Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) is one of the Philippines’ top private universities, known for academic excellence and holistic formation. While Ateneo tuition is premium, the university offers comprehensive scholarship programs to make Jesuit education accessible to deserving students.
This guide covers all Ateneo scholarship opportunities for 2026: eligibility, benefits, application process, and strategies for success.
Ateneo Scholarship Programs Overview
| Scholarship Type | Coverage | Target Students |
|---|---|---|
| ACET Merit Scholarship | 25-100% tuition | Top ACET passers |
| Ateneo Financial Aid | Varies | Students with financial need |
| San Ignacio Grant | Full support | Excellent + financial need |
| Athletic Scholarship | Full support | Blue Eagles athletes |
| Magis Scholarship | Full support | Top students nationwide |
| External Scholarships | Varies | Various criteria |
1. ACET Merit Scholarship
Based on Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET) performance.
ACET Scholarship Levels:
Full Scholarship (100% tuition):
- Top 10-20 ACET passers
- Exceptional academic record
- Outstanding extracurriculars
75% Tuition Scholarship:
- Top 50 ACET passers
- Valedictorians from accredited schools
50% Tuition Scholarship:
- Top 100 ACET passers
- Salutatorians from accredited schools
25% Tuition Scholarship:
- Honor graduates
- Strong ACET performance
Continuing Merit Scholarship:
Based on QPI (Quality Point Index) each semester:
| QPI | Scholarship |
|---|---|
| 3.70-4.00 | 100% tuition |
| 3.50-3.69 | 75% tuition |
| 3.30-3.49 | 50% tuition |
| 3.00-3.29 | 25% tuition |
2. Ateneo Financial Aid Program
For students with demonstrated financial need.
Benefits:
- Partial to full tuition coverage
- Based on family financial assessment
- Renewable each semester
Eligibility:
- Admitted to Ateneo
- Filipino citizen
- Demonstrated financial need
- Good academic standing
Application:
- Separate financial aid form
- Submit family income documents
- Interview with financial aid office
3. San Ignacio Scholarship
Ateneo’s flagship scholarship combining academic excellence and financial need.
Benefits:
- 100% tuition and fees
- Monthly stipend
- Book allowance
- Meal allowance
- Laptop/computer support
Eligibility:
- Top academic performance
- Demonstrated financial need
- Strong leadership and service
- Good moral character
Application:
- Rigorous selection process
- Essay and multiple interviews
- Home visit verification
4. Magis Scholarship
For exceptional students from across the Philippines.
Benefits:
- Full scholarship (tuition and fees)
- Living allowance
- Dormitory support
- Full academic support
Eligibility:
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Top of class nationally
- Strong leadership record
- Demonstrated Ignatian values
5. Ateneo Athletic Scholarship (Blue Eagles)
For varsity athletes.
Benefits:
- Full tuition and fees
- Monthly training allowance
- Equipment and uniform
- Sports medicine support
- Competition support
Eligibility:
- Recruited by Blue Eagles program
- Pass athletic tryouts
- Meet academic requirements
- Commit to representing Ateneo
Blue Eagles Sports:
- Basketball (UAAP champions)
- Volleyball (men and women)
- Football
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Badminton
- Track and Field
- Chess
- Table Tennis
6. Ateneo Cultural/Arts Scholarship
For students with exceptional artistic talents.
Benefits:
- Partial tuition discount
- Performance opportunities
- Artistic development
Eligibility:
- Member of Ateneo cultural groups
- Demonstrated artistic excellence
- Maintain academic standing
Cultural Organizations:
- Ateneo Blue Symphony
- Ateneo Glee Club
- Company of Ateneo Dancers
- Tanghalang Ateneo (Theater)
7. External Scholarships at Ateneo
DOST-SEI Scholarship:
- For STEM programs
- Full stipend support
- Merit-based grants
- Additional support
Foundation Scholarships:
- Ayala Foundation
- Metrobank Foundation
- SM Foundation
- Various corporate partners
Required Documents
For Merit Scholarships:
- ACET result
- Senior High School Report Card
- Certificate of Good Moral Character
- PSA Birth Certificate
- 2×2 ID Photos
For Financial Aid:
- Financial aid application form
- Parent’s ITR (3 years)
- Certificate of Employment with salary
- Property and asset declarations
- Utility bills
- Personal essay
For San Ignacio/Magis:
- All academic documents
- Complete financial documentation
- Essays on leadership and service
- Recommendation letters (3)
- Portfolio of achievements
How to Apply for Ateneo Scholarships
Merit Scholarships:
- Take ACET – Apply and pass the entrance test
- Rank high – Top passers receive automatic scholarships
- Submit academic records – Certified grades
- Scholarship notification – Awarded during enrollment
Financial Aid:
- Get admitted – Pass ACET first
- Download forms – From Ateneo website
- Submit requirements – Complete financial documents
- Interview – With financial aid office
- Await results – Before enrollment
San Ignacio/Magis:
- Apply for admission – Pass ACET
- Separate scholarship application – Additional forms
- Submit comprehensive documents – Academic + financial + essays
- Multiple interviews – Panel interviews
- Home visit – For finalists
- Final selection – Competitive process
Ateneo Tuition and Fees 2026
Ateneo is a premium private university:
| Program | Estimated Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Management/Business | PHP 180,000-220,000 |
| Sciences | PHP 170,000-200,000 |
| Social Sciences | PHP 160,000-190,000 |
| Humanities | PHP 150,000-180,000 |
| Engineering (coming) | PHP 180,000-220,000 |
Note: These are estimates. Check Ateneo for current rates.
Ateneo Schools and Programs
School of Humanities:
- AB Communication
- AB Literature
- AB Philosophy
School of Social Sciences:
- AB Economics
- AB Political Science
- AB Psychology
- AB Sociology
School of Science and Engineering:
- BS Biology
- BS Chemistry
- BS Mathematics
- BS Physics
- BS Computer Science
- BS Information Technology
John Gokongwei School of Management:
- BS Management
- BS Management Information Systems
- BS Applied Mathematics (Major in Finance)
Maintaining Your Scholarship
Ateneo scholars must:
- Maintain required QPI
- Enroll full-time (minimum 15 units)
- Not fail any subject
- Complete degree on time
- Participate in scholar activities
- Embody Ignatian values
Tips for Ateneo Scholarship Success
- Excel in ACET – Top 100 passers get automatic scholarships.
- Show Ignatian values – Service, leadership, men and women for others.
- Document everything – Complete and accurate financial records.
- Write compelling essays – Tell your story authentically.
- Prepare for interviews – Practice articulating your goals.
- Apply for multiple grants – Merit + need-based if eligible.
- Meet deadlines strictly – Ateneo enforces submission dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there full scholarship at Ateneo? A: Yes. San Ignacio, Magis, and top ACET passers receive 100% coverage.
Q: How competitive is Ateneo scholarship? A: Very competitive. San Ignacio accepts fewer than 30 students per year.
Q: When is ACET? A: Usually September-November. Check Ateneo website for exact dates.
Q: Can I combine Ateneo scholarship with DOST? A: Yes. External scholarships can supplement Ateneo aid.
Q: What makes a strong San Ignacio application? A: Top grades + genuine financial need + exceptional leadership + service orientation.
Contact Information
Ateneo Office of Admission and Aid (OAA)
- Location: Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
- Website: ateneo.edu
- Admissions: ateneo.edu/admissions
Financial Aid Office
- Scholarship inquiries
- Located at Ateneo Loyola Heights Campus
Final Thoughts
Ateneo offers excellent scholarship opportunities for students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, or both. The Jesuit emphasis on being “men and women for others” means Ateneo invests in scholars who will serve society.
Prepare well for ACET, document your achievements, and show your commitment to service. Your Blue Eagle journey is within reach.