Scholarship Guide for Current First Year College Students in the Philippines

Looking for a scholarship? Start here.

If you’re a current first-year college student in the Philippines and need help with tuition, allowance, or other school expenses, this guide is for you.

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

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

🗂️ Scholarship Resources

Want to explore beyond first-year programs? Check these out:

• View First-Year College Scholarships
• Track Deadlines on the Scholarship Calendar
• Browse All Scholarship Programs in the Philippines by:
  • Education Level (High School, College, Graduate School)
  • Funding Source (Government, LGU, Private, School-based)

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Part 1: How to Qualify / Qualifications 🤔

For Current First-Year College Students in the Philippines

Before you prepare your documents, make sure you meet the qualifications. These are the common eligibility rules used by many scholarship programs from LGUs, schools, private groups, and foundations (not limited to CHED).

1. You must be a currently enrolled 1st year college student

This includes:

• Students officially enrolled in their first year of college this school year
• Students who have not yet advanced to 2nd year at the time of application

💡 Some scholarships allow applications mid-school year, but you’re expected to still be in your first year when applying.

2. You must be a Filipino citizen

Accepted proof includes:

• PSA Birth Certificate
• National ID, Voter’s ID, or any valid government-issued ID

3. You must meet financial need qualifications

Many scholarships prioritize students who:

• Come from low-income families (₱100,000–₱300,000 annual income range)
• Are part of the 4Ps or listed in Listahanan
• Are orphans, self-supporting, or from solo-parent households

📌 You may be asked to submit an ITR, Certificate of Indigency or a Barangay Certificate of Income.

4. You must meet academic performance requirements

Depending on the program, you may need:

• A minimum GWA/QPI (e.g., 85% or equivalent)
• No failing grades or dropped subjects
• A certificate of good standing or official grades from your current school

💡 Not all scholarships require high grades some focus more on financial need or special circumstances.

5. You may belong to a priority sector

Some scholarship programs give special priority to:

• Indigenous Peoples (IPs)
• Families of farmers or fisherfolk
• Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
• Students from solo-parent households
• Students from remote or underserved areas
• Informal workers or displaced families

📌 You may need to show certificates from DSWD, Barangay, or NCIP.

6. You may not be eligible if:

• You are already enrolled in 2nd year or higher
• You are pursuing a second undergraduate degree
• You are already receiving a full scholarship from another national program
• Your school or course is not recognized by the provider
• You submit falsified or incomplete documents

Summary:

You’re likely qualified if:

• You’re a Filipino citizen
• You are currently in your first year of college
• You belong to a low-income or priority-sector household
• You are enrolled in a recognized school or program

🔎 Always check the specific rules of the scholarship you’re applying for. Some may have more flexible or extra requirements.

Ready to move forward?
Check out Part 2: Scholarship Requirements to know what documents you need to prepare.

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Part 2: What Are the Requirements 📂

For Current First-Year College Students (Philippines)

Requirements may vary slightly by program, so always read the official guidelines. However, here’s a general checklist that most providers follow.

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 semester, if available)	📌 School Registrar, 📌 Student Portal, 📌 Adviser, or via your 📌 Student Passbook
– Certificate of Good Standing (if required)	📌 Program Chair or 📌 Department Office

💡 COE proves you’re officially enrolled. COR shows your class schedule and unit load. If both are available, prepare both.

C. Proof of Financial Status

(Submit documents based on your family’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

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❓

Step-by-Step Guide for Current First-Year College Students

This is a simple step-by-step guide that most scholarship providers follow, whether it’s from a government agency, school, LGU, or private organization.

1. Choose a Scholarship to Apply For

Visit trusted sources like Philscholar’s First-Year College Scholarships.

Read the details carefully:

• Who can apply?
• What are the requirements?
• What benefits are offered?
• When is the deadline?

Make sure the scholarship fits your course, year level, and school.

2. Know How the Application Works

Scholarship programs usually accept applications in one of these ways:

• Online Application — Fill out a form on their website or a Google Form.
• Walk-in or Manual Submission — Print your documents and submit them at the school, LGU, or scholarship office.
• Through Your School — Some schools collect applications through the registrar, student affairs, or guidance office.

Always follow the instructions posted in their official announcement.

3. Fill Out the Application Form

Use your real and complete details:

• Write your full name and correct contact info.
• Double-check for typos.
• Upload clear and readable scanned copies of your documents (PDF or JPEG).

💡 Tip: Use an email address you can always open. This is where they might contact you.

4. Submit the Required Documents

Make sure your files are complete and updated. These may include:

• Notice of Admission or Certificate of Enrollment
• Proof of income (like ITR, indigency certificate, affidavit)
• Birth certificate
• Valid ID
• Additional certifications (for 4Ps, IPs, PWD, solo parent, etc.)

⚠️ Reminder: Never submit fake or edited documents, doing so can disqualify you permanently.

5. Wait for Evaluation

After the deadline, the program will begin reviewing the applications. Some scholarships may require:

• An interview (online or in-person)
• A written exam or validation process
• A home visit or verification

Stay alert for any emails, texts, or official posts.

6. Watch for the Results

Follow the official Facebook page or website of the program. If you qualify, you might receive:

• A message or email of approval
• A notice for orientation or signing of the agreement
• Instructions on how and when to receive your benefits

Tips

• Take a screenshot or save a copy of your submitted application
• Organize your files in a folder (physical or in Google Drive)
• Track deadlines using the Scholarship Calendar
• Don’t rely on just one program, apply to as many as you’re eligible for!

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

Good luck, and we’re cheering for you here at Philscholar®! Let us know if you need help or have questions.

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Part 4: Where to Find Scholarships 🔍

Trusted Sources for Incoming First-Year College Students

Looking for scholarships can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Below are the best and most reliable places where you can find scholarship opportunities, whether from the government, schools, or private organizations.

1. Philscholar.com

Your go-to hub for updated and organized scholarship listings.

What you’ll find:

• Scholarships grouped by year level, school, or funding source
• Scholarship Calendar to track deadlines
• Easy-to-read guides, requirements, and links to apply

Start here:

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

2. Official School Websites & Pages

Most colleges and universities post scholarship updates on their websites or social media pages.

Look for:

• Entrance scholarships or merit-based aid
• Scholarships from partner foundations
• Department-specific or donor-supported grants

💡 Always double-check that you’re viewing the official page, not fan pages or reposts.

3. Government Scholarship Websites

These programs support both public and private school students:

• CHED – CHED Scholarship Programs (CSP), CoScho
• UniFAST – TES, free tuition, and subsidies
• DSWD – Scholarships for 4Ps, Listahanan, and special sectors

They usually post downloadable forms, eligibility info, and how to apply.

4. Local Government (LGU) Scholarships

Your city or province may offer scholarships to residents.

Where to check:

• City Hall or provincial government Facebook pages
• Youth offices or scholarship divisions
• Barangay announcements

Examples: Iligan City Government Scholarship, Pasig City Scholarship, Cebu Province Educational Assistance

📝 Note: Most LGU scholarships give priority to local residents and schools within their area.

5. Private Foundations & Company Scholarships

These are sponsored by private groups or companies offering financial aid to qualified students.

Common examples include:

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

Some of these are nationwide, while others require that you enroll in their partner schools.

6. Teachers, Principals & Guidance Counselors

Not all scholarships are posted online! Some schools have internal scholarship grants.

Ask your:

• Senior High School principal
• Registrar
• Guidance counselor
• Homeroom adviser

They might refer you to opportunities not publicly posted or recommend you directly.

Watch Out for Scholarship Scams

Here’s how to protect yourself:

Don’t trust posts that:

• Ask for money to apply
• Use personal Gmail instead of official school/org emails
• Have no clear deadline or details
• Are shared on sketchy or unverified pages

Always verify through:

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

Summary: Best Sources of Scholarship Information

📍 Source	What You’ll Find
Philscholar.com	Complete listings by level, school, and deadline
Official School Pages	School-endorsed and department-backed scholarships
CHED / UniFAST / DSWD	National scholarships and assistance for qualified students
LGU Pages & Offices	Scholarships from your city, municipality, or province
Private Companies	Foundation scholarships, CSR programs, and corporate grants
School Officials	Internal grants and direct recommendations from teachers

That’s it for Part 4!
You’re now equipped with the best sources to find scholarships that match your goals.

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Part 5: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying ❌

Simple Errors That Could Cost You a Scholarship 😬

Let’s make sure you don’t fall into the same trap.

1. Submitting Incomplete Documents

Some students skip one or two files, thinking it’s okay, but it’s not.

What to avoid:

• No income proof ora wrong income certificate
• Missing school documents (NOA, admission slip)
• Incomplete IDs or certificates

Always double-check the full list before submitting. It’s better to over-submit than under-submit.

2. Using Fake, Edited, or Altered Documents

This is a serious offense.

Examples:

• Fake payslips or barangay certificates
• Edited birthdates or documents to “look qualified”
• Falsified indigency or 4Ps certificates

You may get permanently banned from the scholarship or reported to CHED or LGU authorities.

3. Wrong Information on Application Forms

Common errors:

• Misspelled names
• Nicknames instead of a full legal name
• Wrong student number, address, or course
• Inactive or wrong email/phone

Always use your real and legal information and an active email address.

4. Missing the Deadline

Don’t wait for the last day to:

• Collect your documents
• Ask your barangay for certificates
• Submit your form or files

Track dates using the Philscholar Scholarship Calendar

5. Uploading Blurry or Unreadable Files

Avoid:

• Dark or blurred scanned images
• Files that are too large or don’t open
• Photos that crop out parts of the certificate

Use scanner apps or go to a printing shop to ensure clear PDFs or JPEGs.

6. Not Reading the Full Instructions

Students often miss:

• Required file format (PDF vs photo)
• Specific naming rules for documents
• Whether they need to print and submit physically

Read the entire post or guideline before asking questions or submitting forms.

7. Applying to Only One Scholarship

It’s okay to hope, but don’t put all your chances in one basket.

Apply to multiple scholarships across schools, LGUs, and programs. It improves your chances, especially if the program is competitive.

Summary: Avoid These Mistakes

⚠️ Mistake	🚫 Why It’s a Problem
Incomplete documents	The application may be denied or delayed
Fake or edited files	Permanent disqualification may affect future applications
Wrong or misspelled info	Can cause delays, errors in approval, or rejection
Missing the deadline	No late applications are accepted
Blurry/unreadable files	Files will not be reviewed or may be ignored
Ignoring instructions	Might lead to wrong file format or missing requirements
Only applying to one scholarship	Fewer chances of getting selected

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Explore Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships by Funding Source

Also Available For:

Scholarships By Year Level Guide (SYLG) →

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.