Did you know that a Filipino high school student was recently accepted to five prestigious US universities, four of which offered total financial aid? Seventeen-year-old Carl Audric Guia, who qualified for Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Yale, and the University of Notre Dame, has decided to take a physics or astrophysics-related course at Harvard University.[1]
Inspired by Carl’s incredible story? Start by searching for the right scholarships in the Philippines.
You need not look far for financial assistance for students in the Philippines to pursue your dreams, because there are plenty of scholarship programs for incoming students all over the country. We’ve compiled a list of scholarships in the Philippines below.
What are the Available Scholarships in the Philippines for 2023?
Check out these scholarship programs for undergraduate and postgraduate students from government agencies and private institutions.
Government Scholarships in the Philippines for College Students
🎓 CHED Scholarship 2023
“Where can I get a full scholarship?” The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) accepts applications for scholarships and grants for SY 2023-2024 under the State Scholarship Program (Full Scholarship and Partial Scholarship) and Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA).
Deadline for Application
The scholarship application for SY 2023-2024 is now closed. So when can you apply for a CHED scholarship? Those aiming to qualify for SY 2024-2025 should wait for announcements from the official CHED website and social media channels.
Total Benefits
- ₱120,000 for private colleges and universities
- ₱80,000 for public colleges and universities
Primary Qualification
- General weighted average (GWA) of 96% or above for Full State Scholarship Program (FSSP) and Full Private Education Student Financial Assistance (FPESPA)
- GWA of 93% but not more than 95% for half scholarships in CHED (SSP and PESPA)
Other Qualifications
- Filipino citizens graduating from high school
- Parents of applicants must have a maximum combined annual gross income of ₱400,000 (Solo parents and guardians' annual income must not exceed the said amount.
- Applicants must avail of only one government-funded financial assistance program.
Requirements
Requirements for a scholarship in the Philippines, such as one from CHED, can be a lot. So make sure to prepare them early:
- Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate
- Report card from high school and duly certified true copy of grades for Grade 11 and 1st Semester of Grade 12 for graduating high school students
- Income documents can be any of the following:
- Latest ITR of parents or guardians, if employed
- Certificate of Tax Exemption from the BIR
- Certificate of Indigency from the barangay
- Certificate/case study report from DSWD
- The latest copy of contract or proof of income for children of OFWs and seafarers
CHED Priority Courses
Before applying, note that CHED has a list of priority courses applicants should enroll in.
- Engineering and Technology - Examples of programs under this discipline include Food Engineering, Geodetic Engineering, and Industrial Engineering
- Science and Mathematics - Courses include Biochemistry, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Geology.
- Information Technology Education - Courses under this include Computer Science, Cyber Security, and Game Development and Animation.
How to Apply for a CHED Scholarship
- Applicants should check the official website of their CHED Regional Office for updates or announcements. Create an account or fill out the online application form.
National Capital Region - csp-application.chedro-ncr.com/application/index.htm
Region 1 - stufaps.chedro1.com/application2023/home
Region 2 - stufaps.chedregion2.com
Region 3 - chedro3.ched.gov.ph
Region 4 - chedcalabarzon.com
Region 5 - chedro5stufap.com
Region 6 and 7 - See official Facebook page for announcements
Region 8 - chedro8stufap.com
Region 9 - chedro9.ph
Region 10 - ro10.ched.gov.ph
Cordillera Administrative Region - chedcar.com
Region 11 - stufaps.chedroxi.com
Region 12 - See official Facebook page for announcements
CHED CARAGA Region - chedcaraga.ph
BARMM - Link not yet available - Supply all the required information.
- Upload all the documentary requirements.
- Submit your application.
- Regularly check with the CHED Regional Office to track recent updates.
🎓 DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship 2023
What scholarships can I apply for in the Philippines through DOST? Students who want to pursue a career in science and technology can apply for undergraduate scholarships in the Philippines through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) S&T Undergraduate Scholarships Program.[2]
Deadline for Application
The application period for this DOST Scholarship in the Philippines SY 2023-2024 is now closed (ended December 2, 2022). But those aiming to qualify for SY 2024-2025 should wait for announcements from the DOST during the third quarter of 2023.
Total Benefits
Under this program, scholars can get ₱80,000 - ₱120,000 per year.
Primary Qualification
Applicants should be members of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand in high school or belong to the top 5% of the class for the non-STEM strand.
Other Qualifications
- Natural-born Filipino citizen
- “Poor, talented, and deserving” students who belong to a family whose socio-economic status does not exceed the set values of certain indicators;
- Residents of the municipality, as attested by the barangay
- In good health and of good moral character
- Must not have any post-secondary or undergraduate units
- Have not taken any previous DOST-SEI examination or have taken the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Examination but did not qualify for the scholarship
- Qualifier for the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship but did not avail of the award
- Must pass the S&T Scholarship Examination
DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Requirements
- Certificate of Good Moral Character (Form C)
- Certificate of Good Health (Form D)
- Principal's Certification (Form E1 or E2): Form E1- if the applicant belongs to the senior high school STEM strand class and Form E2 - if the applicant belongs to the upper 5% of the NON-STEM strand senior high school graduating class
- Certificate of Residency (Form F)
- Parent's Certification(Form G)
- Applicant’s Certification of No Post-Secondary Units (Form I)
- Signed Declaration by the applicant and the Parent/Legal Guardian (Form J)
- Recent passport-size picture
- Birth Certificate
- Parent/s recent Income Tax Return / W2 / Employment Contract for OFW / BIR Cert. of Exemption from Filing of ITR / Brgy. Cert. of Indigency
DOST Priority Courses
Here are a few of the many courses you may consider when applying for a DOST college scholarship:
- Applied Mathematics
- Information and Communications Technology
- Architecture
- Materials Engineering
- Astronomy
- Mathematics
- Astronomy Technology
- Mathematics and Science Teaching
- Bachelor in Technology and Livelihood Education with Specialization in Information and Communications Technology
How to Apply for a Scholarship from the DOST
Once this education scholarship in the Philippines from the DOST is available, follow the steps below to apply:
- Download an application form online via www.science-scholarships.ph or contact any DOST and regional offices.[3]
- Fill out the form and submit the requirements.
- Check the SEI website at sei.dost.gov.ph for announcements of scholarship qualifiers. A Notice of Award will be sent to scholarship applicants who qualify.
For any inquiries on how to get a scholarship in the Philippines through DOST, contact the S&T Scholarship Division through the following channels:
- Telephone number: (02) 8830 8876
- Mobile number: 09278868816
- E-mail: undergradeapp@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/CHEDscholarship
Read more: 14 Educational Plans in the Philippines to Secure Your Child’s Future
🎓 DOST-SEI Junior Level Science Scholarship 2023
Students in their third year of college can also apply for the Junior Level Science Scholarship Program. They must be enrolled in a DOST-SEI priority S&T course at any identified university.
Deadline for Application
Interested applicants have until July 28, 2023.
Total Benefits
Similar to the other DOST scholarship program above, accepted applicants can get ₱80,000 - ₱120,000 per year.
Primary Qualification
Applicants must have a GWA of at least 83% or its equivalent from the first semester of their first year to the first semester of their second year in college
Other Qualifications
- Natural-born Filipino citizen
- In good health and of good moral character
- Have not taken any previous DOST-SEI examination or have taken the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Examination but did not qualify for the scholarship
- Qualifier for the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship but did not avail of the award
Junior Level Science Scholarship Requirements
- Certificate of Good Moral Character (Form C)
- Certificate of Good Health (Form D)
- Certificate of Program of Study and Year Level (Form E)
- Certificate of Residency (Form F)
- Applicant/Parent Declaration (Form I)
- Applicant’s Certification (Form H)
- Recent passport-size picture
- Birth Certificate
- Parent/s recent Income Tax Return / W2 / Employment Contract for OFW / BIR Cert. of Exemption from Filing of ITR / Brgy. Cert. of Indigency
- Notarized Affidavit of Guardianship
- Official transcript of records/True copy of grades
How to Apply for a Junior Level Science Scholarship
Once you have all your documentary requirements and scanned photos, register for the JLSS E-Application.[4]
- Sign up with your valid email address.
- Access the link from your email and accomplish the Eligibility Module. You’ll get notified if you are not eligible for this scholarship program.
- After accomplishing the form and submitting your documents, submit your application.
The qualifying examination will be on August 26 and 27, 2023. Scholarship qualifiers will be announced in October 2023, and the scholarship award will be effective in the first semester of AY 2023-2024.
🎓 GSIS Scholarship 2023
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) scholarship for Filipino students is also known as the GSIS Educational Subsidy Program (GESP). The GESP recipient will be entitled to a subsidy of ₱1,000, not to exceed ₱10,000 per academic year. Also, the GESP grant is non-transferable.[5]
Deadline for Application
Wait for the GSIS announcement on the next intake.
Total Benefits
Scholars can get a subsidy of up to ₱10,000 per academic year.
Primary Qualification
This program is open to children or family members of active GSIS contributors.
Other Qualifications
- Grantees should be college students at any year level (with a four-year or five-year course and enrolled in any CHED-recognized school) without any scholarship from a public or private organization.
- Parents have permanent employment status and are below the salary grade 24 (or its equivalent).
- Have no underpaid or unpaid loan amortization for more than three months
If you don't qualify for the GSIS scholarship, worry not. A college education financing alternative is a student loan or education loan from the GSIS.
GSIS Scholarship Requirements
To apply for a GSIS scholarship, here are the documents you should submit:
- Student’s birth certificate
- Certificate of registration of grades
- Certificate from a college verifying that you're enrolled or accepted during the current academic year and which indicates your course, the duration of your course, and your year level
- Grade of at least 80% with no incomplete or failed ratings in any subject within the previous year.
- Certificate of employment or service record (if applicable)
- Properly filled out GESP application form
How to Get a Free Scholarship from GSIS
- Download, print, and fill out the application form.
- Once done, send a copy of the application form and other documents mentioned above to gesp@gsis.gov.ph.
🎓 DOH Pre-Service Scholarship Program
The Department of Health is accepting applicants for its Pre-Service Scholarship Program 2023. This is for a Diploma in Midwifery and Priority Allied Courses in Pharmacy and Medical Technology at DOH Scholarship Partner Schools.
Deadline for Application
Interested applicants have until June 30, 2023 only.
Total Benefits
Accepted applicants can get ₱235,000 to ₱267,000.
Primary Qualification
Children or dependents of low-income families in geographically isolated or disadvantaged provinces or municipalities with a shortage of healthcare professionals
Other Qualifications
- Natural-born Filipino citizen
- High school graduate or equivalent
- Good moral character
- Grade point average of at least 80%
- Willing to serve in a DOH-identified priority area for a year after completing studies
DOH Scholarship Requirements
- DOH Pre-Service Scholarship Application Form
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Transcript of records
- Certificate of good moral character
- Letter of intent
How to Apply for a DOH Scholarship
- Fill out the application form and submit it with the rest of the requirements at a DOH partner school or any DOH Center for Health Development (CHD)[6].
- Wait for the result of the evaluation, validation, and approval. Accepted applicants will be notified through the partner school’s Scholarship Coordinator.
Private Scholarships for College Students in the Philippines
What are the available scholarships in the Philippines for private school students? Here are a few options for this coming school year.
🎓 LANDBANK Scholarship
To help the poor but deserving students from the 60 poorest provinces in the Philippines, LANDBANK introduced its scholarship program called Iskolar ng LANDBANK.[7] Students can apply for the program through supported courses in identified State Universities and Colleges (SUC).
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Internship and employment opportunity at LANDBANK
Primary Qualifications
- Child or grandchild of a small farmer, fisher, or agrarian reform beneficiary
- Endorsed by LANDBANK agriculture-based client cooperative, organization, or association in the identified provinces
Other Qualifications
The following are eligible to apply for the Iskolar ng LANDBANK Program:
- Filipino citizen
- Must have passed the admission requirements of partner universities
- Graduating high school student with a minimum 90% average grade or belongs to the 10% of the class
- Must not be a recipient of any other financial assistance, grant, or scholarship from other external sources
- Annual total family income must not exceed ₱300,000 in their BIR Income Tax Return (ITR), with exemptions on a case-to-case basis as may be determined by the Selection Committee
LANDBANK Scholarship Priority Courses
Interested in agriculture-related disciplines like BS Agriculture and BS Fisheries? Consider this scholarship program.
How to Apply for a Scholarship in the Philippines through LANDBANK
Submit the application form and other requirements to their respective University Student Affairs Office at Partner SUCs.
🎓 Megaworld Foundation Scholarship
Megaworld Foundation’s college scholarship program[8] began in 1999 to help bright and deserving students. The program has 1,000 scholars at 76 partner schools in the Philippines.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fee
- Yearly allowance
- Volunteerism activities and seminars
- Opportunity to work in Megaworld Corporation and/or its subsidiaries and affiliates
Primary Qualification
Applicant must have an average of at least 85% or its equivalent, and with at least 80% grade in all subjects.
Other Qualifications
- Certificate of upper 10% class ranking of graduating batch (original copy)
- Passing result of university entrance exam, letter of admission, or certificate of enrollment (photocopy but need to bring the original for verification)
Megaworld Scholarship Requirements in the Philippines
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- Income Tax Return (ITR) not exceeding ₱300,000.00 combined gross annual income (original copy) / Affidavit and BIR Certification of Tax Exemption of Father and Mother or Guardian Birth Certificate (original copy)
- Utility bills such as electricity, water, internet, etc.
- Two 2x2 and 1x1 ID pictures
- Photograph of the applicant with family/guardian
How to Get a Scholarship in Megaworld
The applicant must fill out certain documents, take exams, and go through interviews to further have their qualifications assessed.
Related articles:
- Most Expensive Schools in the Philippines: How Much You Need to Spend
- Score These Student Discounts and Get Your School Year Off to a Great Start
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Master’s and PhD Scholarships in the Philippines
Looking for postgraduate scholarship programs? Check out these options.
🎓 DOST-SEI Capacity Building Program in Science and Mathematics Education (CBPSME)
The DOST-SEI offers master's and doctoral scholarships in the Philippines for qualified applicants who want to pursue a Master’s or Doctorate in Science or Mathematics Education.
The Capacity Building Program in Science and Mathematics Education (CBPSME)[9] aims to improve the quality of math and science education in the Philippines and support the development of science and math experts in the country.
Deadline for Application
- June 30, 2023 - First Semester AY 2023-2023
- November 15, 2023 - Second Semester AY 2023-2024
Scholarship Benefits
Actual tuition and other school fees, monthly stipend, book/transportation/thesis allowance, student research support fund, group accident and health insurance
Primary Qualifications
- Natural-born Filipino citizen not older than 50 at the time of application
- In good health and of good moral character
- Passed the graduate studies admission requirements of any National Consortium in Graduate Science and Mathematics Education (NCGSME) member-university
- For Doctoral: At least two years of teaching experience in science and math
- For Master’s: At least one year of teaching experience; graduated with academic honors/as a DOST scholar
- Not a current scholarship recipient
CBPSME Requirements
- Birth certificate (photocopy)
- NBI Clearance
- Information Form
- If employed: Certification of Employment and Permit to Study; Certified True Copy of Service Record
- Medical Certificate
- Certified True Copy of Official Transcript of Records (TOR)
- Notice of Admission to the program at an NCGSME member-university
- Endorsement from two former professors and letter of recommendation from the university head
How to Apply for a CBPSME Scholarship
Fill out the application form, which you can get from the Project Director at any NCGSME member university. You may also reach the S&T Scholarship Division for any inquiries:
- Tel: 8330 8876 or 8330 8826
- Email: cbpsme@sei.dost.gov.ph
🎓 DOST-SEI Foreign Graduate Scholarship
Do you have plans to get your graduate degree abroad? The DOST-SEI offers Foreign Graduate Scholarships in Specialized Priority Fields in Science and Technology[10] to talented and deserving students who want to obtain their Master’s or Doctorate degrees in reputable institutions abroad.
Scholarship Benefits
Actual tuition and other school fees, pre-departure expenses, learning materials, connectivity/thesis/transportation/relocation allowance, monthly stipend, health and accident insurance
Foreign Graduate Scholarship Requirements
- Application Form
- Photocopy of birth certificate
- Medical certificate
- NBI Clearance
- Certified True Copy of Official Transcript of Records (TOR)
- Endorsement from two former professors in college or MS Program
- Recommendation from Head of Agency
- Letter of Admission to the foreign university
- Program of Study
- Re-entry plan and budgetary requirements
How to Apply for a Foreign Graduate Scholarship
An applicant will go through three levels of screening to be selected:
- Evaluation of application and other documentary requirements
- Evaluation of research topic and re-entry plan
- Panel interview
You may submit your application to the Science & Technology Scholarship Divison at the Science Education Institute, located at 2nd Level, Science Heritage Building, DOST Compound, Bicutan, Taguig City.
You may also call or email the following:
- Tel: 83308876
- Mobile: 09278868816 or 09215260814
- Email: fgs@sei.dost.gov.ph
How to Get Approved for a Scholarship in the Philippines
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One can’t stress the importance of a scholarship in the Philippines. Getting financial help is something to be thankful for, and receiving a 100% scholarship is a huge help for struggling Filipino families. If you plan to apply and hope to get a full scholarship grant, here are a few things you should start doing.
✔️ Plan Ahead
Parents and children should plan for college early on. Two years before you’re set to graduate from high school, decide on the college degree or course that suits your interest and skills. The K-12 strand you’ve chosen will define your college course and career path.
Preparation for a full scholarship also requires good grades in junior and senior high school. Since a 100% scholarship includes full tuition and allowances, it won’t be handed over to someone with failing grades. Do well so as to prepare for the rigorous academic requirements to maintain it.
This tip also applies if you plan to get a postgraduate scholarship. You need to make sure your college grades measure up to the requirements.
✔️ Learn More about the Scholarship Program
Research the scholarship you’re applying for to get a better understanding of what the program is looking for in a beneficiary or scholar.
Some programs may not provide living allowances. Even if you've been granted a full-tuition subsidy, it might still be difficult to sufficiently fund your education if it requires you to live miles away from home.
✔️ Start Collecting the Required Documents
Incomplete documents can render your application invalid. You’re lucky if your parents keep original copies of their ITRs, payslips, and your birth certificate.
You may need to contact relevant government agencies if these aren't available. Requesting copies of essential documents takes weeks, so get a head start.
✔️ Apply Early
Whether you’re looking for a college or postgrad scholarship program, some programs start accepting applications a year earlier. If you're interested, start collating requirements as early as you can.
✔️ Prepare for Interviews and Exams
The most generous scholarship programs in terms of benefits have a rigorous application process. Review and practice answering questions in written and oral form.
✔️ Know What You Really Want
Some programs require priority courses, so don’t apply if you’re not interested in them. You can't just choose Biology, for example, because the scholarship prioritizes this course.
Be firm with your choice of a degree so that you can enjoy the grant without any regrets.
Read more: How Much Money Should I Save for a Child’s Education?
FAQs on Scholarships in the Philippines
1. Does scholarship mean free?
Are scholarships free money? It depends on the scholarship you’re awarded (full or half).
If you have a full scholarship, your tuition is fully paid and you get allowances for the entire academic year. You won’t have to pay anything to attend school as all your expenses are already paid.
Half scholarships just cover your partial tuition, though. They won’t cover all your school expenses, so you must pay for them out of pocket.
2. How many scholarships can you get in the Philippines?
Is it okay to have two scholarships in the Philippines? You can avail of another scholarship sponsored by another organization if the terms do not conflict with any of the stated provisions in your scholarship agreement.
Moreover, you can’t receive financial assistance from an organization with the same sources of funds or the exact nature of business.
3. Are scholarships worth it?
Yes, they are! Looking for scholarships, preparing the requirements, and submitting your application may take time and effort. But the payoff is worthwhile.
Scholarships can help financially struggling families who don’t have the means to send their bright and hardworking children to high school or college. This is why a scholarship is important for deserving students.
Note, though, that how much a scholarship is in the Philippines will depend on the benefits and stipends included.
Final Thoughts
With so many scholarships in the Philippines, you have an excellent chance to continue your education and get a degree, even if your family is not financially capable. Don't let financial challenges stop you from achieving your dreams.
But in case the scholarship funds aren't enough, you can also apply for a personal loan. Compare your options and apply easily through Moneymax:
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Metrobank
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Sources:
- [1] Filipino student accepted to 5 US universities reveals school of choice (ABS-CBN News, May 2023)
- [2] DOST Undergraduate Scholarship (DOST, 2021)
- [3] DOST Directory of Regional Offices
- [4] DOST-SEI Junior Level Science Scholarship E-Application
- [5] GSIS Educational Subsidy Program
- [6] DOH Center for Health Development (CHD)
- [7] Iskolar ng LANDBANK Program
- [8] Megaworld Scholarship Program
- [9] Capacity Building Program in Science and Mathematics Education (CBPSME)
- [10] Foreign Graduate Scholarships in Specialized Priority Fields in Science and Technology
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