INTRODUCTION
Welcome to “Unlock Your Potential: The Ultimate Guide to 2023 Scholarships for College Students in the Philippines”. Pursuing higher education can be a daunting experience, especially for those facing financial constraints. However, the Philippines offers many scholarship opportunities to help students achieve their academic and career goals.
This comprehensive guide will explore the various scholarship programs available to college students in the Philippines in 2023. From government-funded scholarships to private-sector initiatives, we will provide all the information you need to find and apply for the exemplary scholarship that fits your needs and aspirations.
So, if you are ready to unlock your potential and pursue your dreams without financial barriers, let’s dive into the world of scholarships in the Philippines!
FRIENDLY ADVICE
A friendly advice for students embarking on a scholarship search is to approach the process with an open mind and a clear vision of their academic and career goals. It is essential to research and identifies scholarship programs that align with their interests and aspirations. You should read the eligibility requirements carefully and submit all necessary documents before the deadline.
Students should prepare a compelling application showcasing their strengths and achievements to increase their chances of receiving a scholarship. It could include highlighting their academic performance, leadership skills, community involvement, and other relevant experiences demonstrating their potential as scholarship recipients.
You should keep applying and exploring other opportunities, and with hard work and determination, you will eventually achieve your goals.
2023 Scholarships for College Students in the Philippines
1. Vicsal Foundation Inc. College Scholarship Program
The VSF Scholarship Program was initiated in 2007, with 24 scholars who were enrolled in various universities and colleges in Cebu. The program was established to provide assistance to financially-challenged students from public high schools who possess academic capabilities but lack the resources to pursue a college education. Over the years, the number of scholars has increased, and education now comprises 80% of VSF’s overall operations.
BENEFITS
VSF scholars will enjoy the following:
- Full tuition and other school fees per sem billed by the school
- Monthly allowance of Php 2,500.00
- Book allowance of Php 3,000.00 per semester
- Graduation-related fees reimbursement of up to Php 2,000.00 for scholar-graduates
- Attendance to education-related activities, eg. Scholars’ Annual gathering and formation/leadership workshops or training.
ELIGIBILITY
VSF’s College Scholarship is granted to students who meet the following criteria & qualifications:
Must be a graduate or a graduating student of any public senior high school within Cebu- Must have a general average not lower than 88% with no grade per subject lower than 80%
- The annual gross family income of both parents/guardians must not exceed P300,000.00
- Must be of good moral character/with leadership qualities
- Must not be a recipient of any other scholarship grants either from government or private institutions
Must be a graduate or a graduating student of any public senior high school within CebuSee Also: Government Scholarship Program
2. UP College Admission Test (UPCAT)
As the National University, the University of the Philippines (UP) is mandated to perform its unique and distinctive leadership in knowledge creation and public service. The UP is a vast System of 8 Constituent Universities located on 17 campuses, and UP students are from all regions of the country. They stand shoulder to shoulder to create a community of varied ideas, experiences, and cultures. This is Tatak UP – a celebration of both diversity and unity
You are eligible to apply for first-year admission to UP through the UPCAT for SY 2024-2025 if:
- You are a senior high school student expecting to graduate in 2024 in time for the opening of SY 2024-2025, OR you are a senior high school graduate from 2023 or earlier, provided you have not taken any college courses before the opening of SY 2024-2025; AND
- You have final grades in Grades 8 to 11 by end of SY 2022-2023; AND
- You have not completed your application for UPCA 2021, UPCA 2022, and UPCA 2023, nor taken the UPCAT before.
The UPCAT consists of 4 subtests: Language Proficiency (in English and Filipino), Reading Comprehension (in English and Filipino), Science, and Mathematics. Standardized UPCAT scores are combined with the composite of final grades in Grades 8 to 11 to determine the admission score (“UPG”). To implement the policy of democratic access, UP also considers socioeconomic and geographic factors in its admission process. (https://upcat2024.up.edu.ph)
DEADLINE
The Application Deadline for Filing is April 15th, 2023.
3. DLSU and Rebisco Foundation, Inc. Astounding Financial Assistance for Tertiary Education (FATE) in AY 2023-2024
DLSU and Rebisco Foundation, Inc. have teamed up to provide an extraordinary opportunity for tertiary students in the upcoming academic year. Through the Financial Assistance for Tertiary Education (FATE) program, eligible students can access a special financial aid package to help them achieve their educational goals.
COLLEGES AND DEGREES PROGRAMS
The Rebisco Foundation, Inc. has three (3) scholarship slots for incoming third-year students
Gokongwei College of Engineering
- BS Chemical Engineering
- BS Mechanical Engineering
- BS Industrial Engineering
- BS Industrial Management Engineering
Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business
- BS Accountancy
- BS Business Management
- BS Marketing Management
ELIGIBILITY
The following criteria must be met for applicants to qualify for the program:
- A regular student (without any back subjects and expected to finish the course on time) enrolled in the prescribed number of units according to the course curriculum;
- With total annual family income of ₱500,000.00 for a family of at least 5 members
- With a cumulative grade point average of not lower than 85% or its equivalent and without any failed subjects or pending subjects from 1st Year to present
- A Filipino citizen
- Not a concurrent recipient of any major/regular scholarship (including DOST) or any substantial fund assistance from the University
- Physically fit and without any serious health concerns
- Of Good Moral Character
- With a Certificate of Recognition for awards received as additional support documents
4. CHED Merit Scholarship Program 2023-2024
This scholarship is open for incoming freshmen who want to pursue their undergraduate studies in any CHED recognized priority programs in private higher education institutions (HEIs) or State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs).
BENEFITS
Private HEIs
| Program | Period | TOSF | Stipend | Book/ Connectivity Allowance | Total |
| Full PESFA | Annual | 40,000 | 70,000 | 10,000 | 120,000 |
| Full PESFA | Semestral | 20,000 | 35,000 | 5,000 | 60,000 |
| Half PESFA | Annual | 20,000 | 35,000 | 5,000 | 60,000 |
| Half PESFA | Semestral | 20,000 | 17,500 | 2,500 | 30,000 |
SUCs/LUC
| Program | Period | TOSF | Stipend | Book/ Connectivity Allowance | Total |
| Full SSP | Annual | FREE | 70,000 | 10,000 | 80,000 |
| Full SSP | Semestral | FREE | 35,000 | 5,000 | 40,000 |
| Half SSP | Annual | FREE | 35,000 | 5,000 | 40,000 |
| Half SSP | Semestral | FREE | 17,500 | 2,500 | 20,000 |
ELIGIBILITY
- Filipino citizen
- Graduating high school student/ High school graduate with general weighted average (GWA) of at least 96% for Full Merit Program and 93% to 95% or its equivalent for Half Merit Program
- Student-applicants belonging to the special group of persons such as the underprivileged and Homeless Citizens under Republic Act (RA) No. 7279, Persons with Disability (PWDs) under RA No. 7277 as amended, Solo Parents and/or their Dependents under RA 8371, shall submit certifications and/or Identification Cards (IDs) issued by the appropriate offices or agencies.
- Avail of only one government-funded financial assistance program.
5. Ayala Foundation Inc. Scholarship Program SY 2023-2024
The Ayala Foundation Inc. Scholarship Program provides financial assistance, mentoring, and leadership training to deserving students who aspire to achieve their educational goals and become future community leaders. However, the application process is highly competitive, and the deadline is fast approaching.
WHO CAN APPLY
- Female
- Filipino Citizen
- Incoming first-year, second-year, or third-year college students for SY 23-24 may apply only if they take a five-year course. Students expecting to graduate from SY 23-24 cannot apply.
- Enrolling in a public or state university/college for SY 23-24
DOCUMENTS TO PREPARE
Required:
- Current Official Certificate of Registration/Enrollment signed by registrar
- Parent’s ITR or Certificate of Indigency
- Latest copy of grades
6. DOST-SEI Scholarship: Master’s and Doctorate Degrees in AY 2023-2024!
The Department of Science and Technology: Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Scholarship Program is a prestigious scholarship that aims to support Filipino students who wish to pursue a Master’s or Doctorate in science and technology-related fields. The program offers qualified applicants financial assistance and other benefits, including tuition and additional school fees, monthly stipends, and research grants.
BENEFITS
Masters:
- Stipend: 25,000/mo.
- Learning Materials and/or Connectivity Allowance: 20,000/AY
- Transportation Allowance: One (1) actual economy class round trip per academic year
- Group Accident & Health Insurance Premium
- Thesis/Dissertation Allowance: 60,000
- Student Research Support Fund:
- Research Grant: 114,000
- Dissemination Grant: 75,000
- Mentor’s Fee: 36,000
Doctoral:
- Tuition & other school fees: Actual
- Stipend: 33,000/mo.
- Learning Materials and/or Connectivity Allowance: 20,000/AY
- Transportation Allowance: One (1) actual economy class round trip per academic year
- Group Accident & Health Insurance Premium
- Thesis/Dissertation Allowance: 100,000
- Student Research Support Fund:
- Research Grant: 253,000
- Dissemination Grant: 150,000
- Mentor’s Fee: 72,000
WHO CAN APPLY
Who else may apply?
✓ Ph.D. graduate in a priority S&T program (scholar or non-scholar) who intends to pursue a second Ph.D. degree.
✓ MS/Ph.D. non-scholar graduate (not S&T related) who intends to pursue a second MS/Ph.D. degree.
Who may NO longer apply?
✓ Ph.D. graduate (scholar or non-scholar) who intends to pursue another MS degree program.
✓ MS graduate in a priority S&T program (scholar or non-scholar) who intends to pursue a second MS degree.
7. Charity First Foundation, Inc. Scholarship 2023-2024
The Charity First Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Application for S.Y 2023-2024 allows deserving students to receive financial assistance to cover their educational expenses. The Charity First Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization committed to providing educational opportunities to underprivileged students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to service.
BENEFITS
Accepted scholars are entitled to the following privileges:
- Transportation Allowance
- Lodging or dormitory fee and allowance
- Daily meal allowance
- Life skills and motivational seminar
- Textbook, workbook, and manuals
- School and OJT uniform
- Fieldtrips (for approval)
- Desktop and internet allowance
- Graduation Fees
- Use of Charity First Libraries and Facilities
WHO CAN APPLY?
All interested applicants must meet the following qualifications below:
- Must be economically in need.
- Must not be the recipient of other scholarships or educational assistance.
- It must be a Metro Manila residence.
- Must not be living in a dormitory.
- Must be an incoming 1st and 2nd-year college student.
- Must have passed the entrance exam of any four-year or five-year course (except for medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, tourism, B.S. interior design, and hotel and restaurant management)
- Must have a general weighted average of 2.25 (85%) or better.
- Must not have grades below 75% or no failing grades record.
- Open to applicants 21 years old and below.
- Must be enrolled and regular students of the foundation’s partner schools:
- Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (Manila Residents only)
- Philippine Normal University
- Technological University of the Philippines- Manila Campus
- Universidad De Manila
- Polytechnic University of the Philippines- Manila Campus
- Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina
- Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa
- City Malabon University (Malabon Residents only)
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Source: PhilScholar
