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15 Scholarships for College Students in the Philippines
Don’t let financial constraints stop you from pursuing your dreams. College scholarships can cover tuition and other expenses like books or living allowances.
Many government agencies and foundations offer scholarships for college students. Find out if you qualify and how you can start your application.
Check out CHED’s Scholarship Programs
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) offers financial assistance for students with special challenges. These include those from low-income homes, persons with disabilities (PWDs), or dependents of solo parents.
CHED scholars are required to take programs included in national priority programs.
Contact details for all CHED scholarships: Call or visit your region’s CHED office for requirements and the latest official link for online applications.
1. CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP)
CMSP covers tuition and other school fees, book and connectivity allowance, and stipend for living expenses. You need an average grade of at least 93% for a partial scholarship and at least 96% for a full scholarship.
This guide provides more details on how to apply for a CHED Merit Scholarship.
2. Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES)
Unlike merit-based scholarships, TES is based on need. It’s only open to households who are part of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s Listahanan 2.0.
If you qualify, you get tuition subsidies for private universities, state universities, or local colleges.
3. Tulong Dunong
The government scholarship program covers part of the tuition costs of private colleges or universities. It provides ₱7,500 per semester or ₱15,000 per year.
To qualify, your family’s annual income must be under ₱400,000.
Get Scholarships for Science Programs
DOST provides scholarships for top students who pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
Planning to take a science-based college program? You may qualify for a college scholarship from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and its agency, Science Education Institute (SEI).
The DOST-SEI scholarship provides a tuition fee grant of up to ₱40,000 a year and a monthly stipend of ₱8,000. It’s open to all STEM students or non-STEM students in the top 5% of their class.
Contact details: Check the SEI E-scholarship application portal or call 8330 8876, 8330 8826, (921) 526 0814, or (927) 886 8816.
Find Scholarships for OFW Dependents
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provides scholarships for children of OFWs.
- Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP): provides ₱60,000 a year for OFW dependents who are in the top 400 of the DOST’s national exams
- OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP): provides ₱20,000 a year to qualified dependents of OFWs who earn US$600 or less
- Education and Livelihood Assistance Program for the Dependents of Deceased OFW Members (ELAP): provides college assistance of up to ₱20,000 to the firstborn of OFWs who were active OWWA members at the time of their death
Contact details: Visit the OWWA website or call OWWA Hotline 1348.
Learn How to Approach Foundations or Non-Profit Organizations
Many non-profit organizations provide complete academic scholarships that also include internship opportunities.
Ayala Foundation partnered with education start-up U-go to provide scholarships for women. Benefits include tuition subsidies and allowances.
Contact details: Call (632) 7759 8288, email [email protected], or message on Facebook. Check this post for more information on the U-Go Scholar Grant.
SM Foundation’s college scholarship includes full tuition for its partner schools, monthly allowance, and part-time job opportunities during your school breaks.
To qualify, you should have a 92% academic average and choose a program related to accounting, information technology, engineering, or education.
Contact details: Check the application portal, use the contact form, or call (632) 8857-0100 loc. 1678.
Aboitiz scholars receive full tuition and a monthly allowance. They also get special incentives for graduating with Latin honors or other academic rewards, and stipends while studying for board exams.
To qualify, you need to have at least an 88% academic average and present proof of academic or extra-curricular achievements.
Contact details: Send a message through the contact form, call (632) 8886 2800 loc 12666, or email [email protected].
The foundation provides full tuition, allowances, and career opportunities in the Megaworld Group after graduation.
To qualify, you need to have at least an 85% grade point average and a certificate stating that you’re in the top 10% of your batch.
Contact details: Call (632) 8894 6437 to 38, or email [email protected].
5. LANDBANK
The Iskolar ng LANDBANK program helps children and grandchildren of farmers and fishermen. The scholarship includes tuition and an allowance.
To qualify, you need an academic average of 90% or belong to the top 10% of your class. You should also apply for college programs related to agriculture and food technology, engineering, information technology, or science and data analytics.
Contact details: Call (632) 8405 7000, or email [email protected].
Ask if Your Preferred College has Financial Aid Programs
Many universities offer tuition discounts, stipends, and other financial aid for students with outstanding grades or achievements.
Most schools offer scholarships for students who have a high academic average and top entrance exam scores.
Here are just some of the university and college scholarship programs available.
- Ateneo Freshmen Merit Scholarship: Top 50 applicants based on academic ranking and ACET scores get free tuition and ₱50,000 annual allowance
- Director’s List Scholarship: 150 applicants with outstanding high school academic averages and extra-curricular activities receive a ₱100,000 grant for their chosen program
- Academic Scholarships: Valedictorians and salutatorians of science high schools or public schools receive a 100% or 50% scholarship, respectively
- Financial aid grants: Scholars receive tuition discounts, dormitory assistance, and allowances for books, food, and transportation
Contact details: Email [email protected], or call the office of Admissions and Aid at (632) 8426 6001 local 5154 and 5155.
The university has a wide range of scholarships and grants for both college and graduate students. Here are a few:
- Archer Achiever Scholarship: Students from science or public high schools who top the entrance exam get a full waiver of tuition and other miscellaneous fees
- Star Scholars Program: Students receive an integrated scholarship for both college and post-graduate programs like their master’s degree, law, or medicine
- Vaugirard Scholarship Program: 50 graduates from public high schools get free tuition and allowances
Contact details: View DLSU’s list of undergraduate and post-graduate scholarships or call the Office for Admissions and Scholarships at (632) 8524-4611 local 162.
UST offers four different types of college scholarships:
- Santo Tomas College Scholarship: for students with excellent academic performance
- San Lorenzo Ruiz Student Assistance Scholarship: for students who need financial assistance and can work 20 to 30 hours a week at the university
- Santo Domingo de Guzman Scholarship for the Gifted: for students who excel in music, arts, or sports
- San Martin de Porres Scholarship: for students from underprivileged communities
Contact details: Call (632) 340 61611 or 87861611 local 8276 or email [email protected].
The university looks beyond grades and provides tuition discounts for students who excel in extra-curricular activities.
- Merit Scholarship: Top students get free tuition, stipends, and book and lodging allowance
- Athletic or arts scholarships: Students get a full or partial scholarship for one year, which is then renewed every year based on requirements
- Financial Aid: Students who qualify for this program can get tuition discounts but need to work part-time for a university unit
Contact details: Call (632) 8637-0912 to 26 or email [email protected].
Mapúa provides scholarships for top students who graduated from high school with honors and maintain high grades in college.
- Alfonso Yuchengco Scholarship: Graduates of science high schools who scored at least 70% in the entrance exam get a 40% tuition fee discount and a ₱10,000 quarterly stipend
- Don Tomas Mapua Scholarship: Mapúa students with an average of 1.5 to 1.0 get a 100% tuition discount
Contact details: Call (632) 8247 5000 local 51230 or (915) 830 9340, or email [email protected].
Looking for scholarships for college students? Start early so you have time to explore your options and prepare a strong application.
