Finding reliable scholarships for college students in the Philippines can help reduce the cost of tuition, books, transportation, accommodation, internet access, and daily living expenses.
Filipino students can apply for scholarships offered by government agencies, private foundations, corporations, local government units, and universities. Some programs provide full tuition and a monthly allowance, while others offer a fixed subsidy each semester or academic year.
This guide covers the best college scholarships in the Philippines for 2026–2027, including their benefits, qualifications, application status, and important requirements.
Students looking specifically for government-funded opportunities should also read our complete guide to government scholarships for college students in the Philippines.
College Scholarships Open in July 2026
The following application information is current as of July 14, 2026:
| Scholarship | Application status | Main benefit |
|---|---|---|
| CHED Merit Scholarship Program | Open until July 31, 2026 | Up to ₱120,000 annually |
| GSIS Subsidy for STEM Program | Open until August 31, 2026 | ₱15,000 per academic year |
| CoScho Scholarship | Open in selected CHED regions | Tuition and educational assistance |
| UniFAST TES | Application schedule varies by school | ₱20,000–₱27,000 annually |
| Tulong Dunong Program | Application schedule varies by school | ₱7,500 per regular semester |
| DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship | 2026 application closed | ₱8,000 monthly allowance plus other benefits |
| SM Foundation Scholarship | 2026 application closed | Full tuition and monthly allowance |
| OWWA EDSP and ODSP | Schedule announced by OWWA | Up to ₱60,000 annually |
Application periods can differ by region, university, year level, and available funding. Students should confirm the final deadline through the scholarship provider or their school’s scholarship office.
1. CHED Merit Scholarship Program
The cmsp/”>CHED Merit Scholarship Program, or CMSP, is one of the most valuable government scholarships for incoming first-year college students.
Applications for Academic Year 2026–2027 opened on June 22, 2026 and will close on July 31, 2026. The program is open to qualified incoming or current first-year students pursuing CHED priority programs.
Read the complete CHED Merit Scholarship Program guide for detailed requirements and application instructions.
CHED Scholarship Qualifications
Applicants must generally:
- Be Filipino citizens
- Have graduated from a Philippine senior high school
- Have a Grade 12 general average of at least 93%
- Have a combined parental or guardian annual gross income not exceeding ₱500,000
- Obtain admission to an eligible SUC, LUC, or CHED-recognized private institution
- Enroll in a CHED-identified priority program
First priority for 2026–2027 is given to qualified applicants pursuing psychology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech-language pathology. Other CHED priority programs may be considered when scholarship slots remain.
CHED Scholarship Benefits
The maximum annual scholarship packages are:
| Scholarship category | Institution | Maximum annual assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Full PESFA | Private higher education institution | ₱120,000 |
| Half PESFA | Private higher education institution | ₱60,000 |
| Full SSP | SUC or qualified LUC | ₱80,000 |
| Half SSP | SUC or qualified LUC | ₱40,000 |
The assistance covers tuition and other school fees, a stipend, and a book or connectivity allowance. Students attending SUCs and qualified LUCs receive free tuition under applicable government rules, so their CHED package primarily supports living and educational expenses.
2. DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship
The DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship is designed for talented Filipino students who plan to pursue science, technology, engineering, mathematics, health science, or other approved priority programs.
The two main categories are:
- DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship
- RA 7687 Scholarship
The Merit Scholarship supports students with strong science and mathematics ability. RA 7687 is intended for talented students whose family socioeconomic status falls within DOST’s established limits.
The 2026 undergraduate application cycle has closed. Students preparing for the next intake should monitor the official DOST Science Scholarships portal and review our updated DOST Scholarship guide.
DOST Scholarship Benefits
Qualified scholars may receive:
- Up to ₱40,000 per academic year for tuition and other school fees at private institutions
- ₱8,000 monthly living allowance
- ₱10,000 annual learning-materials or connectivity allowance
- ₱1,000 initial clothing allowance
- One economy-class round-trip fare for students studying outside their home province
- Group accident and health insurance
- ₱10,000 thesis allowance
- Up to ₱50,000 research-dissemination support, subject to approval
- ₱1,000 graduation allowance
- Additional midyear assistance when required by the curriculum
Who Can Apply?
Applicants generally include:
- Grade 12 STEM students
- Non-STEM students who belong to the top 5% of their graduating class
- Qualified Grade 12 graduates who have not enrolled in college
- Filipino citizens in good health and of good moral character
- Students planning to enroll in an approved DOST priority course
Students who are already in college should watch for the DOST Junior Level Science Scholarship, which is intended for qualified students in approved science and technology programs.
Students pursuing technical fields can also explore our guides to engineering scholarships in the Philippines and IT and computer science scholarships.
3. UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy
The Tertiary Education Subsidy, commonly called TES, helps financially disadvantaged students cover part of the cost of completing an undergraduate degree.
TES is implemented through UniFAST and participating:
- State universities and colleges
- CHED-recognized local universities and colleges
- Private higher education institutions
Read our detailed UniFAST Scholarship guide to understand its programs and application process.
UniFAST TES Benefits
Qualified students may receive:
- ₱20,000 annually when enrolled in an SUC or LUC
- ₱27,000 annually when enrolled in a private higher education institution
- An additional ₱10,000 for eligible students with disabilities
- Up to ₱8,000 as a one-time reimbursement for approved licensure-examination expenses
TES Priority Applicants for 2026–2027
Priority is given to eligible students from:
- Households included in the most recent Listahanan or applicable 4Ps list
- Low-income households
- Families headed by qualified solo parents
- Indigenous Cultural Communities or Indigenous Peoples
- Students with disabilities
- Other priority groups identified under current UniFAST rules
Selection remains subject to available funding and prioritization.
How to Apply for TES
There is usually no single public application portal that every student uses directly.
Applications and student nominations are commonly processed through the participating school’s:
- Scholarship office
- Office of Student Affairs
- Financial-aid office
- UniFAST coordinator
Students should ask their college whether it participates in TES and when the institution will begin accepting applications.
4. Tulong Dunong Program
The Tulong Dunong Program, or TDP, is a UniFAST subsidy that helps cover part of a student’s tuition and education-related expenses.
Qualified students may receive ₱7,500 per regular semester, equivalent to as much as ₱15,000 during a standard two-semester academic year. Benefits are subject to prioritization and available government funding.
Read our full CHED Tulong Dunong Program guide for the application process and documentary requirements.
Tulong Dunong Qualifications
Applicants must generally:
- Be Filipino citizens
- Have a combined parental or guardian household income not exceeding ₱400,000
- Be enrolled in a first undergraduate degree
- Attend an eligible SUC, LUC, or private institution
- Not be receiving TES, another CHED scholarship, or another prohibited national government-funded assistance program
Required Documents
New applicants commonly need:
- TDP-TES application form
- Certificate of enrollment or registration
- Barangay certificate of indigency
Applications are normally processed through the student’s college or university.
5. GSIS Subsidy for STEM Program
The GSIS Subsidy for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program provides financial assistance to eligible dependents of qualified GSIS members.
For Academic Year 2026–2027:
- Applications opened on June 30, 2026
- The deadline is August 31, 2026
- There are 1,000 available scholarship slots
- Each grantee receives ₱15,000 per academic year
The program is primarily intended for incoming first-year students pursuing an approved STEM degree.
The GSIS member must generally belong to Salary Grade 15 or below, or its equivalent job grade, and satisfy the other membership requirements stated in the current application guidelines.
Students should prepare:
- Completed application form
- Proof of relationship to the GSIS member
- Academic records
- Proof of college admission or enrollment
- GSIS member information
- Other documents specified in the official application form
6. OWWA Scholarships for OFW Dependents
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration offers major scholarships for college students who are dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers.
The main programs are:
- Education for Development Scholarship Program
- OFW Dependent Scholarship Program
- Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program
See our complete OWWA Scholarship guide for the main programs and application process.
Education for Development Scholarship Program
The EDSP provides up to ₱60,000 per academic year until the scholar completes an eligible four-year or five-year bachelor’s degree.
For incoming first-year students, selection is connected to the relevant DOST national examination and ranking process. OWWA also reserves slots for qualified students already enrolled from second to fifth year.
OFW Dependent Scholarship Program
The ODSP provides ₱20,000 per academic year to qualified OFW dependents enrolled in an associate degree or an eligible four-year or five-year undergraduate program.
OWWA publishes the applicable OFW salary limit and additional conditions for each application period.
Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program
The CMWSP provides up to ₱60,000 per academic year to qualified migrant workers or their immediate descendants pursuing approved science and technology programs.
Application schedules are announced by OWWA. Families should verify the OFW’s active OWWA membership before submitting an application.
7. CoScho Scholarship for Coconut Farmers and Their Families
The Scholarship Program for Coconut Farmers and Their Families, or CoScho, supports registered coconut farmers and their qualified family members.
CHED regional offices manage the program in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority.
CHED MIMAROPA announced its Academic Year 2026–2027 application call on July 13, 2026. Other regions may use different schedules, portals, and scholarship allocations.
Applicants generally need to:
- Be a registered coconut farmer or a qualified family member
- Be included in the National Coconut Farmers Registry System
- Meet the academic and income requirements
- Enroll in an eligible undergraduate program
- Submit proof of relationship when applying as a dependent
- Follow the requirements of the responsible CHED regional office
Applicants are ranked using academic performance and household income.
Students from farming communities may also review our guide to agriculture scholarships in the Philippines.
8. SM Foundation College Scholarship
The SM Foundation College Scholarship supports academically deserving students from low-income households.
The 2026 application period ran from February 1 to February 28, 2026 and is now closed. Students interested in the next intake should prepare before the expected annual application period.
Read the full SM Foundation Scholarship guide for accepted courses, partner schools, and application steps.
SM Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants receive:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly allowance
- Part-time job opportunities during school breaks
- Enrichment and development activities
- Potential employment opportunities within the SM Group after graduation
SM Scholarship Qualifications
Applicants for the 2026 intake had to:
- Be incoming college freshmen
- Be Grade 12 graduates from eligible public or private schools
- Have completed Grade 10 in a public school, or hold a DepEd voucher when attending a private school
- Have a Grade 12 first-semester average of at least 92%
- Have a total annual household income not exceeding ₱250,000
Accepted programs commonly include accountancy, financial management, engineering, information technology, computer science, education, and selected architecture programs.
9. Security Bank Foundation Scholarship
The Security Bank Foundation Scholars for Better Communities Program provides educational assistance to financially disadvantaged but academically deserving college students enrolled at partner schools.
The foundation operates:
- An external scholarship program for students at partner universities
- An internal scholarship program for Security Bank employees and their children
- An agency scholarship program for qualified agency personnel and their dependents
Scholarship availability depends on the applicant’s institution and the foundation’s current partner-school allocation.
Students should check with their university scholarship office to determine:
- Whether the school is a current partner
- Which courses are accepted
- Whether applications are open
- What academic and income requirements apply
- Which expenses are covered
The program may also include development activities, internships, learning sessions, and participation in community projects.
10. Ayala Foundation U-Go Scholarship
The Ayala Foundation U-Go Scholarship supports qualified young women studying at selected public universities.
Selected scholars may receive:
- ₱40,000 per academic year
- Leadership-development activities
- Mentoring
- Access to a scholar community
- Career-development opportunities
The grant may be renewed while the student maintains the required academic standing and follows the program’s conditions.
Read our Ayala Foundation Scholarships guide for the latest qualifications and application information.
Applicants should confirm the current partner universities and application schedule before submitting documents.
11. Charity First Foundation Scholarship
The Charity First Foundation Scholarship assists financially disadvantaged students enrolled at participating schools.
Its educational program may support expenses such as:
- Tuition and school fees
- Transportation
- Meals
- Books and school supplies
- Uniforms
- Board and lodging
- Computer and internet access
Scholars may also participate in life-skills seminars, leadership training, mentoring, counseling, and community-service activities.
Students can read the complete Charity First Foundation Scholarship guide for its partner schools, requirements, and application process.
The Academic Year 2026–2027 application period is currently closed, but interested students can begin preparing for the next application cycle.
University and Local Government Scholarships
Students should not rely only on national scholarship programs.
Many universities offer:
- Entrance scholarships
- Academic-merit scholarships
- Athletic scholarships
- Performing-arts scholarships
- Student-assistant programs
- Alumni-sponsored grants
- Tuition discounts
- Emergency financial assistance
- Research and thesis grants
City, municipal, provincial, and congressional offices may also provide financial assistance based on residency, academic performance, household income, or voter registration.
Contact your university scholarship office and local government education office immediately after admission. Some programs have limited slots and close as soon as their allocations are filled.
Scholarships by Course
Students can narrow their search by degree program.
- Engineering scholarships in the Philippines
- IT and computer science scholarships
- Nursing scholarships in the Philippines
- Agriculture scholarships in the Philippines
- Law scholarships in the Philippines
Course-specific scholarship pages can help students identify programs that are not included in general scholarship lists.
Common Scholarship Requirements
Requirements differ, but Filipino college students should prepare the following documents:
- PSA birth certificate
- Valid government or school identification
- Grade 12 report card or certified college grades
- Certificate of enrollment or registration
- College admission notice
- Certificate of good moral character
- Parent’s or guardian’s latest Income Tax Return
- BIR certificate of non-filing or tax exemption
- Barangay certificate of indigency
- Proof of residency
- Recommendation letter
- Scholarship essay or autobiography
- Recent identification photographs
- Utility bills
- Medical certificate, when required
- Documents proving 4Ps, PWD, solo-parent, Indigenous Peoples, OFW, farmer, fisher, or government-employee status
Scan every document clearly and ensure that names, dates, addresses, and income information are consistent.
Submitting false grades, altered income documents, or misleading household information may result in disqualification or cancellation of an awarded scholarship.
How to Apply for College Scholarships in the Philippines
Step 1: Identify Scholarships That Match Your Profile
Determine whether you are:
- An incoming first-year student
- A current second-, third-, or fourth-year student
- A STEM student
- An OFW dependent
- A GSIS member’s dependent
- A coconut farmer or farmer’s dependent
- A student with a disability
- A member of an Indigenous community
- A student from a low-income household
Apply only to programs whose basic qualifications you meet.
Step 2: Confirm Course and School Eligibility
Many scholarships cover only priority courses or partner institutions.
Admission to a college does not automatically make every degree eligible for every scholarship.
Step 3: Compare the Benefits
Check whether the program provides:
- Full or partial tuition
- Monthly living allowance
- Book allowance
- Internet or connectivity support
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Thesis expenses
- Licensure-examination assistance
Students seeking programs with the broadest coverage can review our list of fully funded scholarships in the Philippines.
Step 4: Prepare Requirements Early
PSA certificates, income documents, medical records, school certifications, and social-case reports may require several days or weeks to obtain.
Do not wait until the final application day.
Step 5: Apply Through Official Channels
Submit applications only through:
- Official government portals
- Scholarship providers’ verified websites
- University scholarship offices
- CHED regional offices
- OWWA regional offices
- Authorized partner organizations
Legitimate government and foundation scholarships normally do not charge a fee for submitting an application.
Step 6: Monitor Your Application
Regularly check:
- Email inbox
- Spam folder
- Mobile phone
- Scholarship portal
- University announcements
- Provider’s official social-media pages
Missing an interview, document deadline, or confirmation notice may cause an applicant to lose the scholarship opportunity.
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
Apply to More Than One Program
Do not depend on a single application. Submit applications to several programs that match your qualifications.
Students with average grades or simpler documentation needs can explore these easy scholarships to apply for in the Philippines.
Follow Every Instruction
Use the correct:
- File format
- Document size
- Application form
- Naming format
- Submission portal
- Essay length
Incomplete applications are often removed before the main evaluation.
Write a Specific Scholarship Essay
Explain:
- Your educational background
- Your family’s financial situation
- Why you selected your degree
- Your career goal
- How the scholarship will help
- How you plan to contribute after graduation
Avoid generic claims that could belong to any applicant.
Prepare for the Interview
Common questions include:
- Why do you deserve this scholarship?
- Why did you choose your course?
- What financial challenges does your family face?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What will you do after graduation?
- Are you receiving another scholarship?
Answer honestly and use specific examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scholarships are available for college students in the Philippines?
Major options include CHED Merit, DOST-SEI, UniFAST TES, Tulong Dunong, GSIS STEM, OWWA EDSP and ODSP, CoScho, SM Foundation, Security Bank Foundation, Ayala Foundation, and university or LGU scholarships.
Which college scholarships are open in July 2026?
The CHED Merit Scholarship is open until July 31, 2026, while the GSIS Subsidy for STEM Program is open until August 31, 2026. CoScho is also accepting applications in selected regions, including MIMAROPA.
Are there scholarships for current college students?
Yes. Current students may qualify for UniFAST TES, Tulong Dunong, DOST JLSS, OWWA EDSP Category 2, OWWA ODSP, university scholarships, LGU grants, and selected private-foundation programs.
What scholarship provides the highest monthly allowance?
The DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship provides an ₱8,000 monthly living allowance in addition to tuition and other academic benefits.
Can private-school students apply for government scholarships?
Yes. Qualified students in CHED-recognized private institutions may apply for programs such as CHED Merit, DOST-SEI, TES, Tulong Dunong, OWWA, and other government assistance, subject to each program’s rules.
Can students apply for more than one scholarship?
Students can normally submit applications to multiple programs. However, many providers prohibit recipients from holding two major government-funded scholarships at the same time.
Applicants must disclose existing scholarships and subsidies when asked.
Are there scholarships for students without high grades?
Yes. Needs-based programs such as TES, Tulong Dunong, selected LGU grants, student-assistant programs, and university financial aid may use lower academic thresholds than competitive merit scholarships.
Are scholarship applications free?
Legitimate government and established foundation scholarship applications are generally free. Avoid anyone asking for a reservation fee, guaranteed-selection fee, or payment to release an application form.
Where can senior high school graduates find scholarships?
Incoming college freshmen can review our complete list of scholarships for high school graduates in the Philippines.
Final Application Advice
The best scholarships for college students in the Philippines depend on the applicant’s grades, degree program, year level, household income, location, and family background.
Incoming freshmen with strong grades should prioritize CHED Merit, DOST-SEI, and SM Foundation. Current college students should check UniFAST TES, Tulong Dunong, DOST JLSS, OWWA, university grants, and local government assistance.
As of July 14, 2026, the most urgent opportunities are the CHED Merit Scholarship, which closes on July 31, and the GSIS Subsidy for STEM Program, which closes on August 31.
Prepare complete documents, apply through official channels, and submit before the deadline. One well-prepared scholarship application can significantly reduce the financial burden of completing a college degree.