Are you the child of an Overseas Filipino Worker looking for scholarship opportunities? The OWWA Scholarship Program offers financial assistance specifically for OFW dependents pursuing college education in the Philippines.
This guide covers the two main OWWA scholarship programs: EDSP and ODSP. You’ll learn eligibility requirements, benefits, application steps, required documents, and how to check your application status.
What is OWWA?
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a government agency that provides welfare programs and services to OFWs and their families. One of its most popular programs is the educational scholarship for OFW dependents.
OWWA membership is mandatory for all documented OFWs, and contributions fund various benefits including scholarships, death benefits, repatriation assistance, and livelihood programs.
OWWA Scholarship Programs for 2026
OWWA offers two scholarship tracks for OFW dependents:
| Program | Full Name | For Whom | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDSP | Education for Development Scholarship Program | College students | Full scholarship with stipend |
| ODSP | OFW Dependents Scholarship Program | College students | Partial scholarship |
EDSP Scholarship 2026 (Education for Development Scholarship Program)
EDSP is the flagship scholarship program of OWWA. It provides full financial support to qualified OFW dependents pursuing undergraduate degrees in priority courses.
EDSP Eligibility Requirements:
For the OFW Parent:
- Must be an active OWWA member (with valid membership)
- Must have paid at least one OWWA contribution
- Must be currently deployed or has been deployed within the last 3 years
For the Student Applicant:
- Must be a legitimate, legitimated, or legally adopted child of the OFW
- Must be 21 years old or below at the time of application
- Must not be married
- Must be enrolled or accepted in a CHED-recognized college or university
- Must pursue a priority course identified by CHED
- Must have a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 80% or its equivalent
- Must not be receiving any other government scholarship
EDSP Benefits:
The EDSP scholarship provides substantial financial support:
- Tuition Fee: Full coverage up to PHP60,000 per year
- Monthly Stipend: PHP3,000-5,000 per month
- Book Allowance: PHP2,000-3,000 per semester
- Thesis/Dissertation Support: Available for graduating students
- Review Allowance: For board exam takers
Total Annual Value: Up to PHP100,000+ depending on tuition and allowances
EDSP Priority Courses:
EDSP prioritizes courses aligned with national development:
Engineering:
- Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Information Technology:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Information Systems
Sciences:
- Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Environmental Science
- Marine Biology
Healthcare:
- Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical Technology
- Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy
- Radiologic Technology
Education:
- Secondary Education (Math, Science majors)
- Special Education
Agriculture:
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agribusiness
- Fisheries
ODSP Scholarship 2026 (OFW Dependents Scholarship Program)
ODSP is a partial scholarship for OFW dependents who may not qualify for EDSP or are pursuing non-priority courses.
ODSP Eligibility Requirements:
For the OFW Parent:
- Must be an active OWWA member
- Must have at least one valid OWWA contribution
For the Student Applicant:
- Must be a dependent of an active OWWA member
- Must be enrolled in a CHED-recognized school
- Must have passing grades (no failing marks)
- Must not be receiving full government scholarship
ODSP Benefits:
- Educational Assistance: PHP10,000-20,000 per semester
- Book Allowance: PHP2,000 per semester
- Miscellaneous Support: Varies by region
Note: ODSP benefits are lower than EDSP but have less strict requirements, making it accessible to more OFW families.
How to Apply for OWWA Scholarship 2026
Step 1: Verify OWWA Membership
Before applying, confirm that the OFW parent has active OWWA membership:
- Check at any OWWA Regional Office
- Verify online at owwa.gov.ph
- Contact OWWA hotline
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
For EDSP:
- Accomplished EDSP Application Form (download from OWWA website)
- OFW’s valid OWWA membership certificate or e-card
- OFW’s passport (bio page photocopy)
- OFW’s employment contract or OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate)
- Student’s PSA Birth Certificate
- Student’s Transcript of Records or Report Card (latest semester)
- Certificate of Enrollment or Acceptance Letter
- Student’s 2×2 ID Photo (white background)
- Proof of relationship (if different surname)
For ODSP:
- Accomplished ODSP Application Form
- OWWA membership proof
- Student’s enrollment certificate
- Student’s grades (passing marks required)
- Birth certificate
- ID photos
Step 3: Submit Application
Online Application:
- Visit the OWWA website: owwa.gov.ph
- Go to the Scholarship section
- Create an account or log in
- Fill out the application form
- Upload scanned documents
- Submit and note your reference number
In-Person Application:
- Visit the nearest OWWA Regional Office or Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)
- Submit complete documents
- Get your application acknowledgment receipt
Step 4: Wait for Evaluation
OWWA will evaluate your application based on:
- OWWA membership validity
- Academic performance
- Course priority (for EDSP)
- Document completeness
Processing time: 2-4 weeks
Step 5: Receive Results
Approved scholars will be notified via:
- SMS or email
- OWWA website announcement
- Regional office posting
OWWA Scholarship Application Deadlines 2026
| Semester | Application Period | Announcement |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Semester | April – June | July |
| 2nd Semester | October – November | December |
Note: Deadlines may vary by region. Always check with your local OWWA office.
Maintaining Your OWWA Scholarship
Once accepted, scholars must maintain their status by:
- Maintaining required GWA (80% for EDSP, passing for ODSP)
- Enrolling in full academic load each semester
- Not failing any major subject
- Submitting grades every semester
- Not transferring to a non-priority course (EDSP)
- Not getting married during the scholarship period
Failure to comply may result in scholarship termination.
OWWA Regional Offices
OWWA has offices across the Philippines and worldwide:
NCR: OWWA Main Office, Pasig City Luzon: Regional offices in Region I-V, CAR, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA Visayas: Region VI, VII, VIII Mindanao: Region IX-XIII, BARMM
Overseas: All Philippine Embassies and POLO offices
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can both parents be OFWs for OWWA scholarship? A: Yes. If both parents are OFWs with active OWWA membership, the student can apply under either parent.
Q: What if my OFW parent’s membership expired? A: The parent must renew OWWA membership before you can apply. Membership can be renewed at POLO offices abroad or OWWA offices in the Philippines.
Q: Can I apply if I’m already in college? A: Yes. Both EDSP and ODSP accept currently enrolled college students, not just incoming freshmen.
Q: Is OWWA scholarship only for college? A: OWWA primarily supports college-level education. For elementary and high school, check the DOLE-OWWA Educational Loan Program.
Q: Can I combine OWWA with other scholarships? A: EDSP cannot be combined with other full government scholarships. ODSP may be combined with private grants depending on the other scholarship’s rules.
Q: What happens if the OFW parent comes home permanently? A: The scholarship continues as long as the parent maintains OWWA membership and the student meets requirements.
Q: Is there an interview for OWWA scholarship? A: Some regional offices conduct interviews, especially for EDSP. Prepare to discuss your goals and why you deserve the scholarship.
Official OWWA Links
- OWWA Website: owwa.gov.ph
- OWWA Membership Verification: owwa.gov.ph/membership
- OWWA Hotline: 1348 (toll-free) or +632-8551-6641
- OWWA Facebook: facebook.com/OWWAofficial
- POLO Directory: Check DMW/POEA website for overseas offices
Tips for a Successful OWWA Scholarship Application
- Apply early – Don’t wait for the deadline. Slots may fill up.
- Complete documents – Missing documents cause delays or rejection.
- Get certified copies – Photocopy and certify important documents.
- Keep grades up – Higher GWA means better chances for EDSP.
- Choose priority courses – EDSP favors STEM and healthcare courses.
- Follow up – Check your application status regularly.
- Keep receipts – Document all submissions and transactions.
Final Thoughts
OWWA scholarships recognize the sacrifices of OFW families. If your parent is working abroad, you deserve support to complete your education and build a better future.
Don’t let this opportunity pass. Check your parent’s OWWA membership today and start preparing your application for 2026.