By ASTHER BASCUÑA-CREO
An increasing number of Filipino students are looking to study in Australia as their preferred destination. In the past year alone, there has been an 18 per cent increase in visas granted to Filipino nationals to study in Australia.
In a recent networking event hosted by the University of Melbourne at Shangri-la Hotel in Makati City, Philippines, a strong attendance of 95 prospective students and their families proved that there is a strong interest to study in Melbourne.
University of Melbourne spokesperson Pauline Nunan said that Filipino students come to Australia as it is closer to home and is in a similar time zone. Many students also have relatives and friends here, making the transition easier. For some, the positive experience of their friends serves as motivator for them to come to the country.
Recent graduate Toni Reyes spoke with enthusiasm and gratitude about her two years at the University of Melbourne. Toni spoke highly of the excellent teaching and academic expertise as well as the support and experience of her fellow students who hailed from many countries of the world. Toni studied the Master of Development Studies with the help of a prestigious Australian Awards scholarship. She is now back in the Philippines to utilise her new knowledge and skills for the benefit of the community.
Many Filipino students also find value in undertaking a Trinity College Foundation Studies (TCFS) to prepare them for University. Trinity provides a pathway for international students seeking entry to the University of Melbourne. More than 80 per cent of TCFS graduates are offered a place at the University. Students also have the option to enter University study directly.
Pilar Martinez-Miranda , a parent, spoke of her delight in knowing that her daughter was so well cared for at the Trinity College Foundation Program and subsequently while studying for her Bachelor of Arts at the University.
“My daughter has found her place at your school and she is happy there. She is constantly telling me about who she’s met or who’s coming to speak at school or who this professor is or what event she’s been asked to…her world has opened, and she is soaking up each fascinating minute,” shared Pilar.
The University of Melbourne regularly holds student recruitment events in Manila, as well as in Melbourne for interested students and their family and friends. To check for an upcoming event, go to: www. futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/explore/events
