USD$3,000 Fly Higher Award Winner: Muyao shares her study journey in New Zealand

Muyao comes from China and has always dreamed of pursuing an international education to expand her horizons.

She chose New Zealand for its high-quality education, safe and welcoming environment, and balanced lifestyle that allows her to grow both academically and personally.

“It’s a place where I can truly grow and find balance between study and life,” she shared.

For Muyao, IDP played a key role in turning her dream into reality.

“I chose IDP because of their strong. reputation, supportive counsellors, and their ability to simplify what could have been a very overwhelming process.”

She added that IDP provided clear guidance every step of the way, from choosing the right institution to preparing her applications.

Moving abroad always comes with challenges. For Muyao, the hardest parts were adjusting to a new culture, coping with homesickness, and managing finances.

“At times it felt daunting, but I learned resilience and independence along the way,” she said.

For Muyao, paying tuition fees through IDP and Flywire made things much easier.

Transparent. Secure. Straightforward.

This is how she described her experience of paying her tuition fees with IDP's Flywire link.

““Having peace of mind that my tuition payments reached the right place gave me more confidence to focus on my studies," she added.

True to Flywire and IDP’s goal of easing the financial pressures of international students, Muyao said the award would make a big difference.

“The fund from the Flywire Award will help reduce financial pressure so I can dedicate more energy to my academic work and explore opportunities such as internships and community involvement in New Zealand,” she shared.

For Muyao, her proudest moment was finding the courage to step out of her comfort zone and pursue her education abroad.

“I’m proud of having the courage to leave my comfort zone and study overseas. Looking ahead, I hope to complete my degree successfully and use the knowledge I’ve gained to contribute positively—whether in New Zealand or back home.”

Muyao believes that studying abroad is not just about earning a degree, but also about discovering yourself along the way.

“My advice is to stay curious, reach out for support when you need it, and embrace the journey—even the challenges. Studying abroad is not always easy, but it’s a life-changing experience that shapes who you are and what you can achieve.”

If you’re studying in New Zealand, you might be thinking about:

• Finding the right university and course for you

• Applying for your next visa

• Preparing and booking your IELTS

• Managing secure and fast tuition payments

Whatever it is about studying in New Zealand that you’re worried about—from university applications to life after graduation—IDP makes every step easier.

Our experienced counsellors can guide you through choosing the right course, preparing your applications, and even helping you pay your tuition safely through IDP’s Flywire link.

Ready to receive expert guidance, like Muyao and many international students have?

Book a free consultation with an IDP counsellor today.