Why Study HRM or Tourism?
Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management (BS HRM) and Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) are among the most popular courses in the Philippines. With the country’s booming tourism industry and the global demand for Filipino hospitality workers, these courses offer excellent career opportunities locally and abroad.
The Philippines is known for its warm hospitality, making Filipinos highly sought-after in hotels, cruise ships, airlines, and resorts worldwide. However, the cost of HRM and tourism programs can be challenging, especially with practical requirements and industry exposure.
This guide covers all scholarship opportunities for HRM and Tourism students in the Philippines in 2026.
Top HRM/Tourism Scholarships 2026
1. CHED Scholarship for HRM/Tourism Students
HRM and Tourism are sometimes included as CHED-eligible courses.
| Scholarship Type | GWA | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Full Merit | 96%+ | Full tuition + ₱25,000/sem |
| Half Merit | 93-95% | Partial tuition + ₱15,000/sem |
Check: Your CHED Regional Office for course eligibility.
2. Department of Tourism (DOT) Scholarship
The DOT occasionally offers scholarships for tourism-related courses.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Focus | Tourism Management, Hospitality |
| Benefits | Tuition + industry training |
| Application | Through DOT Regional Offices |
3. TESDA Scholarships for Hospitality
TESDA offers skills training scholarships in hospitality:
| Program | Duration |
|---|---|
| Food and Beverage Services NC II | 3-6 months |
| Housekeeping NC II | 2-4 months |
| Front Office Services NC II | 2-4 months |
| Cookery NC II | 3-6 months |
| Bread and Pastry Production NC II | 2-4 months |
| Bartending NC II | 2-4 months |
Benefits: Free training + assessment + TESDA certificate
4. Hotel Industry Scholarships
Marriott Foundation Scholarship
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Tuition + OJT placement |
| Employment | Marriott hotels |
Accor Hotels Scholarship
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Training + employment |
| Hotels | Sofitel, Novotel, Mercure |
Shangri-La Foundation
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Tuition assistance |
| OJT | Shangri-La properties |
5. SM Foundation Scholarship
SM Hotels and Conventions may offer hospitality scholarships.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Full tuition + monthly allowance |
| Employment | SM Hotels after graduation |
6. University-Based HRM/Tourism Scholarships
Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU)
| Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Academic Excellence | 25-100% tuition discount |
| LPU Grant | Need-based assistance |
| Industry Sponsored | With partner hotels |
University of the Philippines Asian Institute of Tourism (UP AIT)
| Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
| STFAP | Free to reduced tuition |
| Academic Excellence | Merit-based grants |
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB)
| Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Academic Scholarship | Tuition discount |
| Financial Aid | Need-based |
Centro Escolar University (CEU)
| Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Academic | Tuition reduction |
| HRM Scholarship | Industry partnerships |
Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)
| Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Free Tuition | RA 10931 |
| DOST-SEI | For qualified students |
7. Cruise Line Scholarships
Princess Cruises/Carnival Scholarship
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Training + guaranteed employment |
| Position | Entry-level cruise staff |
Royal Caribbean Scholarship
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Training sponsorship |
| Employment | Cruise ship positions |
8. Airline Industry Scholarships
Philippine Airlines (PAL) Scholarship
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Focus | Tourism/Hospitality students |
| Benefits | Training + internship |
Cebu Pacific Cadet Program
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Focus | Aviation/Tourism |
| Benefits | Training sponsorship |
9. LGU Scholarships
Many LGUs include HRM/Tourism as eligible courses:
| LGU | Program |
|---|---|
| Quezon City | QCYDO Scholarship |
| Cebu City | City Scholarship |
| Baguio City | City Scholarship |
| Boracay (Malay) | Tourism Scholarship |
| Palawan | Provincial Scholarship |
Scholarship Benefits Comparison
| Scholarship | Tuition | Stipend | OJT | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHED Full | 100% | ₱25k/sem | No | No |
| Hotel Industry | Varies | Varies | Yes | Yes |
| TESDA | Free training | Allowance | Yes | Assisted |
| University | 50-100% | Some | Varies | No |
| Cruise Line | Full | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Eligibility Requirements
Academic
| Type | Minimum GWA |
|---|---|
| Merit-Based | 85-90%+ |
| Need-Based | 80%+ |
| Industry | 80%+ |
Skills Often Assessed
- Communication skills (English)
- Personality and grooming
- Customer service aptitude
- Teamwork abilities
Career Opportunities
| Career | Local Salary | Abroad Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Front Desk | ₱15,000-25,000 | $1,500-2,500 |
| Restaurant Manager | ₱25,000-50,000 | $2,000-4,000 |
| Tour Guide | ₱18,000-30,000 | $1,500-3,000 |
| Cruise Ship Staff | – | $1,200-3,000 |
| Flight Attendant | ₱30,000-60,000 | $2,000-4,000 |
| Events Manager | ₱25,000-50,000 | $2,500-5,000 |
| Executive Chef | ₱40,000-100,000 | $3,000-8,000 |
Top HRM/Tourism Schools
| School | Location | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| UP Asian Institute of Tourism | Diliman | Research-based |
| LPU | Manila, Batangas, Laguna | Industry connections |
| DLS-CSB | Manila | Culinary/Hospitality |
| CEU | Manila | Established program |
| Enderun Colleges | Taguig | Luxury hospitality |
| PUP | Manila | Affordable/SUC |
| UST | Manila | Comprehensive |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HRM a CHED priority course?
It varies by region. Check your CHED Regional Office.
Are there scholarships for culinary arts?
Yes, TESDA offers free cookery training. Some hotel foundations also sponsor culinary students.
Can I work abroad after graduation?
Yes! HRM/Tourism graduates are in high demand for cruise ships, international hotels, and airlines.
Is there a return service for industry scholarships?
Yes, hotel and cruise line scholarships typically require employment after graduation.
Which is better, HRM or Tourism?
Both have good prospects. HRM focuses on hotels/restaurants while Tourism is broader (travel, events, airlines).
Tips for HRM/Tourism Scholarship Applicants
- Develop communication skills – English fluency is essential
- Maintain good grades – Academics still matter
- Build personality – Grooming and confidence are assessed
- Gain experience – Part-time hospitality work helps
- Get TESDA certified – NC II certifications add value
- Apply to multiple scholarships – Hotel, university, government
- Prepare for interviews – Practice hospitality scenarios
- Network with industry – Attend hotel career fairs
- Consider cruise lines – Good pay and benefits
- Learn a second language – Japanese, Korean, Mandarin
Contact Information
Department of Tourism DOT Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City Phone: (02) 8459-5200 Website: www.tourism.gov.ph
TESDA Website: www.tesda.gov.ph
Related Scholarships
Conclusion
HRM and Tourism scholarships in the Philippines 2026 offer excellent opportunities for students passionate about hospitality and travel. From CHED and TESDA programs to hotel industry sponsorships and cruise line scholarships, multiple pathways exist to fund your education.
The hospitality industry values skills and attitude as much as academics, so develop your personality alongside your grades. Start your scholarship search today and begin your journey in the exciting world of hospitality and tourism.
Why Tourism and HRM Scholarships Are Tied to Specific Regions
Because tourism is a major economic driver in specific provinces (such as Cebu, Palawan, Boracay/Aklan, Baguio, and Davao), many HRM and tourism scholarships are funded regionally by LGUs or tourism-industry stakeholders in those areas, sometimes with a requirement that graduates work locally for a set period after finishing. If you are from or willing to relocate to a major tourism hub, check that province or city’s tourism office and LGU scholarship division specifically.
Industry Partnerships and On-the-Job Training
HRM and tourism programs typically include a significant on-the-job training (OJT) component with hotels, resorts, airlines, or restaurants. Some scholarships are tied directly to a partner establishment, which can also serve as a pathway to employment after graduation. Ask your school’s HRM department which industry partners they work with when evaluating scholarship options.
Certifications That Strengthen a Scholarship Application
TESDA certifications in food and beverage services, housekeeping, or bartending (NC II) can strengthen an HRM or tourism scholarship application by demonstrating practical, verifiable skill ahead of enrollment, even without formal work experience.