Why Filipinos are exploring a move to Australia – and seeking advice on TikTok

When Reicelene Joy Ignacio first posted short videos about migration opportunities for Filipinos considering a move to Australia, she never imagined they would strike such a chord with her compatriots.

“Did you know that as a registered nurse, you can migrate to Australia without the need to study again?” she asks at the start of a clip posted in 2023, which has since drawn more than 20,000 likes.

Another video by Juneca Mayer, addressing the question “Is it still worth it to study in Australia in 2025?” has been watched more than 193,000 times since it was first posted in September 2024. In it, she breaks down the process – from visa requirements to financial commitments – for Filipino students eyeing furthering their studies down under.

Ignacio and Mayer are part of a growing community of Filipino content creators on TikTok who act as informal guides for their compatriots navigating Australia’s complex migration system.

These videos not only reflect their personal journeys, but also a broader shift in how migration advice is increasingly being dispensed – through the swipe of a screen rather than the traditional channels of relevant agencies or licensed brokers.