Nursing is one of the most in-demand professions for Filipinos, with opportunities both locally and abroad. However, nursing education is expensive, often costing PHP 80,000-200,000 per year. Fortunately, numerous scholarship programs help aspiring Filipino nurses pursue their dreams.
This guide covers all nursing scholarship opportunities in the Philippines for 2026: government programs, hospital scholarships, private foundations, and international options.
Nursing Scholarship Overview
| Scholarship Type | Examples | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Government | DOST, CHED, LGU | Full to partial |
| Hospital-Based | PGH, Heart Center, Makati Med | Full + employment |
| Private Foundation | SM, Ayala, Megaworld | Full scholarship |
| International | USAID, WHO | Full + abroad options |
Government Nursing Scholarships
1. DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship
The Department of Science and Technology supports nursing students.
Benefits:
- Full tuition (up to PHP 40,000/year at private schools)
- PHP 7,000 monthly stipend
- Book allowance
- Thesis/project allowance
Eligibility:
- Filipino citizen
- High school GWA of 85%+ or top 10%
- Combined family income below threshold
- Pass DOST-SEI scholarship exam
Application: Take DOST-SEI exam in October/November of senior high school.
2. CHED Scholarship Programs
Commission on Higher Education offers multiple tracks:
a) CHED Merit Scholarship (CMSP)
- For top performers
- Full tuition at public HEIs
- Stipend allowance
b) CHED Grant-in-Aid
- Need-based
- Partial tuition assistance
c) Barangay Health Workers Scholarship
- For BHW dependents pursuing nursing
- Priority admission
d) Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship (BPMSP)
- For top 5 SHS graduates
- Includes nursing programs at SUCs
3. LGU Nursing Scholarships
Many local governments fund nursing students:
Quezon City:
- Iskolar ng Bayan includes nursing
- Free at QC-based schools
Manila City:
- PLM nursing program (free)
- City scholarship for nursing
Cebu City:
- Provincial nursing scholarship
- Hospital placement after graduation
Davao City:
- Iskolar ng Dabaw for nursing
- Partnership with SPMC
Hospital-Based Nursing Scholarships
1. Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Nursing Scholarship
Benefits:
- Full tuition at UP Manila
- Monthly stipend
- Clinical training at PGH
- Employment after graduation
Eligibility:
- Pass UPCAT
- Admitted to UP Manila BS Nursing
- Financial need
Service Contract: Work at PGH for specified years after licensure
2. Philippine Heart Center Scholarship
Benefits:
- Full nursing education
- Clinical exposure at PHC
- Guaranteed employment
Eligibility:
- Strong academic record
- Committed to cardiac nursing
- Pass selection process
3. National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI)
Benefits:
- Nursing scholarship
- Specialized nephrology training
- Employment opportunity
4. Lung Center of the Philippines
Benefits:
- Scholarship for nursing students
- Pulmonary care specialization
- Hospital employment track
5. Private Hospital Scholarships
Makati Medical Center:
- Nursing scholarship program
- Clinical training
- Employment pathway
St. Luke’s Medical Center:
- Limited nursing scholarships
- High standards required
- Elite hospital training
The Medical City:
- Nursing education support
- Clinical exposure program
5. GSIS Educational Subsidy Program
For dependents of GSIS members enrolled in nursing programs, this grant provides roughly ₱10,000 per semester. Applications typically run April to June; check with your GSIS member-parent’s servicing branch for the current cycle.
6. Red Cross Philippines Training Subsidies
The Philippine Red Cross occasionally offers training subsidies for health and nursing volunteers, particularly those already active in Red Cross chapters or youth councils.
Private Foundation Nursing Scholarships
1. SM Foundation Scholarship
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- Monthly allowance
- Book subsidy
- Covers nursing at partner schools
Eligibility:
- From low-income family
- GWA of 85%+
- Near SM malls (priority)
2. Megaworld Foundation
Benefits:
- Full scholarship
- Includes nursing programs
- Internship opportunities
Eligibility:
- Academic excellence
- Financial need
3. Ayala Foundation Scholarship
Benefits:
- Full support
- Leadership development
- Network access
Eligibility:
- Outstanding academic record
- Leadership qualities
- Financial need
4. Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF)
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Mentorship program
- Covers nursing at select schools
Eligibility:
- Top 10% of graduating class
- Passed college entrance exam
- Financial need
5. Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) Scholarship
Benefits:
- Partial scholarship
- Professional development
- Nursing network
Eligibility:
- Nursing student in good standing
- PNA membership
- Demonstrated commitment to nursing
Nursing Scholarships at Specific Schools
University of the Philippines (UP Manila)
UP Nursing Scholarship:
- Free tuition (RA 10931)
- STFAP for other expenses
- PGH employment track
University of Santo Tomas (UST)
UST Nursing Scholarship:
- Academic excellence awards
- Need-based grants
- Hospital partner scholarships
De La Salle University (DLSU)
DLSU Health Sciences:
- Merit scholarships
- Financial aid programs
- Research opportunities
Far Eastern University (FEU)
FEU-NRMF Nursing Scholarship:
- Academic scholarship
- Hospital training
- Employment pathway
Centro Escolar University (CEU)
CEU Nursing Scholarship:
- Merit-based discount
- Need-based assistance
- Partner hospital training
International Nursing Scholarship Options
1. USAID Scholarships
Limited nursing-related scholarships for Filipino healthcare workers.
2. WHO/Health Education Grants
For advanced nursing studies and public health nursing.
3. Australia Awards (Nursing Track)
Some nursing/health programs eligible for Australia Awards.
4. UK NHS International Recruitment
Not a scholarship but provides:
- Free UK nursing licensure pathway
- Relocation assistance
- UK employment
Standard Requirements:
- Application form
- PSA Birth Certificate
- High school/SHS report card
- Certificate of Good Moral Character
- Proof of income (ITR/Certificate of Indigency)
- 2×2 ID Photos
- Essay/Personal statement
Additional for Hospital Scholarships:
- Medical clearance
- Drug test
- Service contract agreement
How to Apply for Nursing Scholarships
Step 1: Research Options
Identify scholarships matching your:
- Academic standing
- Financial situation
- Preferred nursing school
Step 2: Check Deadlines
Different scholarships have different timelines:
- DOST: October-November (exam)
- CHED: February-April
- Private foundations: Year-round
- Hospital: Varies
Step 3: Prepare Documents
Gather all requirements 2-3 months before deadline.
Step 4: Submit Applications
Apply to multiple scholarships to increase chances.
Step 5: Entrance Exams/Interviews
Prepare for:
- Nursing aptitude tests
- Panel interviews
- Medical examinations
Nursing School Costs (Without Scholarship)
| School Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| State University | PHP 10,000-30,000 |
| Private (Standard) | PHP 60,000-100,000 |
| Private (Premium) | PHP 120,000-200,000 |
Additional Costs:
- Uniforms: PHP 5,000-10,000
- Books: PHP 10,000-20,000/year
- Clinical fees: PHP 10,000-30,000
- Miscellaneous: PHP 10,000-20,000
Total 4-Year Cost: PHP 400,000-1,000,000+ without scholarship
Service Contracts and Return Service
Many nursing scholarships require:
Hospital Employment Bond
- Work at sponsoring hospital for 2-5 years
- Cannot transfer to other hospitals
- Penalty for breaking bond
Government Service (DOST)
- No direct return service for DOST nursing
- Expected to serve Philippines
LGU Scholarships
- Some require work in local health facilities
- May include rural deployment
Important: Understand all obligations before accepting scholarships.
Career Pathways for Nurse Scholars
Local Employment
- Government hospitals
- Private hospitals
- Community health centers
- Schools and companies
International Opportunities
- USA (NCLEX pathway)
- UK (NHS recruitment)
- Middle East (Saudi, UAE, Qatar)
- Australia (skilled migration)
- Canada (nursing immigration)
Specializations
- Critical Care Nursing
- Operating Room Nursing
- Emergency Nursing
- Psychiatric Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
Tips for Nursing Scholarship Success
- Maintain high grades – Nursing scholarships are competitive.
- Apply to multiple programs – Don’t rely on one scholarship.
- Show passion for nursing – Essays and interviews matter.
- Prepare for exams – DOST and entrance exams are challenging.
- Get recommendations – From teachers and healthcare workers.
- Understand obligations – Know service contracts before signing.
- Start early – Apply in Grade 11/12 for best options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get full nursing scholarship? A: Yes. DOST, hospital scholarships, and foundations offer 100% coverage.
Q: Which nursing school is best for scholars? A: UP Manila, UST, FEU-NRMF are top choices with scholarship options.
Q: Do hospital scholarships guarantee employment? A: Yes, most include employment contracts after licensure.
Q: Can I work abroad after bonded scholarship? A: Only after completing service contract, usually 2-5 years.
Q: Is nursing scholarship available for male students? A: Absolutely. Nursing is open to all genders.
Contact Information
DOST-SEI
- Website: sei.dost.gov.ph
- Scholarship exam info on SEI website
CHED
- Website: ched.gov.ph
- Regional offices nationwide
PGH Nursing
- UP Manila College of Nursing
- PGH, Taft Avenue, Manila
SM Foundation
- Website: sm-foundation.org
Final Thoughts
Nursing scholarships make healthcare education accessible to Filipino students who dream of becoming nurses. From government programs to hospital-based scholarships, opportunities exist for those willing to commit to the nursing profession.
Start your search early, maintain excellent grades, and apply to multiple programs. Your nursing career can begin without financial burden.