12 Scholarships for Filipino Students in the Philippines. The Philippines is a captivating country that showcases a rich blend of Islamic, Malay, Spanish, and American influences on Filipino culture. Beyond its natural beauty, the Philippines boasts one of the best higher education systems in Asia. With affordable English-taught programs, it attracts more than 5,000 international students annually, particularly from East Asian countries. Moreover, the Philippines offers numerous opportunities for educational funding, ensuring that Filipino students can pursue their dreams. In this article, we will explore eight scholarships available to Filipino students in the Philippines.
1. CHED Scholarship
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is an agency under the Office of the President responsible for overseeing tertiary and graduate education in the Philippines. Established in 1992, CHED aims to transform the education system by prioritizing quality higher education, reducing poverty, and enhancing national competitiveness.
Under CHED’s Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs), several scholarships, grants, and loan programs are available:
- State Scholarship Program (SSP): Offers full or partial scholarships ranging from ₱15,000 to ₱30,000 per academic year.
- Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) Scholarship: Provides ₱15,000 per academic year.
- Grants-In-Aid (GIA): Offers amounts between ₱6,000 and ₱12,000 per academic year based on tuition and fees.
- Study Now Pay Later Plan (SNPLP): Provides ₱15,000 per academic year.
To qualify for a CHED scholarship, applicants must be Filipino citizens, high school graduates, candidates for graduation, or passers of the Alternative Learning System or Philippine Educational Placement Test. Additionally, they should have a combined annual gross income of parents or guardians not exceeding ₱300,000 and should not be graduates of any degree program. The CHED Scholarship application form can be found at www.ched.gov.ph.
2. DOST Scholarship
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Republic of the Philippines offers undergraduate and graduate scholarships to students pursuing degrees in science and technology. The scholarships aim to cultivate a skilled workforce in these fields, fostering national progress.
There are two types of DOST undergraduate scholarships:
- RA 7687 Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to talented and deserving students from socioeconomically disadvantaged families pursuing priority fields of study in the basic sciences, engineering, applied sciences, and science and mathematics teaching.
- Merit Scholarship: The DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship Program recognizes students with high aptitude in science and mathematics who aspire to careers in science and technology.
The benefits of the DOST undergraduate scholarship include tuition and school fees of ₱40,000 per year, book allowance, transportation allowance, group health and accident insurance, monthly living allowance, and graduation clothing allowance.
3. OWWA Scholarship
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provides scholarships to dependents and beneficiaries of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP). This program offers financial assistance of ₱20,000 per academic year to eligible dependents of active OWWA members with a monthly salary not exceeding US$600.
To be eligible for the ODSP, applicants must be dependents of active OWWA members and enrolled or planning to enroll in a 4-year or 5-year baccalaureate course at any college or university. The program aims to assist OFW dependents in pursuing higher education and securing a brighter future.
4. LANI Scholarship
The Lifeline Assistance for Neighbors In-need (LANI) Scholarship Program was established to improve both the quantity and quality of graduates in the Taguig City, especially college graduates. Applicants for this scholarship should meet the following basic qualification criteria:
- Bona fide resident of Taguig City for at least 3 years immediately preceding the application. Must be a registered voter of the city if 18 years or older, and with at least one of the parents also a registered voter of the city.
- Of good moral character both in paper and in deeds
- Determined to finish the course or pass the bar / board examination
- Committed to love and serve Taguig City
There are 8 different LANI scholarship types offered:
- Premier / Specialized School: For those enrolling in or enrolled in the University of the Philippines System (Luzon Campuses) and other public and private colleges and universities certified by CHED as Centers of Excellence in the NCR. This is open to graduates of either public or private secondary schools. Amounts from ₱40,000 to ₱50,000.
- Honors (Full): Top 10 graduates of public high schools in Taguig, regardless of the schools or courses in college. Amounts from ₱40,000 to ₱50,000.
- Priority Courses and Skills Training: For those enrolling in or enrolled in courses identified by the City as responsive to its present and future needs, and in cognizance of the DOST-listed priority courses. This category includes persons with disabilities (PWDs) as certified by the City’s PDAO, or if taking up law or medicine, must be enrolled or enrolling in top performing schools as listed by PRC / CHED / SC. This is open to graduates of either public or private secondary schools. Amounts from ₱40,000 to ₱50,000.
- Basic + SUC/LCU (Basic Plus): For graduates of public high schools in Taguig or nearby LGUs, who are enrolled or enrolling in an SUC or LCU in the NCR, except for TCU students who are already full scholars of the City. Amounts from ₱20,000 to ₱30,000.
- SUC/LCU: For graduate of private school who are enrolled or enrolling in an SUC or LCUs in the NCR. Amounts from ₱15,000 to ₱25,000.
- Basic: For graduates of any public high school in Taguig or nearby municipalities or cities within the NCR who are enrolled in higher education institutions in the NCR which are not SUCs or LCUs. Amounts from ₱15,000 to ₱25,000.
- Review Assistance: A one-time assistance for residents who have already graduated, and are preparing for their licensure / board or bar examinations.
- Leadership and Educators Advancement and Development (LEAD): For those pursuing Master’s or Doctoral degrees, who are government employees working either in local or national government for at least 3 years, based in Taguig, and whose performance evaluation is outstanding or at least very satisfactory. This includes teachers in both public and private schools in Taguig.
5. SM Foundation Scholarship
The SM Foundation Scholarship Program is a corporate social responsibility initiative of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. It aims to provide educational opportunities to financially disadvantaged but academically deserving students. The scholarship covers full tuition, monthly allowance, part-time job opportunities, and other benefits.
To qualify for the SM Foundation Scholarship, applicants must be high school graduates with a general weighted average of at least 88% or its equivalent. They should also come from low-income households, with a total family income of not more than ₱150,000 per year.
The SM Foundation Scholarship Program is committed to investing in education and contributing to nation-building by empowering deserving Filipino students.
6. Ayala Foundation Scholarships
The Ayala Foundation Scholarships are offered by the Ayala group of companies, one of the largest and most respected conglomerates in the Philippines. These scholarships aim to develop future leaders who exhibit excellence in their chosen fields.
The Ayala Foundation provides scholarships for undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields such as STEM, social sciences, humanities, and business. The selection process is highly competitive and involves multiple stages, including academic assessments, interviews, and panel discussions.
The Ayala Foundation Scholarships offer financial assistance, mentoring programs, internship opportunities, and access to a vast network of professionals. They seek to nurture exceptional Filipino students and support their journey toward becoming leaders and catalysts for positive change.
7. Metrobank Foundation Scholarship Program
The Metrobank Foundation Scholarship Program is an initiative of the Metrobank Foundation, Inc., the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group. The program aims to support deserving students from financially disadvantaged families and nurture their academic and leadership potential.
The scholarship covers tuition and other school fees, monthly allowance, book allowance, and thesis/dissertation allowance for graduate scholars. It also includes mentoring, internship opportunities, and various leadership training programs.
To qualify for the Metrobank Foundation Scholarship Program, applicants must be Filipino citizens, enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college or university, and have a general weighted average of at least 85% in their most recent academic year.
The program seeks to develop outstanding individuals who are committed to academic excellence, leadership, and service to the community and the country.
8. Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) Scholarship
The PBEd Scholarship Program is an initiative of the Philippine Business for Education, a non-profit organization that advocates for educational reforms and works closely with the private sector. The program aims to bridge the gap between education and industry needs by supporting talented Filipino students pursuing high-demand degree programs.
The PBEd Scholarship Program offers financial assistance, mentoring, and internship opportunities to scholars. It focuses on priority fields of study such as information technology, engineering, agribusiness, and tourism.
To qualify for the PBEd Scholarship, applicants must be Filipino citizens, high school graduates, incoming college freshmen, and have a general weighted average of at least 85% or its equivalent. They should also demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to their chosen field of study.
The PBEd Scholarship Program aims to produce highly skilled graduates who are responsive to the needs of the industry and contribute to the country’s economic development.
These are just a few examples of the scholarship programs available in the Philippines. Each program has its own specific eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits. It is advisable to visit the respective scholarship program’s website or contact the organization directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
9. Megaworld Scholarship
Megaworld Foundation offers scholarships that include full tuition fees, allowance per academic year, and career opportunities at Megaworld Corporation and/or its subsidiaries and affiliates. These scholarships are intended for undergraduate studies, and are aimed at incoming freshmen, sophomores and juniors whose incoming tax return (ITR) does not exceed ₱300,000..
10. FEU Scholarship
Far Eastern University (FEU) Scholarships are offered to freshmen students. There are 6 types of scholarships available:
- Entrance Scholarship: Awarded to 1st year exam takers who meet the eligibility requirements and will enroll during the 1st semester of the academic year.
- Teacher Scholarship Program: Awarded to 1st year exam takers who meet the eligibility requirements and will enroll in the identified degree programs of the Institute of Education during the first semester of the academic year.
- LEAP: Long-term education assistance program (LEAP) is awarded to students who are in dire need.
- NRSSP: Nicanor Reyes Science Scholarship Program (NRSSP) is awarded to students from the identified science high schools whose FEU CAT percentile score is superior with a HS GWA of at least 88 and an annual family income not exceeding ₱360,000 per year.
- Service Group: Support talented students who embody the core values of Fortitude, Excellence and Uprightness and help promote the University through sports, arts, and culture.
- External Scholarships: Externally-funded scholarships will not be included in the budget tally for FEU scholarships.
11. Aboitiz Scholarship and Financial Assistance
Aboitiz Foundation grants scholarships and financial assistance to students from all levels of study who excel in academic but are financially unable to finish their studies. College scholars are encouraged to take courses that give them better chances in landing a job at the Aboitiz Group after graduation. These courses include Accountancy, Management, Psychology, and Engineering. The Foundation supports scholars in pre-school, elementary, high school, and college levels.
12. DLSU Scholarship
De La Salle University (DLSU) scholarships are offered to needy but capable Filipino men and women desiring to continue educational and training programs in both the undergraduate and the graduate levels.
- Mutien Marie Scholarship Grant (Graduate): For those who are engaged in the profession of human formation and development.
- Archer Achiever Scholarship: For students who top the DLSU College Admission Test. Available for students who graduated from Philippine private / public and science high schools.
- The Star Scholars Program: Integrated undergraduate and graduate scholarship for high-achieving students from around the country.
- Vaugirard Scholarship Program: 50 scholarships offered every year exclusively for students who graduated from Philippine public high schools.
- Gokongwei Grants: For students who wish to pursue priority fields of study in any undergraduate engineering degree program as offered by the college.
- Andrew Gonzalez Academic Scholarship: For high school students who ranked Top 1 (with highest honors) for each strand (STEM, ABM, and HUMMS) of La Salle district schools and have passed the entrance exam.
- La Salle Financial Assistance Grant: For Filipino students who meet specific criteria for eligibility. Selections are based on financial need and academic competence.
- Brother President Scholarship Program (BPSP): Awarded to legitimate or legally-adopted children of married, permanent and full-time faculty, and administrative service personnel who joined DLSU in May 1987 of after and have served the University for at least 3 years and are in active University Service while availing of the grant.
- Centennial Scholarship Program (CSP): For qualified children of full-time permanent faculty (teaching and academic service faculty) and administrative service personnel (ASP) of the University.
- Scholarship for Children of Faculty (SCF): For qualified children of full-time, part-time, and retired faculty members who joined DLSU before May 1987.
- Scholarship for Children of Co-Academic Personnel (SCC): For dependents of Co-Academic Personnel of the University.
- Military Scholarship (PD 577): For dependents of military personnel who died or became incapacitated in the line of duty .
12 Scholarships for Filipino Students in the PHILIPPINES
