Scholarship Guide for Incoming Second Year College Students in the Philippines

Looking for a Scholarship? Start here.

If you’re an incoming 2nd-year college student in the Philippines, currently finishing your 1st year, 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 step by step, simply and clearly.

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

🗂️ Scholarship Resources

Want to explore other options? Use these:

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

Browse 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 Incoming 2nd Year College Students in the Philippines
(Current First-Year College Students finishing this school year)

Before you prepare your requirements, make sure you qualify. Most scholarship programs, whether from LGUs, private foundations, or schools, follow similar rules.

1. You must be a current 1st year college student

This means:

• You are currently enrolled in your first year of college
• You are not yet officially in the 2nd year at the time of application
• You are about to finish your 1st year and will start 2nd year soon (next semester or academic year)

💡 Some programs accept applications mid-year, but you must still be completing your 1st year when you apply.

2. You must be a Filipino citizen

Accepted proof of citizenship:

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

3. You must meet financial need qualifications

Many scholarships give priority to students who:

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

Required documents may include:

• Income Tax Return (ITR)
• Certificate of Indigency
• Barangay Certificate of Income

4. You must meet academic performance requirements

Most programs require you to:

• Have a GWA (General Weighted Average) of at least 85%, or
• A QPI (Quality Point Index) of 2.0 or better
• Have no failing, dropped, or incomplete subjects
• Submit a Certificate of Good Standing or your official grades

💡 Some scholarships focus more on financial need than grades, always check the specific rules.

5. Your course or program must be eligible

Most programs cover degree-granting college programs, especially those in:

• Education
• Business
• Agriculture
• Engineering and Technology
• Health and Medical (e.g., Nursing, MedTech, Pharmacy)
• Social Sciences and more

📌 Always check if your school and program are recognized or listed by the scholarship provider.

Some scholarships only cover specific priority courses (like STEM, agriculture, or education), while others are open to all programs.

6. You may belong to a priority sector

Some programs give extra priority to:

• Indigenous Peoples (IPs)
• Farmers or Fisherfolk families
• Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
• Solo-parent households
• Students from remote or underserved areas
• Informal workers or displaced families

📌 You may be asked to provide certificates from the DSWD, Barangay, or NCIP.

7. You may not be eligible if:

• You’re already in the 2nd year or higher
• You’re taking a second undergraduate degree
• You’re already receiving full national scholarships (e.g., CHED CSP, UniFAST TES)
• Your school or course is not recognized by the provider
• You submit fake or incomplete documents

Summary: You are likely qualified if…

• You are a Filipino citizen
• You are currently in your 1st year of college
• You come from a low-income or priority-sector household
• You are enrolled in a recognized course and school
• You meet the academic performance requirements

Ready to continue?
Go to 📂 Part 2: Scholarship Requirements to see what documents you need to prepare!

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Part 2: What are the Requirements 📂

For Incoming 2nd Year College Students in the Philippines (Currently Finishing 1st Year)

Before applying, gather the documents usually required by most scholarship programs. Always check the specific list from the provider, but this guide covers the most common.

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, 1st semester or full year)	📌 School Registrar, 📌 Student Portal, 📌 Adviser, or via your 📌 Student Passbook
– Certificate of Good Standing (if required)	📌 Program Chair or 📌 Department Office

💡 Tip: COE shows you’re officially enrolled. COR lists your current class load.

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

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 Incoming 2nd Year College Students

This is a simple and practical guide used by most scholarship providers, whether it’s from your LGU, school, a government agency, or a private foundation.

1. Choose a Scholarship to Apply For

Start by finding programs that are open for incoming 2nd-year students.

Visit trusted sources like:

• PhilScholar’s Year-Level-Based Scholarships
• Your school’s official website or Facebook page
• Your city/provincial scholarship office

Check the details carefully:

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

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

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 evaluation is done, 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®.
Feel free to message us anytime if you need help.

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Part 4: Where to Find Scholarships 🔍

Start Here – Best Resources for Incoming 2nd Year College Students

If you’re finishing your 1st year and about to enter 2nd year, here’s where you can look for scholarships that match your level, course, and needs.

1. Philscholar.com

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

What you’ll find:

• Scholarships for incoming 2nd-year college students
• Listings grouped by year level, course, and funding source
• Scholarship Calendar to track deadlines
• Easy-to-understand guides and document checklists

Start here:

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

2. Official School Websites & Pages

Most colleges and universities post scholarship announcements on their official websites or social media.

Look out for:

• Need-based or merit-based scholarships
• Department or college-specific grants
• Donor-funded or alumni-backed financial aid

💡 Make sure you’re viewing the official page, not fan pages or reposts.

3. Government Scholarship Websites

Some national programs accept continuing college students.

Examples:

• CHED – Continuing support for qualified students
• UniFAST – TES, Free Higher Education, and Tertiary Subsidies
• DSWD – For 4Ps beneficiaries and marginalized sectors

These sites post downloadable forms, requirements, and guidelines.

4. LGU (Local Government Unit) Scholarships

Your city, municipality, or province may offer scholarships for residents.

Where to check:

• City Hall or LGU Facebook pages
• Youth Development Office or Education Division
• Barangay announcements or bulletin boards

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

📝 Note: Most LGUs give priority to residents or students enrolled in local schools.

5. Private Foundations & Corporate Scholarships

Many companies and organizations offer grants to qualified students, especially in their partner schools or local communities.

Popular examples:

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

Check their official websites or inquire if your school is one of their partners.

6. School Officials and Faculty

Some scholarships aren’t posted online. Ask your:

• College Registrar
• Department Chairperson
• Program Adviser
• Student Affairs Office
• Guidance Counselor

They may recommend you for internal or donor-funded grants.

Watch Out for Scholarship Scams

Protect yourself by avoiding posts or people that:

• Ask you to pay for the application or “reservation”
• Use Gmail or fake-looking emails (instead of school/org emails)
• Share vague or unverified announcements

Always verify through:

• Philscholar.com
• CHED, DSWD, or UniFAST websites
• Your school’s registrar or financial aid office

Summary: Best Scholarship Sources for Incoming 2nd Year Students

📍 Source	What You’ll Find
Philscholar.com	Full list by level, deadline, and provider
School Pages	School-endorsed and donor-linked grants
CHED / UniFAST / DSWD	Government-funded financial aid
LGU Pages & Offices	Local government scholarships
Private Foundations	CSR-backed and foundation grants
Faculty / Advisers	Internal or referral-based support

That’s it for Part 4!
You’re now equipped with the best places to find scholarships as you move forward in your college journey.

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Part 5: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying ❌

Simple Errors That Could Cost You a Scholarship 😬

Before you hit “submit,” make sure you don’t fall into these common traps. These small mistakes can lead to big problems, even disqualification. Let’s go through them one by one:

1. Submitting Incomplete Documents

Many students forget or skip a document, thinking it’s okay, but missing even one required file can result in a denied application.

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. Scholarship providers do background checks, and getting caught can ban you 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 could be reported to CHED, LGU offices, or school authorities.

3. Wrong Information on Application Forms

Incorrect info can delay your application or get it 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 complete, legal name and active contact info.

4. Missing the Deadline

This is one of the most common and costly mistakes.

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

If reviewers can’t read your files, they might skip your application.

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 mistakes will give you a much better chance of getting approved.

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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.

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