For many Filipinos, studying in Australia is more than earning an internationally recognized degree. It can be the first step toward building an international career, gaining global work experience, and creating a new life abroad.
Australia remains one of the world’s leading study destinations, attracting students with its quality education, flexible work rights for international students, post-study career opportunities, and safe, multicultural communities.
For Filipino couple Resza and Zeus Marquez, studying in Australia became the opportunity to fulfill two lifelong ambitions.
“My husband always dreamed of living in Australia,” Resza recalls. “I, on the other hand, had always wanted to pursue a master’s degree after college. We realized we could achieve both dreams together.”
In 2023, Resza enrolled in the Master of Business Administration specializing in Project Management and Digital Management at Kaplan Business School in Perth, while Zeus accompanied her as her dependent. She graduated in 2025 and is currently employed.
Like many aspiring international students, the couple had questions about choosing the right university and course, understanding visa requirements, estimating living expenses, finding accommodation, and exploring career opportunities after graduation.
After doing their research, they turned to AECC, a global international education consultancy that provides free counseling and guides students through every stage of the study abroad journey, from university selection and admissions to visa applications and pre-departure preparations.
“AECC had the fastest response time,” says Resza. “More importantly, they were honest. They didn’t just tell us what we wanted to hear. They explained the actual situation, shared statistics, answered all our questions, and guided us throughout the process. That gave us confidence that we were making the right decision.”
From their first inquiry in March 2023, the couple received their student visas within three months and arrived in Perth in time for Resza’s university orientation.
“Every student’s journey is different, which is why we encourage them to seek professional guidance before making such a significant investment in their education. Through personalized counseling, we help students identify the right course, university, and study destination based on their goals, budget, and career aspirations. Our role is to help them make informed decisions every step of the way,” said Jun Mojica, Marketing Manager of AECC Philippines.
To make studying abroad more accessible, AECC regularly organizes free international education fairs across the country. The next fairs are scheduled for August 8 in Davao, August 9 in Iloilo, August 15 in Manila, and August 16 in Cebu.
Designed to simplify the study abroad journey, the fairs bring together university representatives and AECC’s education specialists, giving students and parents the opportunity to explore study options, scholarships, admissions, student visas, and life overseas—all under one roof.
For Resza and Zeus, however, arriving in Australia was only the beginning.
Like many international students, they had to adjust to a new country while balancing academics, finances, and work. Within three weeks, Zeus found employment. Shortly afterward, Resza secured a part-time job at a theme park, helping the couple manage tuition fees, rent, and daily living expenses.
Despite working, she never lost sight of her main goal.
“My advice is to prioritize school. Show up in class, participate, and make yourself known to your professors and peers. Work is important, but education should always come first.”
Her commitment paid off. Even before graduating, one of her professors recognized her banking background in the Philippines and referred her for an opportunity with Judo Bank, where she continues to work today under a post-study work visa.
Looking back, Resza believes studying in Australia became the foundation for the life she and her husband had envisioned.
“The master’s degree was my dream, while building a life in Australia was my husband’s. Studying there allowed us to achieve both.”
