BrightsPathlight: Jasmin Manabat’s Journey to Becoming an International Student
A Dream Deferred, But Not Denied
“It was unbelievable,” says Jasmin Manabat, recalling her journey to becoming an international student. Her dream of studying abroad seemed shattered when she received a visa refusal after applying through another agency on September 25, 2023. On March 5, 2024, she was informed that her visa application had been denied.
But Jasmin wasn’t ready to give up. A family friend introduced her to BrightPath Visa Consultancy (BrightPathVC), and her story took a new turn. After a careful assessment of her refusal letter, BrightPathVC identified a crucial issue: her chosen course—Business—was not deemed valuable to her future by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). To improve her chances, the team advised her to shift to a program more aligned with her academic background and work experience.
A Strategic Shift: Choosing the Right Course
Jasmin Manabat hails from Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. She completed Senior High School at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic School, specializing in Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM). After graduation, she worked in her family's business, gaining hands-on experience in financial management.
Given her background, BrightPathVC recommended that she enroll in a program that would strengthen her skills and enhance her career prospects. With this in mind, she applied for Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping and Diploma of Accounting at the National Polytechnic of Australia, located at Prince Centre, Level 28 Quay Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, which also has a branch in Melbourne.
The Visa Process: A Test of Patience and Determination
The reapplication process required diligence, patience, and a well-prepared set of documents. Jasmin’s student visa was officially lodged in June 2024. Two months later, the DHA requested additional financial documentation, requiring her to demonstrate financial capacity of AUD 38,737.17 for a year of expenses. She also had to submit updated financial statements covering June to August 2024.
BrightPathVC guided Jasmin through the process, ensuring she met all requirements promptly to avoid delays. Thanks to her commitment and proactive compliance, the long wait finally ended with her visa grant in September 2024! It was a nerve-wracking experience, but her persistence—and BrightPathVC’s expertise—paid off.
A Bright Future in Australia
Fast forward to today, and Jasmin is now four months into her studies in Australia. She has also secured a part-time job relevant to her field of study, proving that determination and proper guidance lead to success.
At a young age, she is thriving—submitting assessments on time, attending all her classes, and making the most out of her student experience. We asked Jasmin about her inspiration, and she shared:
“I want to inspire young Filipinos who think they can't achieve their dreams because of fear. I want to tell them to step out of their comfort zones, explore, and believe in their potential. Even if you fail, you always have more chances to try again.”
Be the Next Jasmin!
Jasmin’s story is proof that a visa refusal is not the end—it’s just a challenge to overcome. With the right support, determination, and a well-planned strategy, success is within reach.
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