Makati City is known for having one of the best local government scholarship programs in the Philippines. With free education at the University of Makati (UMak) and various educational assistance programs, Makatizens can pursue college without financial burden.
This guide covers all Makati City scholarship opportunities for 2026, including eligibility, benefits, and application steps.
Makati City Scholarship Programs
1. University of Makati (UMak) Free Education
UMak offers completely free education to qualified Makati residents.
Benefits:
- 100% free tuition
- Free miscellaneous fees
- Book loans
- Laboratory fee subsidies
Eligibility:
- Bona fide Makati resident (registered voter or 3+ years residency)
- Must pass UMak entrance exam (UMAK-CAT)
- High school graduate with good academic standing
2. Makati Educational Assistance Program
Financial assistance for Makatizens studying at any school.
Benefits:
- Tuition fee assistance (amount varies)
- School supplies allowance
- Transportation subsidies
Eligibility:
- Makati resident
- Enrolled in a recognized school
- From low-income family
- Passing grades
3. Makati Academic Excellence Award
For honor students from Makati.
Benefits:
- Cash incentives for honors
- Full or partial scholarship
- Recognition and awards
Eligibility:
- Makati resident
- Honor student (with honors, high honors, or highest honors)
- Good moral character
4. Makati Sports Scholarship
For student-athletes representing Makati.
Benefits:
- Full or partial tuition
- Training allowances
- Sports equipment support
- Competition support
Eligibility:
- Makati athlete
- Member of Makati sports team
- Competed at city, regional, or national level
5. Makati Senior High School Voucher Program
Support for Senior High School students.
Benefits:
- Tuition subsidies for SHS
- School supplies
- Allowances
University of Makati (UMak)
UMak is the city-funded university offering free quality education to Makatizens.
UMak Programs Offered:
Business and Accountancy:
- BS Accountancy
- BS Business Administration
- BS Entrepreneurship
Engineering and Technology:
- BS Computer Science
- BS Information Technology
- BS Electronics Engineering
Education:
- Bachelor of Elementary Education
- Bachelor of Secondary Education
Arts and Sciences:
- BS Psychology
- BA Communication
- BS Tourism Management
Health Sciences:
- BS Nursing
- BS Medical Technology
UMak Admission Requirements:
- Filipino citizen
- Makati resident (with proof)
- High school graduate
- Pass UMAK-CAT (College Admission Test)
- Good moral character
How to Apply for UMak:
- Watch for UMAK-CAT schedule (usually October-December)
- Register for the exam at UMak Admissions Office or online
- Take the entrance exam
- Check results on UMak website
- Enroll if you passed and submit residency documents
UMak Website: umak.edu.ph
Required Documents for Makati Scholarships
Standard Requirements:
- PSA Birth Certificate
- Barangay Certificate (Makati address)
- Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certificate (if registered voter)
- Proof of Makati residency (utility bills, lease contract)
- Report Card or Transcript of Records
- Certificate of Enrollment
- 2×2 ID Photos
For Need-Based Programs:
- Certificate of Indigency
- Parent’s ITR or Certificate of No Income
- DSWD certification (if applicable)
Additional Documents:
- Certificate of Good Moral Character
- Medical Certificate (some programs)
- Athletic certification (for sports scholars)
How to Apply for Makati City Scholarship
Step 1: Verify Residency
Confirm you meet Makati residency requirements:
- Registered voter in Makati, OR
- Resided in Makati for at least 3 years with proof
Step 2: Gather Documents
Prepare all required documents with originals and photocopies.
Step 3: Visit Scholarship Office
Makati City Scholarship Office
- Location: Makati City Hall
- Operating Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Or contact via:
- Official Makati City website
- Makati City social media pages
Step 4: Submit Application
Complete application form and submit with all requirements.
Step 5: Wait for Evaluation
Processing time: 2-4 weeks. Follow up if needed.
Step 6: Receive Results
Approved scholars are notified through:
- Posted lists at City Hall
- SMS or phone call
- Official announcements
Benefits of Being a Makatizen Scholar
Beyond tuition, Makati scholars enjoy:
- Yellow Card benefits – Discounts and freebies for Makati residents
- Makati Health Plus – Free medical services
- Makati employment assistance – Job placement support after graduation
- Scholarship renewal – Continuous support throughout college
Maintaining Your Scholarship
Makati scholars must:
- Maintain required grades (varies by program)
- Enroll in full academic load
- Not fail subjects
- Submit grades every semester
- Attend scholar activities
- Remain a Makati resident
Tips for Successful Application
- Establish residency early – Some programs require 3+ years as Makati resident.
- Register as voter – Voter registration strengthens your residency proof.
- Apply for UMak first – Free education at UMak is the best deal for Makatizens.
- Complete all documents – Missing requirements cause delays.
- Maintain good grades – Higher GWA means better scholarship options.
- Check deadlines – Makati programs have specific schedules.
- Follow up – Track your application status regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is UMak really free for Makati residents? A: Yes. Tuition and most fees are free for qualified Makatizens.
Q: Can I use Makati scholarship at schools outside Makati? A: Yes, the educational assistance program supports students at any recognized school.
Q: What if I just moved to Makati recently? A: You may need to wait until you meet residency requirements (usually 3 years).
Q: Can I combine Makati scholarship with CHED or DOST? A: UMak is already free. For other schools, check if combining is allowed.
Q: When is UMak entrance exam? A: Usually October-December. Check UMak website for exact dates.
Contact Information
Makati City Hall
- Address: J.P. Rizal Extension, Makati City
- Phone: (02) 8870-1900
University of Makati (UMak)
- Address: J.P. Rizal Extension, West Rembo, Makati City
- Website: umak.edu.ph
- Phone: (02) 8882-0535
Makati City Government Website:
Final Thoughts
Makati City offers some of the best educational support for its residents. With free education at UMak and various assistance programs, Makatizens have excellent opportunities to pursue higher education.
If you’re a Makati resident, take advantage of these programs. Establish your residency, prepare your documents, and apply for your scholarship today.
Tips for a Stronger Makati City Scholarship 2027 Application
Applicants who are approved on the first try tend to do a few things consistently well. Use these practical habits to strengthen your own application:
- Start your documents early. PSA copies, barangay certificates, and income documents can take days to process, especially during peak application season when offices are busiest.
- Photocopy everything before submitting. Keep a personal file of every document you hand in, including the receiving copy stamped by the office, in case you need to follow up.
- Read the fine print on income and residency rules. A single missing signature or an expired certificate is one of the most common reasons applications get held up.
- Follow up politely and in person or by phone if you have not heard back within the timeline the office gave you, rather than assuming your slot is secured.
- Save the official contact details of the scholarship office so you can verify any last-minute changes to the schedule or requirements directly, instead of relying on secondhand information.