The Ateneo Memorial Scholarship Funds are donor-supported funds established in memory or honor of individuals connected with Ateneo de Manila University. These funds help qualified students receive an Ateneo education while preserving the legacy of the people for whom the funds were created.
However, Ateneo Memorial Scholarship Funds are not one scholarship program with a single benefit amount or a separate universal application form.
For most incoming college students, the correct route is to apply for Ateneo admission and complete the University’s Financial Aid Questionnaire. Ateneo then evaluates the applicant’s financial circumstances, academic record, and other qualifications. Qualified students may receive assistance supported by the University’s general financial aid resources or an appropriate donor-funded scholarship.
Important: Students generally do not choose a memorial fund or apply directly to the family that established it. Complete Ateneo’s official scholarship and financial aid application unless a specific fund publishes separate instructions.
Ateneo Memorial Scholarship Funds at a Glance
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Ateneo de Manila University |
| Scholarship type | Donor-funded, need-based, merit-based, athletic, or purpose-specific |
| One universal memorial scholarship | No |
| Main undergraduate application route | Ateneo Financial Aid Questionnaire |
| Separate college admission required | Yes |
| ACET required | Follow the current Ateneo admission requirements |
| Possible coverage | Partial or full financial assistance |
| Selection factors | Financial need, academic performance, service, and fund-specific conditions |
| AY 2027–2028 scholarship deadline | October 15, 2026 |
| Submission method | Online |
| Official information | Ateneo Scholarships and Financial Aid |
What Are Ateneo Memorial Scholarship Funds?
A memorial scholarship fund is established to honor the life, values, service, or achievements of a deceased family member, educator, alumnus, student, administrator, or community member.
Instead of creating only a temporary memorial, donors contribute money that Ateneo uses to support qualified students. Depending on how the fund is structured, donations may be placed in an endowment or used directly for scholarship assistance.
Each memorial fund may have its own purpose. For example, a fund may support:
- Financially disadvantaged students
- Students with exceptional academic records
- Scholars from a particular province
- Students pursuing a specific degree
- Student-athletes
- Law students
- Students demonstrating community service
- Applicants who reflect the values of the person being honored
The existence of a memorial fund does not necessarily mean that students can submit a separate application for it. Ateneo may select recipients from its general pool of qualified financial aid applicants.
Is This One Scholarship Program?
No. “Ateneo Memorial Scholarship Funds” is an umbrella description for different named scholarship funds.
The funds may have different:
- Donors
- Funding amounts
- Schools or academic levels
- Eligibility requirements
- Renewal conditions
- Selection procedures
- Scholarship benefits
A student should therefore avoid assuming that every memorial fund provides full tuition or a monthly allowance.
The student’s official scholarship offer will explain the actual coverage and conditions.
Examples of Ateneo Memorial and Named Scholarship Funds
Ateneo has recognized several donor-established scholarship funds. The following examples demonstrate how different memorial funds serve different student groups.
Fr. Thomas B. Steinbugler, SJ Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Fr. Thomas B. Steinbugler, SJ Memorial Scholarship Fund supports deserving students who might otherwise be unable to access an Ateneo education.
Ateneo has identified this fund in its reports on efforts to increase educational access for economically disadvantaged students.
Students should not assume there is a separate Steinbugler scholarship form. Incoming college applicants seeking financial assistance should complete Ateneo’s official Financial Aid Questionnaire.
Paz A. Dizon Memorial Scholarship
The Paz A. Dizon Memorial Scholarship was established by Francisco “Johnny” Dizon in honor of his mother.
The fund demonstrates how families and alumni can preserve the memory of a loved one by supporting future Ateneo students. Recipient selection is administered through Ateneo rather than through an informal application sent directly to the donor.
Miguel Dizon Memorial Scholarship
Francisco Dizon established the Miguel Dizon Memorial Scholarship in 2009 in memory of his son, Miguel.
Ateneo’s recognition of these funds shows that memorial scholarships can create continuing educational opportunities long after they are established. The specific availability and coverage depend on the fund and the University’s current selection process.
More information about the Dizon scholarship legacy is available in Ateneo’s official donor recognition.
Dean Joey Hofileña Scholarship Fund
The Ateneo Law School community established the Dean Joey Hofileña Scholarship Fund in memory of former Dean Jose Maria “Joey” G. Hofileña.
This fund is connected with the Ateneo Law School. It should not be confused with undergraduate financial aid for incoming first-year college students.
Students seeking support for a Juris Doctor program must follow the Ateneo Law School’s admission and financial aid procedures. The fund’s official Ateneo announcement directs donors to Ateneo Law’s financial aid channel.
Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship Funds
In July 2026, Ateneo established two Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship Funds in honor of student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia.
These are athletic scholarship funds rather than general academic financial aid. Student-athletes must satisfy the University’s academic, admission, and athletic requirements.
An applicant should not select an athletic fund simply because they participated in sports during high school. Athletic recruitment and scholarship decisions follow their own evaluation process.
Who Can Apply for Ateneo Financial Aid?
For undergraduate financial aid, Ateneo evaluates applicants using factors that include:
- Financial need demonstrated through the Financial Aid Questionnaire
- Intellectual ability
- Consistent academic performance
- Service to the community
- Potential to contribute to Ateneo and society
- Completeness and accuracy of submitted documents
Meeting these qualifications does not guarantee a scholarship. Financial aid is competitive and depends on the applicant’s assessment and the resources available for that admission cycle.
Does a Student Need to Be Admitted First?
Students must complete both the college admission and financial aid processes.
Applying for financial aid does not replace the Ateneo college application. Applicants must satisfy the current admission requirements, submit the required school records, and take the ACET when required for their applicant category.
The University evaluates admission and financial aid through their respective processes. A financial aid application cannot result in enrollment if the student does not qualify for admission.
Ateneo Memorial Scholarship Benefits
There is no single benefit package covering every memorial fund.
Depending on the student’s financial assessment and the conditions of the supporting fund, assistance may include:
- Full tuition coverage
- Partial tuition coverage
- Coverage of selected school fees
- Book or learning-material assistance
- Transportation assistance
- Dormitory or housing assistance
- Other educational allowances
Applicants should not claim that a specific memorial fund offers full tuition unless Ateneo’s current offer explicitly confirms it.
The final scholarship award letter controls the amount, coverage, duration, and renewal conditions.
How to Apply for Ateneo Memorial Scholarship Support
Most undergraduate applicants should follow Ateneo’s regular financial aid process.
Step 1: Start your Ateneo college application
Register through the official Ateneo College application system for the correct school year and applicant category.
Enter your personal and academic information carefully. Use an email address that you check regularly and expect to keep.
Step 2: Complete the admission requirements
Submit the school records, recommendations, essay, identification documents, and other materials required for your applicant category.
Applicants should complete these requirements early rather than waiting until the deadline.
Step 3: Select the financial aid option
Indicate in the application that you intend to seek financial assistance.
Access and complete the Financial Aid Questionnaire. This is the main document Ateneo uses to understand the applicant’s household circumstances and financial capacity.
Step 4: Prepare supporting financial documents
Collect the required income, employment, household, property, and expense records.
Documents should support the information entered in the questionnaire. Unexplained differences between the form and the supporting records may delay the evaluation.
Step 5: Submit everything online
For School Year 2027–2028, Ateneo states that all scholarship requirements must be submitted online on or before:
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Do not assume that completing the college admission form automatically submits the Financial Aid Questionnaire. Confirm that both parts show as complete.
Step 6: Complete ACET and other admission steps
Take the Ateneo College Entrance Test if it is required for your application category.
Follow the schedule and instructions shown in your portal. Financial need does not waive the academic and admission requirements.
Step 7: Monitor your portal and email
Ateneo may request clarification or additional documents. Check your email, spam folder, and application portal regularly.
A missed request can leave an otherwise strong financial aid application incomplete.
Step 8: Review the scholarship offer carefully
If selected, read the official award notice before accepting.
Check:
- Percentage of tuition covered
- Fees included or excluded
- Allowances, if any
- Duration of the award
- Academic requirements
- Renewal process
- Required academic load
- Rules concerning other scholarships
- Conditions for shifting, withdrawing, or taking a leave
Required Documents
Ateneo’s current scholarship page identifies financial records that can include:
- Completed Financial Aid Questionnaire
- Income and Expense Financial Statement
- Parents’ or guardians’ 2025 Annual Income Tax Return
- Written explanation if a parent or guardian is exempt from filing or is a non-filer
- Employment certificate or proof of compensation
- For OFW parents, overseas employment contract
- Documents supporting other household income
- Records of significant household expenses
- Other documents requested for the applicant’s circumstances
The University may require additional evidence depending on whether parents are employed, self-employed, unemployed, retired, separated, working overseas, or operating a business.
Submit readable and complete documents. Do not edit figures, hide sources of income, or submit false records. Financial aid decisions depend heavily on an accurate assessment of the household’s circumstances.
How Ateneo Evaluates Financial Need
Ateneo does not evaluate need using only one income number.
The University may consider:
- Total household income
- Number of household members
- Number of children attending school
- Employment stability
- Medical expenses
- Housing situation
- Assets and liabilities
- Business income
- Overseas employment
- Unusual family circumstances
- The amount a family can reasonably contribute
Two families with similar annual income may receive different assessments if their household size, medical expenses, debts, dependents, and financial responsibilities differ.
Explain unusual circumstances clearly and provide supporting evidence.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Be precise in the Financial Aid Questionnaire
Avoid vague descriptions such as “financial problems” without figures or evidence.
Show clearly:
- Who earns income in the household
- How much they earn
- Regular household expenses
- Educational expenses for siblings
- Medical obligations
- Changes in employment
- Circumstances affecting the family’s ability to pay tuition
Keep financial figures consistent
The income stated in the questionnaire should align with tax returns, employment certificates, contracts, and bank or business documents.
If figures differ for a valid reason, provide a short explanation instead of leaving Ateneo to guess.
Submit a complete application
Missing pages, unreadable photographs, unsigned forms, or incomplete financial records can weaken an application.
Create a checklist and review every uploaded file before final submission.
Demonstrate sustained academic effort
Financial need is important, but Ateneo also evaluates intellectual ability and consistent academic performance.
An applicant’s record should show serious engagement with school, not only one unusually strong semester.
Describe service with specific examples
If the application asks about community involvement, explain what you actually did, who benefited, how often you participated, and what you learned.
A short, credible example is stronger than a long list of organizations with no description of your contribution.
Apply by the official deadline
Submitting early provides time to correct technical problems or missing documents.
For AY 2027–2028, complete all scholarship requirements by October 15, 2026.
Do Students Choose Their Memorial Fund?
Usually, no.
Most undergraduate applicants apply for financial aid rather than selecting the name of a donor-supported fund. Ateneo determines how available funds are used and whether a qualified student matches a fund’s conditions.
Do not send separate applications to several memorial funds unless Ateneo publishes specific instructions authorizing that process.
Being supported by a named fund may be communicated after selection. Some scholars may also be invited to recognition, thanksgiving, or donor-engagement activities.
Can Current Ateneo Students Apply?
Some financial assistance may be available to current students, but the process may differ from the incoming first-year application.
A current student experiencing a major change in family finances should contact the appropriate scholarship or student services office. Do not submit an incoming first-year form unless instructed to do so.
Explain the change and prepare supporting documents, such as:
- Job-loss documentation
- Medical records and bills
- Death certificate
- Business closure documents
- Evidence of a major income reduction
- Documents relating to a natural disaster or emergency
Availability depends on current policies and funding.
Are Memorial Scholarships Automatically Renewable?
Not necessarily.
Renewal may depend on:
- Maintaining the required academic standing
- Carrying the required academic load
- Satisfactory conduct
- Continued financial need
- Timely submission of renewal documents
- Remaining within the normal duration of the degree
- Availability and conditions of the fund
Never assume that an award continues automatically until graduation. Follow the renewal instructions in the scholarship agreement.
Can You Receive Another Scholarship?
Possibly, but overlapping scholarships may be restricted.
Applicants must disclose other grants, tuition discounts, government assistance, and private scholarships. Ateneo or the other scholarship provider may adjust the benefits to prevent duplicate coverage of the same expense.
Ask both providers for written confirmation before accepting overlapping awards.
Information for Families and Donors
Families, alumni, organizations, and friends of Ateneo may contribute to existing scholarship funds or discuss establishing a memorial fund.
A donor should coordinate directly with Ateneo’s Office of University Development and Alumni Affairs before sending money or announcing a fund publicly.
The University can explain:
- Whether to contribute to an existing fund
- Requirements for establishing a named fund
- Endowed versus immediately expendable support
- The intended student population
- Fund administration
- Recognition and reporting
- Official donation and receipting procedures
- Philippine or overseas donation channels
Ateneo’s official Giving Form directs donors to send the completed form to development@ateneo.edu. Use official University payment instructions and never deposit scholarship donations into an individual’s personal account.
Ateneo Memorial Funds vs. Regular Financial Aid
| Feature | Memorial scholarship fund | Ateneo Financial Aid Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Funding source | Donor or donor family | University and donor-supported resources |
| Named after a person | Usually | Not necessarily |
| Separate student application | Often no | Yes, through Financial Aid Questionnaire |
| Coverage | Depends on fund | Partial or full assistance based on evaluation |
| Selection | Ateneo and fund conditions | Ateneo financial aid assessment |
| Best action for applicants | Complete the official financial aid process | Complete the official financial aid process |
For a broader explanation of all available programs, read the complete Ateneo Scholarships and Financial Aid guide.
Students should also explore scholarships for college students in the Philippines instead of relying on one university award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ateneo Memorial Scholarship Funds one scholarship?
No. The term describes different donor-funded scholarships created in memory or honor of individuals. Each fund may have different purposes and conditions.
Is there a separate memorial scholarship application form?
Generally, incoming undergraduate students should complete Ateneo’s Financial Aid Questionnaire. Ateneo will determine whether the student qualifies for financial aid and whether an appropriate donor-supported fund is available.
What is the deadline for AY 2027–2028?
Ateneo states that scholarship requirements for School Year 2027–2028 must be submitted online by Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Does a memorial scholarship cover full tuition?
It may provide full or partial support, depending on the scholarship fund and the recipient’s assessed need. Full tuition should not be assumed unless it appears in the official award.
Can I apply before receiving my admission result?
Follow Ateneo’s current instructions and complete the Financial Aid Questionnaire during the college application process. Do not wait until admission results if doing so would cause you to miss the scholarship deadline.
Do I need to take the ACET?
Applicants must meet Ateneo’s current admission requirements, including the ACET when it applies to their applicant category.
Are financial aid and admission the same decision?
No. Applicants must satisfy Ateneo’s admission requirements and complete the separate financial aid requirements.
Can international applicants request financial aid?
Ateneo’s international applicant instructions provide a Financial Aid Questionnaire route. Eligibility, availability, and document requirements may differ, so international applicants should follow the instructions for their category.
Can transferees apply?
Ateneo’s transfer admission instructions include a financial aid process. Transfer applicants must follow the transfer-specific admission and scholarship requirements.
Can I apply directly to the donor’s family?
No, unless Ateneo explicitly provides that instruction. Scholarship selection and fund administration should go through the University.
How can someone establish a memorial scholarship fund?
Contact Ateneo’s Office of University Development and Alumni Affairs at development@ateneo.edu. The University will explain the funding structure, naming requirements, administration, and authorized donation channels.
Final Application Checklist
Before submitting, confirm that you have:
- Completed the Ateneo college application
- Selected the financial aid option
- Completed the Financial Aid Questionnaire
- Prepared the Income and Expense Financial Statement
- Uploaded the required income tax return or non-filer explanation
- Included employment or OFW documents when applicable
- Explained unusual family circumstances
- Checked that every upload is readable
- Submitted everything by October 15, 2026
- Saved confirmation of submission
- Continued monitoring your email and application portal
Official Sources
- Ateneo Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Ateneo Scholarship and Financial Aid Programs
- First-Year Local Applicant Instructions
- Ateneo College Admissions Calendar
- Official Ateneo Giving Form
Disclaimer: CHEDScholar.org is an independent scholarship information website. It is not Ateneo de Manila University or CHED. Scholarship coverage, requirements, available funds, and deadlines may change. Confirm all important decisions through Ateneo’s official website and application portal.