Loans, long nights and hope: A Pinay nurse’s story

Kath, 22, never imagined how much her life would change when she first set foot in New Zealand 10 years ago. Now a registered nurse, she says it’s been a rewarding journey — but not one that came easy.

“There aren’t a lot of Filipino scholars here,” Kath said, “and one thing I’ve learned is that studying in New Zealand as an international student — it doesn’t come cheap.”

Kath paid around NZ$7,000 a year (roughly P200,000) in tuition for her nursing course. But she’s seen other international students shell out up to NZ$21,000 — or over P600,000 — a year, just for tuition.

“And that’s just the fees,” she said. “School supplies, transport, living expenses… those add up fast.”

Still, New Zealand is looking to attract more Filipino students through scholarships and study pathways. Education New Zealand (ENZ) acting general manager International Ben Burrows recently announced a strategic initiative focused on drawing students to priority fields under the country’s “Green List,” which includes civil engineering, agriculture and education.

Burrows said this move not only supports the country’s drive to fill the skills shortages but also helps to diversify its international student population.

To promote this push, education roadshows are set to take place in Manila, Bacolod and Cebu from 31 May to 7 June, featuring representatives from New Zealand institutions ready to guide Filipino applicants.

But even with these incentives, Kath is quick to caution: A student visa isn’t a golden ticket to permanent residency.

“We’re still recovering from the recession,” she said. “I know people who lost their jobs even though they had permanent residency or were already citizens.”

New Zealand officially exited its recession in late 2024, following two consecutive quarters of economic contraction. A 0.7-percent GDP growth in the final quarter of the year sparked hope, but Kath says job opportunities remain tight.

She also noted how New Zealand’s immigration policies continue to evolve, adding uncertainty for migrants like her.

Kath’s New Zealand story began in 2015, three years after her father, a foreman carpenter in the Philippines, landed a job in the country following a construction boom after the Christchurch earthquake. Back home, the family survived on his P500 daily wage — barely enough for basic needs, let alone emergencies or a university education.

“Life really changed for us when we moved here,” Kath said. “We can afford our needs — and sometimes even our wants. Things like free emergency healthcare and support for students really make a difference.”

She was able to finish her nursing course, thanks to an interest-free student loan, which she now repays through her job at a local hospital.

“There are just better opportunities here,” she said. “Stability, peace of mind… that’s what we found in New Zealand.”

After a decade in the country, Kath said she no longer sees herself returning to the Philippines permanently. But she hopes other young Filipinos will have the chance to build a future in a place they can truly call home — just like she did.

“If there’s support or a scholarship that can be offered, that’s a great opportunity, it would be super helpful, especially for Filipinos who want to study abroad.”