Makati City: The New Zealand government is preparing to launch a nine-day education roadshow in the Philippines aimed at encouraging Filipino students to pursue higher education in New Zealand. Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) is collaborating with 10 New Zealand education providers and local agents to present educational opportunities to Filipino high school and undergraduate students from May 30 to June 7.
According to Philippines News Agency, ENZ Regional Director for Asia, Ben Burrowes, highlighted the New Zealand government's focus on diversifying the international student cohort. He emphasized the importance of exposing young Kiwi students to various cultures and perspectives, and expressed a strong interest in attracting more Filipino students to New Zealand.
The roadshow, which has been sending missions to the Philippines since 2023, has already garnered over 500 student leads. This year, ENZ aims to attract even more Filipino students by showcasing the range of educational opportunities available in New Zealand, including post-study options for eligible international students. New Zealand universities offer courses and programs developed by employers, providing students with in-demand skills for their chosen industries and jobs.
The roadshow will feature three student fairs in Manila on May 31, Bacolod on June 3, and Cebu on June 7, as well as workshops and seminars for school counselors and education agents in Manila and Cebu. These events will provide prospective Filipino students with valuable information about studying and living in New Zealand.
In a related announcement, New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines, Catherine McIntosh, revealed an increase in the government scholarship allotment for Filipinos. The government-funded Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships will expand to accept 44 qualified students in 2026, up from 16 slots in 2024. This increase supports New Zealand's foreign policy objectives in the region and strengthens the bilateral partnership agreed upon by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
The Manaaki scholarships, which are open to nationals from the Asia Pacific, typically accept applications in the first quarter of the year. Filipino student enrollments in New Zealand peaked in 2019 with 2,439 students, and last year, 1,983 Filipino students pursued studies in areas such as business and management, human welfare, nursing, information systems, computer science, and agriculture.
