Why Study Psychology?
Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BS Psychology) is one of the most versatile and in-demand courses in the Philippines. With the passage of the Philippine Mental Health Act (RA 11036), there’s an increasing need for mental health professionals, including psychologists, counselors, and psychometricians.
Psychology graduates can pursue diverse career paths in clinical practice, human resources, education, research, marketing, and social services. The course also serves as a pre-law and pre-medicine option for students considering further studies.
However, pursuing a psychology degree can be expensive, especially at top universities. This comprehensive guide covers all scholarship opportunities available for psychology students in the Philippines in 2026.
Top Psychology Scholarships in the Philippines 2026
1. CHED Scholarship Program
While BS Psychology is not always listed as a CHED priority course, it may be included in some regional offices.
| Scholarship Type |
GWA Requirement |
Benefits |
| Full Merit |
96%+ |
Full tuition + ₱25,000/sem |
| Half Merit |
93-95% |
Partial tuition + ₱15,000/sem |
How to Check:
- Visit your CHED Regional Office
- Check if psychology is listed as eligible in your region
- Apply online via CHED portal during application period
2. Department of Health (DOH) Mental Health Scholarship
With the Mental Health Act implementation, DOH offers scholarships for mental health-related courses.
| Details |
Information |
| Coverage |
Tuition + stipend |
| Eligible Courses |
Psychology, Psychiatry, Mental Health Nursing |
| Return Service |
Work in public mental health facilities |
Eligibility:
- Filipino citizen
- Good academic standing
- Committed to serving in public health sector
3. University-Based Psychology Scholarships
University of the Philippines (UP) Scholarships
| Scholarship |
Benefits |
| Socialized Tuition (STFAP) |
Free to reduced tuition based on income |
| UP Centennial Scholarship |
Full tuition for outstanding students |
| Academic Excellence Awards |
Tuition discounts |
Ateneo de Manila University
| Scholarship |
Benefits |
| Financial Aid Program |
Need-based tuition assistance |
| San Ignacio de Loyola Scholarship |
Merit-based, full support |
| Alumni Sponsored Scholarships |
Various grants |
De La Salle University (DLSU)
| Scholarship |
Benefits |
| Vaugirard Scholarship |
Full tuition + stipend for 50 public HS students |
| Academic Scholarship |
Based on grades |
| Financial Assistance |
Need-based grants |
University of Santo Tomas (UST)
| Scholarship |
Benefits |
| Academic Scholarship |
50-100% tuition discount |
| Fr. Antonio Scholarship |
For honor graduates |
| UST Financial Aid |
Need-based assistance |
Far Eastern University (FEU)
| Scholarship |
Benefits |
| Academic Excellence |
Tuition discount |
| LEAP Program |
Need-based support |
| Entrance Scholarship |
For high scorers |
Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)
| Scholarship |
Benefits |
| Free Tuition |
RA 10931 benefit |
| President’s Lister |
Additional allowances |
| DOST-SEI |
For qualified students |
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM)
| Scholarship |
Benefits |
| Free Tuition |
For Manila residents |
| Academic Scholarship |
Additional support |
4. Private Foundation Scholarships
SM Foundation Scholarship
| Details |
Information |
| Coverage |
Full tuition + monthly allowance |
| Requirement |
Public HS graduate, income below ₱150,000 |
| Note |
Psychology may be eligible in some cycles |
Ayala Foundation Scholarship
| Details |
Information |
| Coverage |
Tuition + monthly stipend |
| Eligibility |
Academic excellence + financial need |
| Partner Schools |
UP, PUP, PNU, regional SUCs |
Globe Telecom Scholarship
| Details |
Information |
| Coverage |
Tuition assistance |
| Focus |
Various courses including social sciences |
5. LGU Scholarships
Many local government units offer scholarships that include psychology:
| LGU |
Scholarship Program |
| Quezon City |
QCYDO Scholarship |
| Manila City |
City Scholarship Program |
| Taguig City |
LANI Scholarship |
| Makati City |
Makati Scholarship |
| Pasig City |
City Scholarship |
6. Professional Organization Scholarships
Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) Grants
The PAP occasionally offers research grants and scholarships for psychology students.
| Details |
Information |
| Type |
Research grants, conference support |
| Eligibility |
PAP student members |
| Application |
Through PAP website |
7. Graduate Psychology Scholarships
For MA/MS Psychology Programs
| Scholarship |
University |
Benefits |
| CHED Faculty Development |
Various |
Full scholarship for faculty |
| ERDT Graduate Scholarship |
UP, Ateneo, DLSU |
For research students |
| University Assistantships |
Various |
Tuition waiver + stipend |
For Studying Abroad
| Scholarship |
Country |
Benefits |
| Fulbright |
USA |
Full funding for master’s/PhD |
| Erasmus+ |
Europe |
Tuition + stipend |
| Australia Awards |
Australia |
Full funding |
| Chevening |
UK |
Full funding |
Scholarship Benefits Comparison
| Scholarship |
Tuition |
Stipend |
Books |
Notes |
| CHED Full Merit |
100% |
₱25,000/sem |
Yes |
Limited slots |
| UP STFAP |
Free-100% |
Some |
Some |
Income-based |
| Ateneo Aid |
Varies |
Varies |
Some |
Need-based |
| SM Foundation |
100% |
₱5,000/month |
Yes |
Limited courses |
| LGU Scholarships |
Varies |
Varies |
Some |
Residency required |
Eligibility Requirements
Common Requirements
| Requirement |
Details |
| Citizenship |
Filipino citizen |
| Academic |
GWA 85%+ (varies by scholarship) |
| Financial |
Low to middle income (for need-based) |
| Character |
Good moral standing |
| Enrollment |
CHED-recognized institution |
For Merit-Based Scholarships
- High school GWA of 90% or above
- No failing grades
- Top of class ranking preferred
For Need-Based Scholarships
- Family income below ₱300,000-400,000/year
- Certificate of Indigency
- Proof of financial hardship
Documentary Requirements
Standard Documents
- Application Form (from scholarship provider)
- PSA Birth Certificate
- High School Report Card or College Transcript
- Certificate of Good Moral Character
- Certificate of Enrollment
- Recent 2×2 ID Photos
- Parent’s Income Documents:
- ITR or Certificate of Non-Filing
- Certificate of Employment
- Certificate of Indigency (if applicable)
Additional Documents
- Recommendation Letters (2-3)
- Personal Essay explaining goals and financial need
- Barangay Certificate of Residency
- Medical Certificate (for some scholarships)
Application Process
Step 1: Research Scholarships
- Identify scholarships you qualify for
- Check deadlines and requirements
- Prioritize based on benefits and likelihood of success
Step 2: Prepare Documents
- Request official transcripts
- Gather income documents
- Ask for recommendation letters early
- Write your personal essay
Step 3: Submit Applications
- Apply online or in person
- Submit complete documents
- Keep copies of everything
Step 4: Follow Up
- Track application status
- Prepare for interviews if required
- Respond promptly to requests
Step 5: Accept Scholarship
- Review terms and conditions
- Sign scholarship contract
- Attend orientation
Career Opportunities for Psychology Graduates
| Career Path |
Entry Salary |
Growth Potential |
| HR Professional |
₱18,000 – ₱30,000 |
High |
| Guidance Counselor |
₱20,000 – ₱35,000 |
Moderate |
| Psychometrician |
₱20,000 – ₱40,000 |
Moderate |
| Clinical Psychologist (MA) |
₱35,000 – ₱80,000 |
High |
| Research Psychologist |
₱25,000 – ₱50,000 |
Moderate |
| Organizational Development |
₱30,000 – ₱60,000 |
High |
| School Psychologist |
₱25,000 – ₱45,000 |
Moderate |
| Mental Health Advocate |
₱20,000 – ₱40,000 |
Growing |
Note: Clinical practice requires a Master’s degree and RPsy license.
Top Psychology Schools in the Philippines
| School |
Location |
Notes |
| University of the Philippines |
Diliman, QC |
Top-ranked, free tuition |
| Ateneo de Manila University |
Quezon City |
Excellent program |
| De La Salle University |
Manila |
Strong research focus |
| University of Santo Tomas |
Manila |
Oldest university |
| Polytechnic University of the Philippines |
Manila |
Free tuition (SUC) |
| Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila |
Manila |
Free for Manila residents |
| Miriam College |
Quezon City |
Women’s college |
| Centro Escolar University |
Manila |
Established program |
| Philippine Normal University |
Manila |
Free tuition (SUC) |
Licensure and Certification
Psychometrician License
| Requirement |
Details |
| Degree |
BS Psychology |
| Exam |
PRC Psychometrician Board Exam |
| Passing Rate |
~50-60% |
| Career |
Testing and assessment |
Registered Psychologist (RPsy)
| Requirement |
Details |
| Degree |
MA/MS Psychology |
| Exam |
PRC Psychologist Board Exam |
| Specializations |
Clinical, Industrial, Educational |
| Career |
Independent practice |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is BS Psychology a CHED priority course?
It varies by region. Some CHED regional offices include psychology as an eligible course. Check with your local CHEDRO.
Can I become a licensed psychologist with just BS Psychology?
No. BS Psychology allows you to take the Psychometrician exam. To become a Registered Psychologist (RPsy), you need a Master’s degree.
Are there scholarships for graduate psychology studies?
Yes. CHED SIKAP, university assistantships, and international scholarships (Fulbright, Erasmus+) offer funding for MA/PhD psychology.
Which universities offer the best psychology scholarships?
UP (STFAP), PUP (free tuition), Ateneo (financial aid), and DLSU (Vaugirard) have strong scholarship programs.
Can I work while studying psychology on a scholarship?
Most scholarships allow part-time work, but check the specific terms. Full academic load is usually required.
What’s the job market like for psychology graduates?
Strong demand in HR, guidance counseling, and mental health services. The Mental Health Act has increased opportunities.
Tips for Psychology Scholarship Applicants
- Maintain high grades – Psychology programs value academic excellence
- Highlight mental health advocacy – Show passion for the field
- Volunteer in related activities – Peer counseling, mental health campaigns
- Get involved in research – Even basic research experience helps
- Apply to multiple scholarships – Increase your chances
- Write compelling essays – Share your genuine interest in helping others
- Prepare for interviews – Know current mental health issues
- Consider SUCs – Free tuition under RA 10931
- Network with psychology students – Learn about opportunities
- Plan for graduate studies – Consider long-term career goals
Contact Information
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Website: www.ched.gov.ph Phone: (02) 8441-1177
Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) Website: www.pap.org.ph
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Website: www.prc.gov.ph
Related Scholarships
Conclusion
Psychology scholarships in the Philippines 2026 offer valuable opportunities for students passionate about understanding human behavior and promoting mental health. While psychology may not always be a CHED priority course, numerous university-based, foundation, and LGU scholarships provide financial support for aspiring psychologists.
With the growing importance of mental health awareness in the Philippines, psychology graduates are increasingly in demand. Start your scholarship search early, maintain excellent grades, and demonstrate your genuine commitment to helping others through psychology.
