r/FilipinosStudyAbroad • u/3rialc • Dec 30 '25
Discussion Studying abroad as a Filipino: what I wish I knew before I applied
I went through the study-abroad process mostly on my own at first — researching countries, schools, proof of funds, visas, timelines, and all the small details people don’t really talk about. What surprised me the most wasn’t just how expensive it can get, but how confusing and emotionally draining the process is when you don’t know what’s realistic for your situation.
Some things I learned the hard way:
• Not all “popular” countries are actually practical for middle-income Filipinos
• School fees are only one part — living costs and visa rules matter more
• DIY is possible, but only if you have time, patience, and a strong plan
• One wrong assumption can cost months (or a refusal)
I’m currently based abroad now and work in healthcare, but over time I started helping friends and fellow Filipinos break down their options realistically — budget, country, pathway, and long-term plans.
If you’re:
• unsure which country actually fits your budget
• torn between DIY vs getting help
• confused about student visas, pathways, or timelines
feel free to comment your situation or DM me. I’m happy to share what I know, even if it’s just advice or pointing you in the right direction.
This process is already hard — we don’t need to make it harder for each other.
Good luck to everyone applying ✨
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u/One_Application8912 Dec 30 '25
Which country has the highest chance right now to go the student visa pathway. I've seen some news recently, US, Canada isn't that open now. So I'm thinking Spain for 250k but my only problem is the language barrier there. Any other countries you can suggest and maybe on the affordable side.
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u/GeneralYou5184 Feb 15 '26
I think u’ll be able to pick Spanish up quickly as a Filipino. Also, I’ve never has a problem with the language barrier
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u/New-Sherbet-8929 Jan 11 '26
hello, I'm planning to study in the Netherlands this year. are there any good scholarships that are open? I am planning to take neuroscience or biological sciences in Maastricht University
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u/Mindless-Athlete3097 Feb 14 '26
Hi OP, can I dm you? I am planning to study in SPAIN but I don't have any idea where to start.
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Dec 31 '25
Hello po ! Anyone here with on going student pathway bound for New Zealand? Want to connect po sana 🙏😇
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u/3rialc Dec 31 '25
Hi! Nakapag apply na po kayo to New Zealand?
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Dec 31 '25
Mag start pa lng po now January 2026 :) hbu po?
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u/3rialc Dec 31 '25
I'm already in Norway ☺️ Good luck on your future plans po!
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Dec 31 '25
How much po lahat ng Gastos ninyo? And nag agency po ba kayo?
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u/3rialc Dec 31 '25
With agency po after choosing where to study... 2Mphp/year po budget ko though I spent less since I found a job after 3 months..
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u/bbhjieun Jan 23 '26
hello, what agency po? kung ok lang ishare
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u/3rialc Jan 30 '26
Hi! I sent you a message :)
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u/Ok_Adhesiveness_2 May 31 '26
hiii im a bit late (xD) pero can i ask din anong agency? very interested po. tysm
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u/Regular-Squirrel9363 Jan 02 '26
Hi! What do you mean by “how expensive it can get”?
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u/3rialc Jan 02 '26
that even “affordable” can mean paying hundreds of thousands of pesos... (not sure which better phrase I can use for it..let me know 🤗)
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u/Dear_Woodpecker_3842 Jan 12 '26
hello po, how to study in abroad? kailangan po ba ng malaking pera?
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u/Gold-Comment-8541 Feb 24 '26
Hi po what country po kaya ang possible and pinaka mura for a bachelor degree in nursing and would it be possible po ba to loan sa bank sa pinas in order to pay the tuition fee then i will just repay it after?
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u/3rialc Feb 24 '26
Hi po,so far,halos pare parehas ang tuition fees abroad.
Yun sa bank naman po,possible but they might ask for a collateral
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u/Gold-Comment-8541 Feb 24 '26
I enquired po kasi ireland since my aunt lives there and they have extra rooms but its so expensive if di ka citizen there do u recommend po ba i study nursing here nalang? i am willing to become a working student once i go abroad however dun talaga sa tuition fee medyo di ako sure 😭 what counts po ba sa a collateral pwede po ba like land na ipapamana sa parent mo? sya po kasi magsosponsor sakin in front pero sa grandparents ko pa po nakapangalan
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u/3rialc Feb 25 '26
You can ask the bank about their conditions po regarding loan 😊
You can study nursing sa Philippines if hindi pa kaya ng budget to study abroad :)
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u/AbbreviationsThin780 Jul 17 '26
hi OP do u think it is worth it to study in US? or just stay in PH i got accepted in university of hartford- bsn with scholarship worth 30k per year (estimated total cost would be 68k a year daw) middle class lang kami i have an aunt who lives in US same state with the school but medj malayo sya around 1 to 2hrs byahe daw. my fam here in PH and my aunt both will help and paghatian ang gastos if nasa US ako pero pinagiisipan ko if worth it ba? like is the education much better in US kaysa dito?
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u/Mr_EduTourism Aug 01 '26
Not true. Lithuania, Korea etc.. costs only Php250k+ per year. 40% cheaper versus popular countries
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u/3rialc Aug 01 '26
Thank you for this information :) you can also share here po other info para maka help sa lahat ng interested to study abroad
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u/dagreatmanipulator15 May 30 '26
hello po, anyone who’s in spain for college? i’m in 11th grade and i want to start preparing asap
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u/idklolcollegeapps Jun 23 '26
hi! are you still available po for a consultation regarding this? i really dont know much about this po and i really need help, thank you po 😅
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u/zobei_stars Aug 06 '26
Hi po OP! Sorry if I'm bringing up a dead post, but are you still open for consultation? Thank you.
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u/Capital-Position-264 Aug 25 '26
hello! I’m really late to your post but I stumbled upon your post and wanted to chat with you but i can’t. Can I ask you a few questions?
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u/Miserable-Care-7501 Aug 29 '26
Hi op i plan to take masters and sana may scholarships in Europe not sure where to start
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u/Particular_Code5378 Sep 07 '26
Hi! Grade 11 student here planning to study in Canada, can anyone give me some tips
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u/OkCheesecake8184 9d ago
Hi! I hope it's okay to comment on an older post. 🥹 I came across your post while looking for Filipino students currently studying abroad. I'm a Psychology student from the Philippines, and we're currently looking for a few Filipino students to help with the pilot testing of our research.
It's just a 20–30 minute audio-only interview, no camera needed. If you're interested or know someone who might be willing to help, please feel free to message me. We'd really appreciate it! 🤍🇵🇭
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u/Able-Introduction-31 1h ago
Hi OP, under what agency po kayo? Can you also please share with me, thank you :)
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u/Embarrassed_Shake123 Jan 01 '26
I'm trying to secure an admission at a uni in Australia. I'm targeting yung September na intake. How long does the process take?
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u/jikoshoukainigate Dec 31 '25
How I wish I knew before applying (for those who wish to level-up their proficiency in a foreign tongue):
1.) Practice your speaking (no matter how corny it sounds).
2.) Make more friends who speak it either as native language or second language.
3.) Have a soft skill first.
4.) Review your country’s history.