Earning a degree is a challenge on its own, more so if you and your family do not have the financial means to pay for your tuition fees and allowance. Thankfully, there are plenty of college scholarships available for Filipino undergraduate students. You just have to know where to look for them and be determined enough to comply with the requirements (which could be a lot at times!).
This guide will walk you through the list of scholarships that you can explore and pursue, detailing who offers them, their purpose, target beneficiaries, benefits, and application process. Be sure to double-check the deadlines and requirements so you won’t miss any opportunities.
Government Scholarships
DOST RA 7687 Scholarship Program
A government scholarship offered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) under Republic Act 7687 to deserving Filipino students whose family income does not exceed the poverty threshold. The program aims to promote science and technology education by providing full scholarships for students pursuing Bachelor’s degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in partner universities and colleges nationwide.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Incoming college freshmen from low-income families enrolling in STEM courses. |
| Programs and Schools | STEM courses at DOST-SEI accredited institutions. |
| Benefits | Full tuition and other school fees, monthly stipend, book allowance, transportation, and thesis allowances. |
| Application Process | Apply through the DOST-SEI portal. Applicants must pass a national competitive exam and interview. |
| Deadline | Typically October to November. Check DOST-SEI for updates. |
DOST Merit Scholarship Program
Offered by the Department of Science and Technology, this program supports academically outstanding students pursuing STEM degrees. It targets scholars with proven academic merit to reduce dropout rates and strengthen the country’s scientific workforce.
| Criteria | Description |
| Target Beneficiaries | Incoming freshmen enrolling in STEM courses. |
| Programs and Schools | STEM degree programs at DOST-accredited universities and colleges nationwide. |
| Benefits | Full tuition and other school fees, monthly stipend, book allowance, transportation, and thesis allowances. |
| Application Process | Apply through the DOST-SEI portal. Applicants must pass a national competitive exam and interview. |
| Deadline | Usually around October. Check DOST-SEI for updates. |
DOST Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS)
This DOST program targets third-year college students currently enrolled in approved STEM courses to help them finish their degrees and contribute to the scientific workforce. The scholarship requires return service in the country.
| Criteria | Description |
| Target Beneficiaries | Third-year college students in DOST-approved STEM programs. |
| Programs and Schools | DOST-SEI recognized higher education institutions nationwide. |
| Benefits | Full tuition and other school fees, monthly stipend, book allowance, transportation, and thesis allowances. |
| Application Process | Online application through DOST-SEI with a qualifying exam. |
| Deadline | Around July to August. Confirm dates via DOST-SEI. |
CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP)
A program of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the CHED Merit Scholarship Program grants financial assistance to top-performing graduating high school students in the Philippines. It is designed to encourage academic excellence and reduce financial barriers for deserving students.
| Criteria | Description |
| Target Beneficiaries | Incoming college students with excellent academic records from senior high school. |
| Programs and Schools | All programs in CHED-recognized public and private HEIs. |
| Benefits | Tuition and fees subsidy, book allowance, and monthly stipend. |
| Application Process | Apply via CHED regional offices or online portal. Requirements include grades and family income documentation. |
| Deadline | June 20, 2025 |
Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES)
Administered by CHED and UniFAST, TES helps deserving college students by subsidizing their education-related expenses.
| Criteria | Description |
| Target Beneficiaries | Enrolled college students in SUCs, LUCs, or private HEIs. |
| Programs and Schools | All undergraduate programs in participating HEIs. |
| Benefits | Up to ₱27,000/year for tuition, school fees, and allowances. |
| Application Process | Apply through the school’s registrar/student affairs office; screening is conducted by the institution. |
| Deadline | Applications for AY 2025–2026 have not yet opened. Inquire with your school once enrolled. |
Tulong Dunong Program
Offered by CHED, this program provides financial assistance to underprivileged but deserving college students enrolled in undergraduate courses.
| Criteria | Description |
| Target Beneficiaries | Financially needy college students in public or private HEIs. |
| Programs and Schools | Undergraduate degree programs at CHED-recognized HEIs. |
| Benefits | Up to ₱15,000 financial aid per year for tuition and other educational expenses. |
| Application Process | Apply through the school’s registrar/student affairs office; screening is conducted by the institution. |
| Deadline | Applications for AY 2025–2026 have not yet opened. Inquire with your school once enrolled. |
OWWA Scholarships (EDSP, ODSP, CMWSP)
Offered by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the three programs namely EDSP, ODSP, and CMWSP grant scholarships to children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to support their college education and ease the financial burden on OFW families.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Dependents of active and former OFWs enrolled in undergraduate degree programs. |
| Programs and Schools | Open to all courses offered by CHED-recognized HEIs nationwide. CMWSP prioritizes science and technology courses. |
| Benefits | Up to ₱60,120 financial aid per year for tuition and other educational expenses. |
| Application Process | Submit requirements including proof of OFW parentage, school documents, and family income certificate online via the OWWA scholarship portal. |
| Deadline | Still closed as of May 2025. Applicants are advised to wait for an official announcement or contact the nearest OWWA Regional Office. |
Education and Livelihood Assistance Program for the Dependents of Deceased OFW Members (ELAP)
ELAP is provided by OWWA to support education and livelihood for dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers who died while working abroad, helping them continue their studies or start a livelihood.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Dependents of deceased OFWs enrolled or planning to enroll in college (available for Kindergarten, Elementary, and High School students too). |
| Programs and Schools | Open to any accredited colleges. |
| Benefits | ₱10,000 financial aid per year for tuition and other educational expenses for college student and ₱15,000 one-time grant for surviving spouse/parent. |
| Application Process | Application through OWWA regional/provincial offices with necessary documentation. |
| Deadline | Contact OWWA for current updates. |
CHED ESTATISTIKOLAR Scholarship Program
CHED’s ESTATISTIKOLAR supports students pursuing statistics and related programs to develop the country’s data analysis expertise.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | College students enrolled in statistics or related degree programs. |
| Programs and Schools | CHED-accredited HEIs offering statistics courses. |
| Benefits | Tuition and fees coverage, monthly allowance. |
| Application Process | Through CHED regional offices and participating schools. |
| Deadline | Announcements typically annual; check CHED. |
CHED-Coconut Farmers and their Families Scholarship (COSCHO)
Under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Act, this program supports children of coconut farmers to pursue higher education.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Registered coconut farmers/family member |
| Programs and Schools | Schools offering agriculture-related courses |
| Benefits | Monthly stipend, book allowance, thesis/OJT allowance, conference allowance, laptop allowance |
| Application Process | Application coordinated through the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and CHED. |
| Deadline | July 31, 2025 |
CHED ACEF-GIAHEP Scholarship
A partnership between CHED and ASEAN Coffee Federation, this scholarship aids students from coffee-producing regions to support sustainable coffee industry development.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | SHS or college students pursuing agriculture or agribusiness degrees. |
| Programs and Schools | Agriculture-related courses at CHED-recognized HEIs. |
| Benefits | Tuition, monthly allowance, and book/connectivity allowance |
| Application Process | Through CHED regional offices and partner universities. |
| Deadline | Annual calls; check CHED for details |
CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program
This program supports medical students in exchange for a commitment to serve in public health facilities after graduation.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Medical students willing to return service in government hospitals or rural health units. |
| Programs and Schools | Accredited medical schools in the Philippines. |
| Benefits | Full tuition, living & lodging allowance, clothing, books & connectivity allowance, internship allowance, and board exam review and fees |
| Application Process | Apply through your SUC |
| Deadline | September 30, 2024 |
SSS Educational Assistance Loan Program (EALP)
A loan program by SSS allowing SSS members’ beneficiaries to defer tuition fee payments until after graduation, with 6% interest rate.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | SSS members or their beneficiaries (spouse, child, and siblings) |
| Programs and Schools | Undergraduate programs by CHED, TESDA, CAAP, and other government-recognized institutions |
| Benefits | Educational loan to be paid after graduation |
| Application Process | Application through SSS offices |
| Deadline | Ongoing, subject to funds availability |
Sugarcane Industry Development Act Scholarship Program
Supports children of registered sugarcane farmers pursuing agriculture or related courses under the Sugarcane Industry Development Act.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Dependents of registered sugarcane farmers. |
| Programs and Schools | Agriculture and allied courses at accredited HEIs. |
| Benefits | Tuition fee assistance and monthly stipend. |
| Application Process | Apply via Department of Agriculture or local agricultural offices. |
| Deadline | Check with DA and CHED announcements. |
Philippine National Police (PNP) Scholarship Program
The PNP offers scholarships to dependents of police officers and personnel as part of their welfare program.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Dependents of PNP personnel. |
| Programs and Schools | Various courses at partner colleges and universities. |
| Benefits | Tuition fee assistance and allowances. |
| Application Process | Applications coordinated via PNP welfare offices. |
| Deadline | Usually yearly; check PNP announcements. |
Philippine Navy Scholarship Program
Similar to the PNP, the Philippine Navy supports dependents of naval personnel with educational assistance.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Dependents of active or retired Philippine Navy personnel. |
| Programs and Schools | Various courses at accredited institutions. |
| Benefits | Tuition, monthly stipend, and book allowances. |
| Application Process | Through Navy Personnel Welfare Office. |
| Deadline | Annually; check official Navy releases. |
Private Scholarships
Ayala Foundation Scholarship Program
Offered by Ayala Foundation, this program supports academically excellent but financially challenged students through scholarships and mentorship.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | High school graduates entering college, especially from low-income families. |
| Programs and Schools | Partner universities and colleges of Ayala Foundation. |
| Benefits | Tuition, monthly allowance, mentoring, and leadership development. |
| Application Process | Apply via U-Go Scholar Grant page; submission of grades, income documents required. |
| Deadline | June 6, 2025 |
SM Foundation Scholarship Program
SM Foundation provides scholarships to deserving students to promote education and community upliftment.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Students from low-income families. |
| Programs and Schools | Various courses in SM partner schools nationwide. |
| Benefits | Tuition, book allowance, and skills training. |
| Application Process | Application details at SM College Scholarship page. |
| Deadline | May 31, 2025 |
Aboitiz Foundation Scholarship Program
Aboitiz Foundation offers scholarships to students residing near their operational areas to encourage education and community development.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Students residing in communities where Aboitiz operates. |
| Programs and Schools | Various programs at partner schools. |
| Benefits | Tuition, allowances, and development workshops. |
| Application Process | Application through the Aboitiz Foundation website or local offices. |
| Deadline | No information for 2025 |
Megaworld Foundation Scholarship Program
Megaworld Foundation grants scholarships focused on students in urban and development areas where Megaworld operates.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Students living in or near Megaworld developments. |
| Programs and Schools | Various programs in partner schools. |
| Benefits | Tuition, monthly stipend, and mentoring. |
| Application Process | Apply through Megaworld Foundation portal. |
| Deadline | Annual application period; visit Megaworld’s website and social media accounts. |
LANDBANK Scholarship Program
LANDBANK offers scholarships to students from rural banking communities and agricultural families.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Students from rural areas with LANDBANK connections. |
| Programs and Schools | Various undergraduate courses in partner HEIs. |
| Benefits | Tuition, allowances, and learning materials. |
| Application Process | Application details on Iskolar ng LANDBANK Program page. |
| Deadline | Check LANDBANK’s yearly announcements. |
Pagpupugay Scholarship (BPI Foundation)
A scholarship program for dependents of BPI employees and outstanding students in selected communities.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Dependents of medical frontliners who passed away from COVID. |
| Programs and Schools | Various courses in partner institutions. |
| Benefits | Tuition and allowances. |
| Application Process | Inquire at BPI Foundation; status of program varies. |
| Deadline | Check with BPI Foundation yearly. |
PLDT-Smart Foundation Scholarship Program
PLDT-Smart Foundation provides scholarships to underprivileged but deserving students across the country.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Tech students nationwide. |
| Programs and Schools | Various programs in partner HEIs. |
| Benefits | Tuition fees, monthly allowance, mentorship. |
| Application Process | Apply through PLDT-Smart Foundation website or partners. |
| Deadline | Annual calls; monitor Smart’s Program & Projects Page. |
Metrobank Foundation Scholarship Program
The Metrobank Foundation awards scholarships to academically gifted students demonstrating leadership and community involvement.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Students with strong academic and leadership records. |
| Programs and Schools | Various courses in Metrobank partner universities. |
| Benefits | Tuition and monthly stipend. |
| Application Process | Apply through Metrobank Foundation portals or partner schools. |
| Deadline | Annually announced. |
Jollibee Group Foundation Scholarship
This program targets students in communities where Jollibee operates, providing access to quality education.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Students from Jollibee-supported communities. |
| Programs and Schools | Various courses in partner HEIs. |
| Benefits | Tuition and monthly allowances. |
| Application Process | Applications through Jollibee Group Foundation website. |
| Deadline | Check website annually. |
Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) Angat Pamilyang Pilipino Program Scholarship
Part of LANDBANK’s CSR efforts, this scholarship helps underprivileged youth from farming and rural communities.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Youth from agricultural/rural communities. |
| Programs and Schools | Various courses at partner HEIs. |
| Benefits | Tuition and allowances. |
| Application Process | Apply through LANDBANK or partner organizations. |
| Deadline | Check yearly LANDBANK announcements. |
Philippine Airlines (PAL) Scholarship Program
PAL offers scholarships to students pursuing aviation-related courses to support the country’s aviation industry.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Students enrolled in aviation, aeronautics, or related courses. |
| Programs and Schools | Aviation schools accredited by CHED. |
| Benefits | Tuition, training allowances, internship opportunities. |
| Application Process | Through PAL Foundation and partner schools. |
| Deadline | Annually; check PAL Foundation website. |
Pilipinas Shell Scholarship Program
Shell Philippines Foundation supports STEM students through scholarships as part of their CSR efforts.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Students in STEM courses from communities near Shell operations. |
| Programs and Schools | STEM programs at accredited institutions. |
| Benefits | Tuition, monthly stipend, and mentoring. |
| Application Process | Application through Shell Foundation and partner universities. |
| Deadline | Annual calls; visit Shell Philippines Foundation website. |
San Miguel Foundation Scholarship Program
San Miguel Corporation’s foundation provides scholarships to deserving students to aid nation-building.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Students from communities near San Miguel operations. |
| Programs and Schools | Various courses in partner HEIs. |
| Benefits | Tuition, monthly stipend, mentoring. |
| Application Process | Apply through San Miguel Foundation channels. |
| Deadline | Annually; check foundation announcements. |
Smart Wireless Scholarship Program
Smart Communications offers scholarships to support students in ICT and related fields.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Students pursuing IT, Computer Science, or telecommunications-related courses. |
| Programs and Schools | CHED-accredited HEIs offering ICT courses. |
| Benefits | Tuition, monthly allowance, internship opportunities. |
| Application Process | Apply through Smart Foundation. |
| Deadline | Annual call for applications. |
Unilab Foundation Scholarship Program
Unilab Foundation supports health-related education for deserving Filipino students.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Students pursuing health sciences or medical-related courses. |
| Programs and Schools | Accredited colleges and universities offering health programs. |
| Benefits | Tuition, book allowance, monthly stipend. |
| Application Process | Application through Unilab Foundation website. |
| Deadline | Annually announced. |
Additional Scholarships
There are many other private and government scholarships offered each year. Students are advised to regularly check the official websites of DOST, CHED, DOLE, UniFAST, and private foundations for updated announcements.
Summary
Filipino students have access to a wide array of scholarships suited for different programs, fields, and income brackets. These scholarships not only ease the financial burden but also encourage academic excellence and national development. Interested applicants should carefully check eligibility, deadlines, and requirements on official websites, prepare documents early, and apply as early as possible.