Why Pursue a Criminology Degree?
Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BS Criminology) is one of the most popular courses in the Philippines, preparing students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, forensic science, and criminal justice administration. With the growing demand for professional police officers, criminologists, and security experts, criminology graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects both locally and abroad.
However, the cost of a criminology degree can be challenging for many Filipino families. The good news is that numerous scholarships are available specifically for criminology students, from government programs to private foundation grants and university-based financial aid.
This comprehensive guide covers all scholarship opportunities available for BS Criminology students in the Philippines in 2026.
Top Criminology Scholarships in the Philippines 2026
1. Philippine National Police (PNP) Scholarship Program
The PNP offers scholarships for criminology students who commit to serving in the police force after graduation.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Full tuition + monthly stipend + uniforms |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Return Service | Required (PNP employment after graduation) |
| Application | Through PNP Regional Offices |
Eligibility:
- Filipino citizen
- 18-25 years old at time of application
- At least 5’4″ (male) or 5’2″ (female) height
- Good moral character
- No criminal record
- Physically and mentally fit
- Enrolled in a CHED-recognized criminology program
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly stipend of ₱8,000 – ₱12,000
- Book and uniform allowance
- Guaranteed employment in PNP after graduation
- Training and professional development
How to Apply:
- Visit your nearest PNP Regional Office
- Submit application form and requirements
- Pass the NAPOLCOM entrance examination
- Complete medical and physical examination
- Undergo background investigation
2. Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Scholarship
The BJMP offers scholarships for students who want to pursue careers in corrections and jail management.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Tuition assistance + allowances |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Return Service | BJMP employment after graduation |
| Application | BJMP Regional Offices |
Eligibility:
- Filipino citizen
- High school graduate with good grades
- Meets height and age requirements
- Good moral character
- Willing to serve in BJMP
3. Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Criminology Scholarship
For criminology students interested in fire protection and investigation.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Tuition + monthly allowance |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Return Service | BFP employment |
4. CHED Scholarship for Criminology Students
The Commission on Higher Education offers scholarships including criminology as a priority course in certain regions.
| Scholarship Type | GWA Requirement | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Full Merit | 96%+ | Full tuition + ₱25,000/sem stipend |
| Half Merit | 93-95% | Partial tuition + ₱15,000/sem stipend |
Eligibility:
- Filipino citizen
- GWA of at least 93% (Grade 11 & Grade 12)
- Family income below ₱400,000/year
- Enrolled in CHED-recognized school
Apply at: Your nearest CHED Regional Office or online via CHED portal
5. Local Government Unit (LGU) Scholarships
Many cities and provinces offer scholarships for criminology students:
| LGU | Scholarship Details |
|---|---|
| Quezon City | QCYDO Scholarship – includes criminology |
| Manila City | Manila Scholarship – criminology eligible |
| Davao City | City Scholarship Program |
| Cebu City | Cebu City Scholarship |
| Makati City | Makati Scholarship Program |
How to Apply:
- Visit your city/municipal scholarship office
- Check if criminology is an eligible course
- Submit requirements during application period
6. University-Based Criminology Scholarships
Philippine College of Criminology (PCCR) Scholarships
| Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Academic Excellence | 50-100% tuition discount |
| Athletic Scholarship | Tuition + allowance for varsity athletes |
| ROTC Scholarship | Tuition assistance for ROTC cadets |
Far Eastern University (FEU) Institute of Criminal Justice
| Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Academic Scholarship | Tuition discount based on GPA |
| Financial Assistance | Need-based grants |
University of the East (UE) Criminology Scholarships
| Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Entrance Scholarship | Based on high school honors |
| Dean’s List Scholarship | For academic achievers |
Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU)
| Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Academic Scholarship | 25-100% tuition discount |
| LPU Grant | Need-based assistance |
San Beda University
| Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Entrance Scholarship | For honor graduates |
| Bedan Scholarship | Academic excellence grants |
7. Private Foundation Scholarships for Criminology
SM Foundation Scholarship
Criminology may be considered depending on the region and available slots.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Full tuition + monthly allowance |
| Requirement | Public HS graduate, income below ₱150,000 |
DSWD Educational Assistance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Benefits | ₱3,000 – ₱10,000 financial assistance |
| Eligibility | Low-income families |
| Application | DSWD Regional Office |
8. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Scholarship
For criminology students interested in military careers.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Full scholarship with military training |
| Return Service | AFP employment |
| Requirements | Pass AFP qualifying exams |
Scholarship Benefits Comparison
| Scholarship | Tuition | Stipend | Books | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PNP Scholarship | 100% | ₱8,000-12,000/month | Yes | PNP (required) |
| BJMP Scholarship | 100% | ₱5,000-8,000/month | Yes | BJMP (required) |
| CHED Full Merit | 100% | ₱25,000/sem | Yes | No |
| LGU Scholarships | Varies | Varies | Some | No |
| University Academic | 50-100% | Some | Some | No |
Eligibility Requirements Summary
Common Requirements for All Criminology Scholarships
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Filipino citizen |
| Age | 17-25 years old (varies) |
| Academic | GWA 80-88%+ depending on scholarship |
| Character | Good moral character, no criminal record |
| Physical | Meet height/weight requirements (for PNP/BJMP) |
| Financial | Low to middle income family |
Physical Requirements for Law Enforcement Scholarships
| Requirement | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Height | At least 5’4″ (162 cm) | At least 5’2″ (157 cm) |
| Weight | Proportionate to height | Proportionate to height |
| Vision | Correctable to 20/20 | Correctable to 20/20 |
| General Health | No disqualifying conditions | No disqualifying conditions |
Documentary Requirements
Standard Documents
- Completed Application Form
- PSA Birth Certificate
- High School Report Card (Form 138) or College Transcript
- Certificate of Good Moral Character
- Barangay Clearance
- NBI Clearance (for law enforcement scholarships)
- Police Clearance
- Medical Certificate
- Recent 2×2 ID Photos (6 pieces)
- Parents’ Income Documents (ITR or Certificate of Indigency)
Additional for PNP/BJMP Scholarships
- Neuro-Psychiatric Evaluation
- Drug Test Results
- Physical Fitness Test Results
- Dental Examination
- Eye Examination
Application Process
For PNP Scholarship
- Visit PNP Regional Office – Get application requirements
- Submit Documents – Complete application package
- Take NAPOLCOM Exam – National Police Commission entrance exam
- Medical Examination – Physical and mental health check
- Background Investigation – Character verification
- Interview – Panel interview with PNP officials
- Approval – Wait for scholarship grant
- Enrollment – Enroll in approved criminology school
For CHED Scholarship
- Check CHED Website – Verify if criminology is a priority course in your region
- Apply Online – Through CHED Regional Office portal
- Submit Documents – Academic and financial records
- Wait for Results – Posted on CHED website
For University Scholarships
- Apply for Admission – Take entrance examination
- Check Scholarship Options – Visit scholarship office
- Submit Application – Complete scholarship requirements
- Interview (if required)
- Receive Results – Via email or posting
Top Criminology Schools in the Philippines
| School | Location | Scholarship Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Philippine College of Criminology (PCCR) | Manila | High |
| University of the East | Manila | Moderate |
| Far Eastern University | Manila | Moderate |
| Lyceum of the Philippines | Various | High |
| San Beda University | Manila | Moderate |
| University of Mindanao | Davao | High |
| Cebu Institute of Technology | Cebu | Moderate |
| Polytechnic University of the Philippines | Manila | High (SUC – Free Tuition) |
| Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology | Nueva Ecija | High (SUC – Free Tuition) |
Note: State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) offer free tuition under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931).
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Criminology graduates can pursue careers in:
| Career Path | Starting Salary |
|---|---|
| PNP Police Officer | ₱29,668 – ₱50,000+/month |
| BJMP Jail Officer | ₱25,000 – ₱40,000/month |
| BFP Fire Officer | ₱25,000 – ₱40,000/month |
| Private Security Officer | ₱15,000 – ₱30,000/month |
| Crime Scene Investigator | ₱25,000 – ₱45,000/month |
| Forensic Expert | ₱30,000 – ₱60,000/month |
| Customs Officer | ₱25,000 – ₱40,000/month |
| Immigration Officer | ₱25,000 – ₱45,000/month |
| Corporate Security Manager | ₱40,000 – ₱80,000/month |
| Private Investigator | ₱20,000 – ₱50,000/month |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is BS Criminology a priority course for CHED scholarships?
Criminology is included as a priority course in some CHED regional offices. Check with your local CHEDRO for the current list.
Can I get a scholarship without the height requirement?
Height requirements apply mainly to PNP, BJMP, and BFP scholarships. University-based and CHED scholarships typically don’t have height requirements.
Is there a return service for all criminology scholarships?
Only law enforcement scholarships (PNP, BJMP, BFP, AFP) require return service. CHED and university scholarships generally don’t have this requirement.
What is the NAPOLCOM exam?
The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) exam is required for entering the PNP. It covers general knowledge, criminology subjects, and aptitude.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
You can apply for multiple scholarships but can only accept one full scholarship. Some partial scholarships may be combined.
What if I fail the PNP physical requirements?
You can still pursue criminology through CHED or university scholarships without physical requirements, and work in non-uniformed positions.
Tips for Criminology Scholarship Applicants
- Maintain high grades – Academic excellence is key for most scholarships
- Stay physically fit – Law enforcement scholarships require fitness tests
- Get your NBI clearance early – Ensure you have no criminal record
- Apply to multiple programs – Increase your chances of acceptance
- Prepare for interviews – Practice answering questions about your goals
- Know current events – Be updated on crime and justice issues
- Join ROTC or CAT – Shows discipline and commitment
- Volunteer in community safety programs – Demonstrates interest in public service
- Consider SUCs – Free tuition at state universities
- Start early – Begin application process at least 6 months before enrollment
Contact Information
Philippine National Police (PNP) Camp Crame, Quezon City Phone: (02) 8723-0401 Website: www.pnp.gov.ph
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) 144 Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City Phone: (02) 8924-3043 Website: www.bjmp.gov.ph
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City Phone: (02) 8426-0219 Website: www.bfp.gov.ph
CHED HEDC Building, C.P. Garcia Avenue, UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City Phone: (02) 8441-1177 Website: www.ched.gov.ph
Related Scholarships
- CHED Scholarship 2026
- PNP Scholarship Program
- Government Scholarships
- LGU Scholarships
- TESDA Free Training
Conclusion
Criminology scholarships in the Philippines 2026 offer excellent opportunities for students who dream of serving in law enforcement, corrections, or criminal justice administration. From PNP and BJMP scholarships with guaranteed employment to CHED grants and university-based aid, there are numerous pathways to fund your BS Criminology degree.
Whether you aspire to become a police officer, jail officer, forensic expert, or security professional, these scholarships can help you achieve your goals without the financial burden. Start preparing your requirements now, maintain excellent grades, and take the first step toward your career in criminology.