Scholarship Guide for Current Fourth Year College Students (Graduating) in the Philippines

Looking for a Scholarship? Start here

If you’re a currently enrolled fourth-year college student in the Philippines and need help with tuition, graduation fees, allowance, or other school expenses, this Scholarship Guide for Current Fourth Year College Students is for you.

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No need to feel overwhelmed, we’ll walk you through everything step by step, simply and clearly.

Start with Part 1: Who Can Apply to check if you’re eligible.

🗂️ Scholarship Resources

Want to explore more options? Use these helpful tools:

• View Fourth-Year College Scholarships
• Track deadlines on the Scholarship Calendar
• Browse All Scholarship Programs in the Philippines
• You can also filter by:
  • Education Level: SHS, College, Graduate School
  • Funding Source: Government, LGU, Private, School-Based

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Part 1: How to Qualify / Qualifications 🤔

For Current Fourth-Year College Students in the Philippines
(Students currently enrolled in their final year of college and preparing to graduate)

Before applying for scholarships or final-year financial aid, make sure you meet the general qualifications. While requirements vary per program, most scholarships for fourth-year students follow these criteria:

1. You must be a currently enrolled 4th-year college student

This includes:

• Students officially enrolled in their fourth and final year this school year
• Students who have already completed their 3rd year and are on track to graduate

📌 Some programs allow mid-year applications, as long as you’re in 4th year during the application

2. You must be a Filipino citizen

Accepted proof includes:

• PSA Birth Certificate
• Philippine National ID (PhilSys), Voter’s ID, Passport, or any valid government-issued ID

3. You must meet financial need qualifications

Many scholarships prioritize those who:

• Belong to low-income families (₱100,000–₱300,000 annual household income)
• Are part of the 4Ps, Listahanan, or DSWD-assisted families
• Are self-supporting, orphans, or from solo-parent households

Common documents:

• Income Tax Return (ITR)
• Certificate of Indigency or Low Income
• Barangay Certificate or Affidavit of Support

4. You must meet academic performance standards

Most scholarship providers expect that you:

• Maintain a GWA of at least 85% or QPI of 2.0 (or equivalent)
• Have no failing, dropped, or incomplete grades
• Can present grades or a Certificate of Good Standing for your 3rd and 4th years

💡 Some scholarships allow leniency for students from marginalized sectors.

5. Your course must be eligible

Most scholarships are open to students pursuing degrees in:

• Education
• Engineering
• Business
• Agriculture
• Information Tech
• Health Sciences
• Social Work, and others

📌 Some providers may prioritize STEM, education, or other key sectors, always verify your course is included.

6. You may belong to a priority sector

You may have an advantage if you are:

• An Indigenous Person (IP)
• A child of a farmer, fisherfolk, or informal worker
• A Person with Disability (PWD)
• From a solo-parent household
• Living in a remote or underserved community

📝 Supporting documents may be required from DSWD, NCIP, or your barangay.

7. You may not be eligible if:

• You are already graduating this semester, and the scholarship is for longer-term aid
• You’re pursuing a second degree or a non-recognized program
• You’re already receiving a full government scholarship (CHED, UniFAST, etc.)
• You submit falsified or incomplete documents

You are likely eligible if:

• You are a Filipino citizen
• You are currently in your 4th year of college
• You meet financial or sector-based qualifications
• You are enrolled in a recognized program or institution
• You meet the grade and conduct standards

📂 Ready to continue?
Go to Part 2: What Are the Requirements to learn which documents to prepare.

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Part 2: What Are the Requirements 📂

For Current Fourth-Year College Students in the Philippines
(Students currently finishing their final year of college)

Before submitting any scholarship application, make sure your documents are complete and accurate. Most providers, including LGUs, schools, private foundations, and government agencies, request similar sets of requirements. Always follow the specific checklist for the scholarship you’re applying to.

A. Identity & Personal Background

Document	📌 Where to Get It
– PSA Birth Certificate	📌 Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Office
– Recent 1×1 or 2×2 ID Picture (white background)	📌 Photo studio or school
– Valid ID (e.g., student ID, national ID, barangay ID)	📌 School, 📌 Barangay Hall or 📌 Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) National ID
– Certificate of Good Moral Character	📌 School Registrar or 📌 Guidance office

B. Enrollment & Academic Records

Document	📌 Where to Get It
– Certificate of Enrollment (COE) or Acceptance	📌 School Registrar or 📌 Admissions Office
– Certificate of Registration (COR)	📌 School registrar or 📌 Student Portal
– School ID or Registration Card	📌 School Registrar or 📌 Student Affairs Office
– Copy of Grades (1st year, 2nd year, 3rd-year, + available 4th-year grades))	📌 School Registrar, 📌 Student Portal, 📌 Adviser, or via your 📌 Student Passbook
– Certificate of Good Standing (if required)	📌 Program Chair or 📌 Department Office

💡 If your school issues a Transcript of Records (TOR) or academic evaluation summary, it may be accepted in place of individual grade reports.

C. Proof of Financial Status

(Submit documents based on your household’s income source)

Family Situation	Accepted Document	📌 Where to Get It
Formally Employed Example: 👷‍♂️ Office staff, teachers, government employees, factory workers, etc.	– Income Tax Return (ITR)	📌 Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) – Revenue District Office (RDO)
	– Certificate of Employment with Compensation	📌 Employer / HR
	– Latest Payslip	📌 Employer
	– BIR Tax Exemption Certificate	📌 Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) – Revenue District Office (RDO)

Family Situation	Accepted Document	📌 Where to Get It
OFW / Seafarer / Abroad Example: ✈️ Domestic helpers, ship crew, engineers, construction workers abroad, etc.	– Valid Employment Contract	📌 Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) 📌 Agency (of your parent/legal guardian)📌 Employer
	– Remittance Slip or Payslip	📌 Remittance center 📌 Employer abroad
	– Proof of Foreign Income	📌 Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) 📌 Employer
	– BIR Tax Exemption Certificate	📌 Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) – Revenue District Office (RDO)
	– Affidavit of Support and Consent	📌 Notary Public Office

Family Situation	Accepted Document	📌 Where to Get It
Self-Employed / Informal Worker Example: 🛒 Vendors, tricycle drivers, online sellers, farmers, fisherfolk, sari-sari store owners, freelancers, etc.	– Affidavit of Non-Filing of ITR	📌 Notary Public Office
	– Barangay Certificate of Livelihood	📌 Barangay Hall
	– Certificate of Low Income or Indigency	📌 Barangay or 📌 Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Office
	– Sworn Statement of Estimated Monthly Income	📌 Notary Public Office
	– Business Permit or DTI Certificate (if applicable)	📌 City Hall or 📌 Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Office
	– Affidavit of Support and Consent	📌 Notary Public Office

Family Situation	Accepted Document	📌 Where to Get It
Unemployed or No Regular Work Example: 🙁 No job, stay-at-home, under crisis	– Affidavit of Non-Filing of ITR	📌 Notary Public Office
	– Certificate of Indigency	📌 Barangay or 📌 Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Office
	– Sworn Statement of No Source of Income	📌 Notary Public Office

Family Situation	Accepted Document	📌 Where to Get It
Under Government Social Programs Example: 🧾 4Ps, Listahanan, DSWD-assisted	– 4Ps ID or Certification	📌 Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Office
	– Listahanan Certificate	📌 Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Office

D. For Health-Related Courses Only

(For students taking Nursing, MedTech, Pharmacy, etc.)

Document	📌 Where to Get It
– Certificate of Passing the Entrance Exam	📌 School Testing or Admissions Office
– Medical Certificate or Health Clearance	📌 Licensed doctor or school clinic

💡 Only submit these if your course is under health/medical programs and your school requires them.

E. Optional Supporting Documents

Document	📌 Where to Get It
– Certificate of Residency	📌 Barangay Hall
– Barangay Clearance	📌 Barangay Hall
– DSWD 4Ps ID or Proof	📌 Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Office
– Listahanan Certificate	📌 Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional/Municipal Office

Tips

• Scan all files clearly (PDF or JPEG), labeled properly (e.g., Surname_DocumentType.pdf)
• Keep both digital and printed copies organized
• Check for expiration dates on certificates before submission

Now that you’ve confirmed that you’re qualified (🤔 Part 1) and have your required documents ready (📂 Part 2), it’s time to apply.

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Part 3: How to Apply❓

For Current Fourth-Year College Students in the Philippines
(Students currently finishing their final year and preparing for graduation)

Applying for a scholarship in your final year can help ease financial stress as you complete your degree. Whether it’s for your last semester, thesis support, or graduation-related expenses, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you apply confidently.

1. Choose a Scholarship Program

Begin by identifying scholarships that are open to current fourth-year or graduating students. Focus on those that specifically mention:

• Final-year tuition aid
• Research or thesis grants
• Graduation support
• Continuing assistance from earlier scholarship years

Where to look:

• PhilScholar’s Fourth-Year College Scholarships
• Your school’s official website or scholarship office
• LGU or provincial scholarship pages
• Government portals like CHED, UniFAST, DSWD

Carefully review the details:

• Who can apply
• What are the required documents
• What are the benefits
• When is the deadline

🎯 Make sure the program fits your year level, school, course, and financial/academic profile.

2. Know How the Application Works

Scholarships may use different ways to collect applications:

• Online Application – fill out forms via a website or Google Form
• Walk-In / Manual Submission – submit printed forms to your school, LGU, or office
• Through Your School – some programs collect requirements through your registrar, guidance, or student affairs office

👉 Always follow the official announcement and instructions.

3. Fill Out the Application Form

Take your time to complete the form properly:

• Use your real name and correct contact info
• Double-check for typos
• Upload or attach clear, readable files (PDF or JPEG)

💡 Use an active email address you regularly open. This is where results or updates are usually sent.

4. Submit the Required Documents

Check that your documents are complete and updated. These often include:

• Certificate of Enrollment or Registration (COE / COR)
• Grade report (1st semester or latest)
• Proof of income (ITR, Certificate of Indigency, Affidavit of Income)
• Valid ID, Birth Certificate
• Certificates for special sectors (4Ps, PWD, Solo Parent, IP, etc.)

⚠️ Do not submit fake or edited files, this can lead to disqualification and being blacklisted from future programs.

5. Wait for Evaluation

After the deadline, the committee or provider will evaluate your application. Some might ask you to:

• Attend an interview (online or face-to-face)
• Take an exam or pass a screening
• Prepare for a home visit or validation

📢 Stay alert for emails, texts, or social media announcements.

6. Watch for the Results

Once the evaluation is done, the results will be released. If you qualify, you may receive:

• A message or email of approval
• An orientation notice
• Instructions on benefit claiming or agreement signing

📌 Follow the provider’s official Facebook page or website for updates.

Final Reminders

• Take screenshots or save copies of your submitted form
• Organize your documents in a folder or Google Drive
• Use the Scholarship Calendar to track deadlines
• Don’t rely on one scholarship; apply to all programs you qualify for!

That’s it!
You’re now ready to apply with confidence.

Good luck, and we’re cheering for you here at Philscholar®.

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Part 4: Where to Find Scholarships 🔍

Trusted Sources for Current Fourth-Year College Students
(Students currently in their final year of college in the Philippines)

Finding a scholarship in your last year of college may seem tough, but it’s not. Whether you’re finishing your thesis, wrapping up final requirements, or just need extra financial help, here are the best and most reliable places to discover scholarships for graduating students.

1. Philscholar.com

Your go-to platform for organized, up-to-date scholarship listings.

What you’ll find:

• Scholarships grouped by year level (including Fourth-year college)
• Scholarship Calendar to track deadlines
• Easy-to-read guides, application tips, and direct links

Start here:

• View Fourth-Year College Scholarships
• Browse All Scholarship Programs
• Track Deadlines on the Scholarship Calendar
• Browse by Year Level

2. Official School Websites & Scholarship Offices

Most schools provide updates on scholarships through their official platforms. Look for:

• School-specific financial aid or academic scholarships
• Department- or course-based grants
• Partnerships with private companies or alumni donors

💡 Tip: Follow your school’s Scholarship Office or Registrar’s page, not fan accounts.

3. Local Government Unit (LGU) Scholarships

Cities, municipalities, and provinces often offer financial aid to residents, especially those continuing in college.

Where to check:

• City Hall or LGU Facebook page
• Youth Development Offices or Mayor’s Office
• Barangay offices or education boards

Examples:

• Cebu Province Educational Assistance
• Iligan City Government Scholarship
• Pasig City College Scholarship Program

📌 Note: Many LGU programs prefer students studying in local colleges/universities.

4. National Government Scholarship Portals

Some programs from national agencies cover students up to the 4th year or beyond.

Explore:

• CHED – CHED Scholarship Programs (CSP), CoScho
• UniFAST – TES and Tertiary Education Subsidy
• DSWD – Scholarships for 4Ps, Listahanan, and other sectors

They often publish downloadable application forms and contact information.

5. Private Foundations and Corporate Scholarships

Many private institutions offer assistance to students continuing their education.

Top providers include:

• SM Foundation
• Megaworld Foundation
• Aboitiz Foundation
• Landbank Gawad Patnubay
• Jollibee Group Foundation

Some may require enrollment in partner schools or specific courses like STEM or business.

6. Professors, Deans & Program Chairs

Not all scholarships are announced online. Ask:

• Your college dean or program chair
• Your course adviser
• Your student affairs or registrar’s office

They may know about ongoing applications or be able to recommend you directly.

⚠️ Avoid Scholarship Scams

Watch out for:

• Pages asking for application fees
• Vague posts with no provider name
• Unofficial emails (e.g., Gmail without institutional domains)
• “Guaranteed approval” offers

Verify through:

• Philscholar
• CHED, UniFAST, or DSWD websites
• Your school registrar or scholarship coordinator

Summary: Best Scholarship Sources for Third-Year Students

🎯 Source	🔍 What You’ll Find
Philscholar.com	Updated listings by level, school, deadline
School Pages & Registrars	Internal, department-backed scholarships
CHED / UniFAST / DSWD	Government-funded national programs
LGU Pages & Offices	Local scholarships for residents
Private Foundations	Corporate and NGO-sponsored financial aid
College Officials	Internal school scholarships and endorsements

That’s it for Part 4!

Now that you know where to look, you’re one step closer to finding the right scholarship as a current fourth-year student preparing for your final year in college.

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Part 5: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying ❌

Before you hit “submit,” make sure you don’t fall into these common traps. Even small errors can lead to disqualification. Here’s what to avoid:

1. Submitting Incomplete Documents

Many students skip a document, thinking it’s optional. Unfortunately, missing even one required file can lead to rejection.

Avoid this:

• No proof of income or the wrong type of certificate
• Missing school forms (like NOA, COR, or enrollment slip)
• Incomplete or expired IDs or barangay certificates

Always review the document checklist. When in doubt, submit more not less.

2. Using Fake, Edited, or Altered Documents

This is a serious violation. Most scholarship providers conduct background checks. If caught, you could be disqualified from current and future applications.

Examples of red flags:

• Fake payslips or certificates
• Edited birthdates or school records
• Falsified indigency, 4Ps, or solo parent documents

⚠️ You may be reported to CHED, LGU offices, or school authorities.

3. Wrong Information on Application Forms

Incorrect or inconsistent details can cause your application to be delayed or rejected.

Common mistakes:

• Using a nickname instead of your full legal name
• Wrong student number, email address, or course code
• Misspelled names or mismatched details between documents

💡 Always use your full legal name and active contact details.

4. Missing the Deadline

One of the most common reasons students miss out is simply being too late.

Avoid waiting until the last minute to:

• Gather your documents
• Request barangay or DSWD certifications
• Submit your application

🗓️ Track deadlines with the Philscholar Scholarship Calendar.

5. Uploading Blurry or Unreadable Files

Reviewers might ignore or reject unclear submissions.

What to avoid:

• Blurred or shadowy scans
• Files that are too large or are not opening
• Cropped photos that cut off important parts

📲 Use a scanner app or printing shop to create clear, well-sized PDFs or JPEGs.

6. Not Reading the Full Instructions

Students often rush without understanding what’s required.

Missed details include:

• The correct file format (PDF, JPEG)
• Naming rules (e.g., LastName_BirthCert.pdf)
• Whether to print and submit manually

📌 Read the entire post or instruction set before asking questions or sending your form.

7. Only Applying to One Scholarship

Don’t place all your hopes in just one program.

🎯 Apply to multiple scholarships from your school, LGU, private orgs, or national providers. This increases your chances, especially since slots are limited and competition is tough.

Summary: Avoid These Mistakes

⚠️ Mistake	🚫 Why It’s a Problem
Incomplete documents	Your application might be rejected or put on hold
Fake or edited files	Can lead to disqualification or a permanent blacklist
Wrong or misspelled info	Causes delays or mismatches that affect approval
Missing the deadline	Most programs do not accept late submissions
Blurry/unreadable files	Reviewers might skip or reject unclear submissions
Not reading instructions	Leads to wrong format or missing details
Only applying to one scholarship	Reduces your chances of being selected

That wraps up Part 5!
Avoiding these simple yet costly mistakes can make all the difference.

✨ You’re now fully equipped to apply for scholarships as an incoming fourth-year student.

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Note: We’re not your school’s official scholarship coordinator (except for our partners). Our guides are meant to support your application process, but always follow your institution’s specific requirements and instructions. Read full disclaimer below.

Information Disclaimer

Notice:

Philscholar® is an informational platform dedicated to sharing scholarship and grant opportunities. While we provide guides and articles to assist with admissions and scholarship applications, we do not directly process applications or award scholarships.

Users are encouraged to verify all details independently, as information is for reference purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, scholarship criteria, deadlines, and other details may change without prior notice.

For further verification or inquiries, please refer to the official sources provided at the end of the content section. Read full disclaimer below.