Zealand can compete with other countries. Especially when it comes to affordable tuition fees, cultural diversity and international diplomas, New Zealand is well recognized worldwide. Also, it will be easier to find a job after college, as the post-graduation visa policy permits it.
So, be sure to consider the scholarships mentioned below:
- ADB Scholarships at University of Auckland (Masters Degree);
- UC International First Year Undergraduate Scholarships (Bachelor’s Degree);
- New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (Ph.D. Degree);
- University of Otago International Research Master’s Scholarship (Masters Degree);
- New Zealand-ASEAN Scholar Awards (Postgraduate Studies).
Japan
Of course, a huge plus for Filipino students is that Japan is not far from their home. All the information you need to know about the studies can be easily obtained. Japan Study Support platform was created exactly to help international learners. There you can get valuable data related to your stay in the country.
We also must mention that Japan is a pioneer in the field of technology. Many innovations, including educational ones, come from there. Studying in Japan means being part of a progressive, cosmopolitan system, as many schools interact with others around the world. As a result, having started studying in Japan, you can continue it at a partner college.
Pay attention to these scholarships:
- Undergraduate Scholarship at Kyoto University of Advanced Sciences: KUAS-E Scholarship;
- Nihon University Centennial Scholarship for International Students;
- NUCB International Housing Scholarship Awards (Undergraduate);
- Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Awards (Ph.D., Masters);
- Special Scholarship Program at Kochi University of Technology (Post Doctorate);
- Graduate School Scholarships for International Students at Keio University (Graduate).
To Sum It Up
When you think of education abroad, joy and excitement are the usual emotions. Still, international education is usually associated with huge tuition bills. Fortunately, there is a way to afford to study at great universities overseas with a scholarship. With it, you will save a lot of money and add valuable detail to your CV, which will definitely not go unnoticed.
In this article, we’ve analyzed top study destinations for Filipino students. If you focus on scholarships offered by governments and schools, there are many opportunities. Thanks to various programs, one can fund their education and get a Bachelor’s, Masters or Ph.D. degree. Some offer limited support, while others – full funding. So, better study each opportunity in detail before applying to one.
