INTRODUCTION
Education is a fundamental right of every individual, regardless of their background or economic status. Unfortunately, access to quality education remains challenging for many Filipino students, especially those from underprivileged families. Scholarships offer a lifeline for these students, allowing them to pursue their dreams and unlock their full potential.
In this article, we will be exploring five game-changing scholarships in the Philippines that are making a significant difference in the lives of Filipino students. Join us as we dive into these scholarships and discover how they are helping to unleash the potential of Filipino students.
FRIENDLY ADVICE
Here are some tips if you want to apply for one of the ten game-changing scholarships in the Philippines:
- Research each scholarship and understand the requirements, eligibility, and deadlines.
- Start preparing early and gather all the necessary documents.
- Highlight your academic achievements, extracurriculars, and community involvement to stand out from other applicants.
- Get letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or community leaders.
- Write a compelling essay showcasing your personality, achievements, and aspirations.
- Proofread your application for errors, and include all required documents.
Remember to stay focused, organized, and positive throughout the application process, as it can be competitive. Good luck!
5 Game-Changing Scholarships in the Philippines
1. CHED Merit Scholarship Program 2023-2024
A qualified student may be awarded a full or partial scholarship under the State Scholarship and Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA). The financial assistance may cover tuition and other fees, as well as a monthly stipend for living expenses.
BENEFITS
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
This scholarship program shall cover tuition and other school fees (TOSF), a stipend that shall be released directly to the scholars or through HEIs, and a book connectivity allowance per semester of a given academic year until the completion of the degree program.
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.
See Also: List of Cadetship programs in the Philippines
2. DLSU and Rebisco Foundation, Inc. Astounding Financial Assistance for Tertiary Education (FATE)
This joint effort between DLSU and Rebisco Foundation, Inc. highlights their commitment to empowering students and providing them with the necessary resources to succeed. This program allows students to focus on their education without worrying about financial constraints. Let’s dive in to find out more about this fantastic offer for AY 2023-2024.
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
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
3. CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS)
The CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) program is a scholarship program offered by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines. It provides financial assistance to deserving and qualified students who are pursuing a degree in medicine and are willing to render service to their respective communities upon graduation. The program is designed to help address the shortage of healthcare professionals in underserved areas of the country.
BENEFITS
Scholars shall be entitled to the following privileges:
- Free tuition and school fees.
- Allowance for prescribed books, supplies, and equipment.
- Clothing or uniform allowance.
- Allowance for dormitory or boarding house accommodation.
- Transportation allowance.
- Internship fees.
- Medical board review fees.
- Licensure fees.
- Annual medical insurance.
- Other education-related miscellaneous subsistence or living expenses.
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS?
To be eligible for the scholarship, interested applicants must:
- Be a Filipino citizen residing in the Philippines.
- Graduating student or graduate of an appropriate undergraduate program identified as a prerequisite for a Doctor of Medicine degree.
- Currently enrolled in Doctor of Medicine degree from any HEIs duly recognized by the CHED.
- Direct entrant to the integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine (INTARMED) program who satisfactorily completes the first two years of the program.
- Deserving incoming second-year medical students.
- Those in the higher year levels of the Doctor of Medicine program.
- As long as they have complied with the academic requirements and retention policies of the school in the past terms preceding their scholarship application.
- Have passed the entrance examinations and met all other related requirements for admission into a Doctor of Medicine degree program in the chosen SUCs/PHEIs where the scholar intends to enroll or is currently enrolled.
- Obtained a National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) score mandated by the CHED and required by the SUC/PHEI where the student intends to enroll.
4. Ayala Foundation Inc. Scholarship
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
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR A SCHOLAR
- 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
- With a desire to excel and a minimum GPA of 85% (or equivalent)
- An active member of their community
- Without any disciplinary or administrative cases
- Aspires to bring positive change to society
- A model of integrity in the community
- With proof of financial need
See Also: List of Cadetship programs in the Philippines
5. DOST-SEI Scholarship: Master’s and Doctorate Degrees
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
CRITERIA OF ELIGIBILITY
1. Natural-born Filipino citizen;
2. Not more than 50 years old at the time of application;
3. In good health and of good moral character;
4. Pass the admission requirements for graduate studies at any of the NCGSME member universities;
5. Have at least two years of teaching experience in science and mathematics for a Doctoral; or at least one-year teaching experience or have graduated with academic honors or graduated as a DOST scholar for a Master;
6. If employed: Allowed to study full-time for two or three years (Residential Mode) and part-time for six years at UPOU (Distance Education Mode); and
6. For employees of the DepEd: Officially endorsed by DepEd (Signed Form 2A by Division Superintendent and Regional Director)
6. Must have been in service for at least five (5) years.
6. Must have at least a Very Satisfactory performance rating for the last two (2) years.
6. For employed non-DepEd applicants: Certificate of Employment, Permit to Study (Signed Form 2B by the Head of the University);
7. Not a recipient of other scholarship; and
8. Willing to accept the terms and conditions specified in the Scholarship Contract.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the five game-changing scholarships in the Philippines that we have explored in this article provide a valuable opportunity for Filipino students to unleash their potential and pursue their dreams. These scholarships cover a range of fields and disciplines, from STEM to the arts, and are open to students at all levels of education. By taking advantage of these opportunities and following our tips, Filipino students can increase their chances of receiving the financial support they need to achieve their academic and career goals.
We hope this article has been informative and inspiring for those considering scholarships and wish all applicants the best of luck in their educational pursuits.
Keep Up to Date and Grow Your Potential – Join Our Community for Free Now! Discover Opportunities for Learning, Career Development, and Working Together. Join here: https://expertist.ph/
Source: PhilScholar
