Scholarship Guide for Incoming Third Year College Students in the Philippines

Looking for a scholarship? Start here.

If you’re an incoming third-year college student in the Philippines, currently completing your 2nd year, and need help with tuition, allowance, or other school expenses, this Scholarship Guide for Incoming Third 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 opportunities? Start here:

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

Choose 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 3rd Year College Students in the Philippines
(Current Second-Year College Students finishing this school year)

Before preparing your documents, make sure you meet the qualifications. While requirements vary by program, most government, school, or private scholarships follow similar eligibility rules.

1. You must be a currently enrolled 2nd-year college student

This means:

• You are officially enrolled in your second year of college.
• You are about to complete your 2nd year and will enter the 3rd year in the upcoming semester or school year.
• Some scholarships allow mid-year applications, as long as you are still considered a 2nd-year student at the time of applying.

2. You must be a Filipino citizen

Accepted proof includes:

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

3. You must meet financial need qualifications

Many scholarship programs prioritize students who:

• Belong to low-income families (usually earning less than ₱100,000–₱300,000 per year)
• Are part of the 4Ps or listed in Listahanan
• Are orphans, solo-parent dependents, or self-supporting

You may be required to submit documents like:

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

4. You must meet academic performance requirements

Common expectations include:

• A minimum GWA of 85% or QPI of 2.0 (or its equivalent)
• No failing, dropped, or incomplete subjects
• A Certificate of Good Standing or your official grades for the 2nd year

💡 Some programs prioritize financial need over grades, always check the specific criteria of the scholarship.

5. Your course or program must be eligible

Most scholarships support college degrees in fields such as:

• Education, Engineering, Agriculture, Business
• Information Technology, Health Sciences, Social Work
• Public Administration, Communication, and other recognized fields

📌 Some providers may only cover priority courses. Make sure your course is listed or supported.

6. You may belong to a priority sector

Extra consideration is often given to:

• Indigenous Peoples (IPs)
• Children of farmers, fisherfolk, or informal workers
• Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
• Students from remote, underserved, or disaster-prone areas
• Solo-parent households

📌 Prepare supporting documents from DSWD, NCIP, or your Barangay if needed.

7. You may not be eligible if:

• You are already enrolled in the 3rd year or higher at the time of application
• You are pursuing a second undergraduate degree
• You are already receiving full government scholarships (CHED, UniFAST, etc.)
• Your course or school is not recognized by the scholarship provider
• You submit incomplete or falsified documents

You are likely qualified if:

• You are a Filipino citizen
• You are currently finishing your 2nd year of college
• You meet the income or priority sector criteria
• You are enrolled in a recognized school and course
• You meet academic performance standards

📂 Ready for the next step? Head over to Part 2: Scholarship Requirements to learn what documents to prepare!

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Part 2: What Are the Requirements 📂

For Incoming Third-Year College Students in the Philippines
(Students currently finishing their 2nd year)

Before applying for any scholarship, make sure your documents are complete. Most providers, whether from LGUs, schools, private foundations, or government agencies, follow similar requirements. Always check the official guidelines of 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, 📌 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 and available 2nd-year semesters)	📌 School Registrar, 📌 Student Portal, 📌 Adviser, or via your 📌 Student Passbook
– Certificate of Good Standing (if required)	📌 Program Chair or 📌 Department Office

💡 Tip: If your school provides a consolidated Transcript of Records (TOR) or academic evaluation form, it may be accepted as well.

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 Third-Year College Students

Applying for a scholarship can seem overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ve broken it down into easy steps. Whether the program is from a government agency, school, LGU, or private foundation, most follow a similar process.

1. Choose a Scholarship to Apply For

Look for programs open to current 2nd-year students who will enter their third year soon.

Explore trusted sources like:

• PhilScholar’s Third-Year College Scholarships
• Your school’s official website or scholarship office
• Your local LGU’s education or youth development pages

Carefully review the program details:

• Who can apply
• What are the requirements
• What benefits are provided
• Deadline for application

🎯 Make sure the scholarship is available to your 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 🔍

Trusted Sources for Incoming Third-Year College Students

Finding the right scholarship doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are the best and most reliable places where you can discover financial assistance opportunities as you prepare for your third year in college.

1. Philscholar.com

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

What you’ll find:

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

Start here:

• View Third-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 for your third year in college.

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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

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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.