Scholarship Guide for Incoming First Year College Students in the Philippines

Looking for a scholarship? Start here.

If you’re an incoming first-year college student in the Philippines and need help with school expenses, this guide is for you.

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

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

🗂️ Scholarship Resources

Want to explore more than just first-year programs? Check these out:

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

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Part 1: How to Qualify / Qualifications 🤔

Qualifications for Incoming First-Year College Students (Philippines)

Before preparing your documents, make sure you qualify first. These are the common eligibility requirements followed by most scholarship programs, whether from CHED, UniFAST, LGUs, private foundations, or schools.

1. You must be an incoming or newly admitted first-year college student.

This includes:

• Grade 12 students graduating this school year
• Senior High School (SHS) graduates not yet enrolled in college
• Students already admitted or accepted by a school for their first year

💡 Most programs require you to take a degree program in a recognized institution, not just CHED-accredited schools, but may also include TESDA, PRC-track, or LGU-partnered schools.

2. You must be a Filipino citizen.

Proof of citizenship may include:

• PSA Birth Certificate
• Any valid government-issued ID (e.g., national ID, voter’s ID, passport)

3. You must meet financial qualifications.

Scholarship programs generally prioritize students who:

• Belong to low-income families (annual income often below ₱100,000–₱300,000)
• Are beneficiaries of 4Ps or included in the Listahanan
• Are self-supporting, orphans, or living in solo-parent households

📌 You may be asked to submit supporting documents like an Income Tax Return (ITR), Certificate of Indigency, or a Barangay Certification of Income.

4. You may belong to a priority sector.

Some programs give special priority to applicants from:

• Indigenous Peoples (IPs)
• Fisherfolk or Farmer families
• Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
• Solo parents or children of solo parents
• Other underrepresented or disadvantaged groups.

📌 These may require additional documentation from DSWD, Barangay, NCIP, or other agencies.

5. You may not be eligible if:

• You’re already enrolled in college (beyond 1st year)
• You’re pursuing a second undergraduate degree
• Your chosen school or course is not recognized by the scholarship provider
• You’re already receiving full financial support from another national scholarship (e.g., CHED CSP, TDP, UniFAST TES)

Summary:

You are likely eligible if:

• You’re a Filipino citizen
• You’re an incoming or newly admitted first-year college student
• You belong to a low-income household or a priority sector
• You’re enrolling in a recognized course and school

🔎 Always review the specific guidelines of each scholarship program. Some may have extra requirements, broader criteria, or flexible exceptions depending on the funder.

Ready for the next step?

📂 Proceed to Part 2: Scholarship Requirements to see the documents you need to prepare.

This will help you avoid delays and submit a complete application.

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Part 2: What are the Requirements 📂

For Incoming 1st Year College Students (Philippines)

Before applying for any scholarship, prepare these documents. Submit only what is required by the program you’re applying for.

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, PhilSys, or Barangay Hall
– Certificate of Good Moral Character	📌 Senior High School registrar or guidance office

B. Enrollment & School Admission Documents

Document	📌 Where to Get It
– Notice of Admission (NOA)	📌 Issued by the school after passing the entrance exam
– Certificate of Enrollment or Acceptance	📌 School registrar or admissions office
– SHS Report Card (Form 137 or 138)	📌 Senior high school registrar
– SHS Diploma or Certificate of Graduation	📌 Senior high school registrar

💡 Submit the NOA if your school required an entrance exam. Some schools issue both NOA and Enrollment Certificate, prepare both if possible.

C. Proof of Financial Status

(Submit one or more based on your family’s source of income)

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

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	📌 BIR Office
	– Affidavit of Support and Consent	📌 Notary Public

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
	– Barangay Certificate of Livelihood	📌 Barangay Hall
	– Certificate of Low Income or Indigency	📌 Barangay or 📌 Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
	– Sworn Statement of Estimated Monthly Income	📌 Notary Public
	– Business Permit or DTI Certificate (if applicable)	📌 City Hall or 📌 Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
	– Affidavit of Support and Consent	📌 Notary Public

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
	– Certificate of Indigency	📌 Barangay or 📌 Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
	– Sworn Statement of No Source of Income	📌 Notary Public

Family Situation	Accepted Document	📌 Where to Get It
Under Government Social Programs Example: 🧾 4Ps, Listahanan, DSWD-assisted	– 4Ps ID or Certification	📌 DSWD Office
	– Listahanan Certificate	📌 DSWD Regional or Local Office

D. For Medical or Health-Related Courses (If Applicable)

(Only for BS Nursing, BS MedTech, BS 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 (If Applicable)

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 First-Year College Scholarship Applicants

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide that most scholarship providers follow, whether it’s from the government, school, or a private organization.

1. Choose a Scholarship to Apply For

• Visit trusted sources like Philscholar’s First Year College Scholarships
• Check the details: who can apply, requirements, benefits, and deadline
• Make sure the scholarship matches your course, year level, and school

2. Know How to Apply

There are 3 common ways to apply:

• Online Application – through a website or Google Form
• Walk-In / Manual Submission – submit printed forms to the scholarship office or LGU
• Through Your School – submit to your registrar or guidance office for endorsement

3. Fill Out the Application Form

• Use your real name and complete information
• Check for typos, especially in your contact details
• Upload clear copies of your documents in the correct format (PDF or JPEG)

💡 Use an email address that you can access anytime.

4. Submit the Required Documents

Make sure your files are complete and valid. Some documents may include:

• Notice of Admission or Proof of Enrollment
• Proof of income (like ITR, certificate of indigency, affidavit)
• Birth certificate
• Valid ID
• Barangay, DSWD, or other certifications if needed (4Ps, IPs, PWD, solo parent)

⚠️ Never submit fake documents. This can disqualify you permanently.

5. Wait for Evaluation

• After the deadline, your application will be reviewed
• Some programs might schedule an interview, exam, or validation
• Watch out for messages via email or text

6. Watch for the Results

• Follow the provider’s official page or website
• Approved applicants may receive:
  • A confirmation email or message
  • A notice for orientation or signing of the agreement
  • Instructions for next steps

Final Tips

• Take a screenshot or save a copy of your submitted form
• Organize your documents in a Google Drive or folder
• Track updates using the Scholarship Calendar
• Don’t wait for one scholarship, only apply to as many as you can!

That’s it!

You’re now ready to apply with confidence. Good luck, and we’re cheering for you here at Philscholar®.

Now that you’ve confirmed your qualifications (🤔 Part 1) and prepared the required documents (📂 Part 2), and you know how to apply (❓ Part 3), it’s time to explore where to find legitimate, updated, and student-friendly scholarship opportunities.

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Part 4: Where to Find Scholarships 🔍

Trusted Sources for Incoming First-Year College Students

1. Philscholar.com

Your go-to platform for organized and constantly updated scholarship listings for Filipino students.

What you’ll find:

• Scholarships by year level, school, or funding source
• Scholarship Calendar – tracks deadlines and open programs
• Clear requirements, guides, and application links

Best for: Incoming freshmen, parents, and working students

2. Official School Websites & Facebook Pages

Most colleges and universities post announcements on:

• Entrance-based and merit-based scholarships
• School-endorsed partner foundation scholarships
• Department-specific or private donor programs

Examples:

• UST Scholarships Office
• NU Bacolod Admission Page
• USLS Financial Aid Desk

Always check the official school website or page not fan pages or reposts.

3. Government Scholarship Websites

These are national-level programs for public and private students:

• CHED – CSP, CoScho
• UniFAST – TES and Tertiary subsidies
• DSWD – for 4Ps, Listahanan, and other special sectors

These sites post downloadable forms, guidelines, and contact info.

4. LGU (Local Government Unit) Scholarships

Your city or province may offer scholarships for local residents.

Where to check:

• City Hall or Provincial Government Facebook pages
• Youth Development Office or Scholarship Division
• Barangay announcements

Examples:

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

Requirements vary per LGU; some prioritize local schools and residents only.

5. Private Foundations and Company-Sponsored Programs

These are non-government financial aids open to qualified students.

Popular programs:

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

Some are school-partnered while others accept nationwide applicants.

6. Teachers, Principals, and Guidance Counselors

Some scholarships aren’t posted online. Ask your:

• Senior High School principal or registrar
• Guidance counselor
• Homeroom adviser

They may know internal school scholarships, partner programs, or donors looking for qualified students.

Watch Out for Scholarship Scams

Avoid:

• Paying processing or reservation fees
• Pages with no official link or name
• Vague posts that don’t show school or organization
• Gmail senders pretending to be official teams

Always double-check through Philscholar, CHED, or your school registrar.

Summary: Best Sources of Scholarship Info

📍 Source	✅ What You’ll Find
Philscholar.com	Complete listings by level, school, and deadline
Official School Pages	School-endorsed or internal scholarships
CHED / UniFAST / DSWD	Government-funded national programs (TES, CSP, CoScho, etc.)
LGU Offices & Pages	City or province-based scholarships for local residents
Private Companies / Foundations	Corporate social responsibility grants and foundation programs
Teachers / Principals / Advisers	Unposted scholarships or recommendations within the school community

You’ve got the qualifications (🤔 Part 1), the documents (📂 Part 2), and you know how and where to apply (❓ Part 3 and 🔍 Part 4). But here’s the thing many applicants still get rejected for small and avoidable mistakes.

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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

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Also Available For:

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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.

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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.