There was a time when studying abroad meant two things: a balikbayan box full of dreams and a family meeting about “kaya ba ang budget?” Today, it also means strategy, scholarships, side hustles, and a long-term life plan. And this February 22 at the Iloilo Convention Center, those dreams get a practical roadmap as Iloilo welcomes top Australian institutions at the aecc Global Education Fair (GEF) 2026.
Let’s be honest: Australia has long lived in the Filipino imagination as more than just kangaroos and postcard beaches. It is that English-speaking, multicultural, career-forward destination where education meets employability. For many Filipino students, it’s not just about earning a degree. It’s about earning leverage — global exposure, international networks, and pathways that can even lead to permanent residency.
As Jun Mojica, Marketing Manager of aecc Study Abroad Consultants, explains, Australia offers opportunities that go beyond academics. Students can work and earn while studying, gain industry experience through internships, and pursue flexible programs with clear post-study career pathways. In a safe, English-speaking, and diverse environment, they are not simply enrolled — they are supported.
The aecc Global Education Fair collapses distance in the most practical way. Instead of flying thousands of miles to scout universities, Iloilo students can meet representatives from globally recognized Australian institutions, along with universities from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand — all under one roof. It is a rare chance to ask real questions and receive real answers from decision-makers themselves.
At the Fair, students will have the opportunity to speak directly with college and university representatives, attend expert-led seminars about student visas and study pathways, and even submit school applications on the spot. With personalized guidance from aecc counsellors, aspiring international students can move from vague curiosity to concrete planning in a single day.
Australia’s appeal lies in its practicality. The education system is internationally recognized, and students are allowed to work while studying, making it possible to gain both income and experience. Internship opportunities strengthen employability, while structured post-study pathways make the transition from classroom to career more realistic. In an era when diplomas alone no longer guarantee security, Filipino students are looking for education that translates into mobility and opportunity.
Cost, of course, remains a key concern for families. Studying abroad is an investment, but scholarships can make it significantly more accessible. During the GEF, students can explore merit-based and excellence scholarships offered by partner institutions, some of which partially cover tuition and provide additional financial support. For many high-achieving students, this transforms an intimidating dream into a viable plan.
There is something fitting about Iloilo hosting this event. Known as an emerging hub of education in Western Visayas, the city now becomes a gateway to global possibilities. For students who have quietly wondered whether studying abroad is within reach, this Fair offers clarity. Sometimes the biggest leap does not begin with a plane ticket, but with a conversation.
The aecc Global Education Fair 2026 will also take place on February 21 at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati, February 28 at Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu, and March 1 at Acacia Hotel in Davao. Exclusive giveaways will be available on event day, adding a celebratory note to an already promising opportunity.
The aecc Global Education Fair is not merely an exhibit of universities; it is a gathering of possibilities. In a world that increasingly rewards adaptability, global perspective, and internationally trained professionals, Filipino students are no longer just dreaming of studying abroad. They are preparing for it.
This February, in Iloilo, preparation meets opportunity. To register and learn more, visit AECC Global PH’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AECCGlobalPh.
Bring your questions. Bring your ambition. The world, quite literally, is coming to your city.