Free Scholarships in the Philippines 2026
Education is every Filipino’s right, but tuition fees and living costs often stop students from reaching their dreams. Fortunately, there are many free scholarships in the Philippines 2026 that cover tuition, allowances, and even books and supplies — without asking students to pay back a single centavo.
This guide lists the top government, private, and university scholarships that are completely free for Filipino students. Whether you’re in senior high school, college, or even pursuing graduate studies, you’ll find a program here that can help you study without worrying about tuition fees.
What Does “Free Scholarship” Mean?
A free scholarship is one that:
- Covers 100% of tuition fees (no loans, no repayments)
- May include living allowances, book stipends, and uniforms
- Is funded by the government, LGUs, or private foundations
- Requires only compliance with academic standards (usually just passing grades)
Top Free Government Scholarships in the Philippines 2026
| Scholarship | Coverage | Eligibility | Deadline | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHED Free Higher Education Law (RA 10931) | 100% free tuition in SUCs and LUCs nationwide | All enrolled Filipino college students in public HEIs | Ongoing | CHED Scholarship |
| UniFAST – Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) | ₱7,500 per semester cash subsidy | All college students in CHED-recognized schools | Year-round | TDP Scholarship |
| DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship | Full tuition, ₱7,000 monthly stipend, book allowance, thesis and graduation grant | STEM graduates and top 5% non-STEM | Aug–Oct 2026 | DOST Scholarship |
| TESDA Training Scholarships | Free tuition + free assessment + allowances | SHS graduates, out-of-school youth, unemployed Filipinos | Year-round | TESDA Programs |
| OWWA Scholarship (EDSP) | ₱60,000/year tuition subsidy | Dependents of active OFWs | Jan–Mar 2026 | OWWA Scholarship |
| DepEd Senior High School Voucher Program | ₱14,000–22,500/year tuition subsidy for SHS | Grade 10 completers moving to private schools | March–May 2026 | DepEd Voucher |
Free Private and Foundation Scholarships 2026
- SM Foundation Scholarship – Free tuition + allowance, available nationwide.
- Aboitiz Foundation Scholarship – Full tuition + allowances at partner schools.
- Security Bank Foundation Scholarship – Up to ₱100,000/year support.
- Landbank Gawad Patnubay Scholarship – Focus on agriculture and fisheries students.
University-Based Free Scholarships 2026
- UST Free Scholarships – Academic excellence and athletic grants.
- CEU Scholarships – For honor students and leaders.
- NU Scholarships – Free tuition for top achievers.
- Mapúa Free Scholarships – Full or partial coverage.
International Free Scholarships for Filipinos 2026
Some programs allow Filipinos to study abroad for free:
- Erasmus+ (Europe) – Tuition, stipend, airfare, insurance.
- Australia Awards – Tuition, airfare, establishment allowance, living expenses.
- Fulbright Philippines (USA)
- Japan MEXT Scholarship
- Korean Government Scholarship (KGSP)
- Chevening Scholarship (UK)
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Free Scholarships in 2026
- Pick the scholarship that fits your situation (government, foundation, or university-based).
- Prepare requirements: grades, income certificate, ID, recommendation letters.
- Submit your application online or to your local LGU/school.
- Check results online or through announcements.
- Maintain passing grades to renew your scholarship yearly.
Tips for Students Looking for Free Scholarships
- Start with government programs — CHED, TESDA, UniFAST, and OWWA are all free.
- Check your LGU — most cities and provinces offer their own “libreng scholarship.”
- Don’t ignore private foundations — SM and Security Bank give full coverage.
- Apply to multiple programs — more chances of getting at least one.
FAQs: Free Scholarships in the Philippines 2026
Is tuition free in the Philippines?
Yes, tuition is free in all state universities and local universities under CHED’s Free Higher Education Law (RA 10931).
Do free scholarships cover allowances?
Some programs (like DOST, OWWA, and SM) cover allowances, while others focus on tuition only.
What is the easiest free scholarship to apply for?
UniFAST TDP and LGU scholarships are the simplest, requiring only proof of enrollment and financial need.
Can I apply for multiple free scholarships?
Yes, but double-dipping (two full government scholarships at once) is not allowed. You can combine LGU and foundation aid with CHED’s free tuition law.
Conclusion
Education should never be out of reach. With multiple free scholarships in the Philippines 2026, from CHED’s free tuition law to UniFAST, TESDA, OWWA, SM Foundation, and international programs, students have plenty of opportunities to study without worrying about costs. Start early, prepare your documents, and apply to as many programs as possible — your future is free for the taking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the Free Scholarships in the Philippines 2027 alongside another scholarship?
Most Philippine scholarship programs allow you to hold more than one grant as long as they do not both pay for the exact same expense, but you are usually required to disclose any other scholarship you are receiving. Confirm the specific rule with the Free Scholarships in the Philippines 2027 office, since some private foundations require exclusivity.
What if I miss the application deadline?
Late submissions are generally not accepted for that intake because slots and budgets are fixed per cycle. Watch the official channel for the next opening, and prepare your documents ahead of time so you are ready the moment applications reopen.
Is the Free Scholarships in the Philippines 2027 renewable each semester or school year?
Continuing grantees typically need to maintain a minimum grade average, stay enrolled full-time, and submit updated certificates of registration or grades each period. Renewal requirements are usually lighter than the first-time application but should not be skipped.
Where can I verify the current requirements and schedule?
Benefit amounts, income ceilings, and deadlines can change yearly, so confirm the latest cycle directly with the issuing office or its official website and social media page before you prepare documents.
What are the most common reasons applications get rejected?
Incomplete documentary requirements, exceeding the income cap, missing the residency or enrollment requirement, and submitting past the deadline are the most frequent reasons. Double-check every requirement on the checklist before submitting.