Top Scholarships in the Philippines: A Comprehensive Guide for Students in 2025

Philippines is a beautiful country where you will be able to explore a fascinating mix of Islamic, Malay, Spanish and American influences on Filipino culture. Not only the Philippines offer its beauty to its people and foreigners, the country also has one of the best higher education systems in Asia. Offering the opportunity to study in English at an affordable cost, the Philippines attracts over 5,000 international students a year from across the globe, with most coming from other countries in East Asia.

In addition, there are numerous opportunities for educational funding to study within and outside the Philippines. Scholarships in the Philippines are as generous as can be. Read on to see what funding opportunities this country has to offer!

1. CHED Scholarship

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is an attached agency to the Office of the President for administrative purposes. Its creation was part of a broad agenda of reforms on the country’s education system outlined by the Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM) in 1992. Part of the reforms was the trifocalization of the education sector into three governing bodies: the CHED for tertiary and graduate education, the Department of Education (DepEd) for basic education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for technical-vocational and middle-level education.

CHED has been given the national government’s commitment to transformational leadership that puts education as the central strategy for investing in the Filipino people, reducing poverty, and building national competitiveness and pursuant to Republic Act 7722.

Carrying out its missions and in consonance with the mandate, CHED has established projects and programs named under the Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs) to provide poor and deserving Filipinos opportunities to quality higher education as articulated in its Long-Term Development Plan provisions for “Access and Equity” with the establishment and maintenance of scholarship, grants-in-aid, and loan programs.

• • Scholarship
    • State Scholarship Program (SSP)
      • Full Scholarship: ₱30,000 per academic year
      • Partial Scholarship: ₱15,000 per academic year
    • Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) Scholarship (PS): ₱15,000 per academic year
  • Grants-In-Aid (GIA): ₱6,000, ₱9,000, and ₱12,000 per academic year based on tuition and other fees of HEIs
  • Study Now Pay Later Plan (SNPLP): ₱15,000 per academic year

CHED Scholarship requirements are as follows:

• • Must be a Filipino citizen
  • Must be a high school graduate, candidate for graduation with earned unites in college, passer of Alternative Learning System (ALS) / Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT)
  • Must have a combined annual gross income of parents / guardian not to exceed ₱300,000 (three hundred thousand Pesos)
  • Must avail of only one CHED scholarship or financial assistance program
  • Must not be a graduate of any degree program

You can find the CHED Scholarship application form at www.ched.gov.ph.

2. DOST Scholarship

The Republic of the Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provides undergraduate and graduate scholarships to students pursuing degree studies

• • Undergraduate Scholarships
    • S&T Undergraduate Scholarships: Aims to stimulate and entice talented Filipino youths to pursue lifetime productive careers in science and technology and ensure a steady, adequate supply of qualified S&T human resources which can steer the country towards national progress.

There are two types of S&T Undergraduate Scholarships:

• • • • RA 7687: The Republic Act No. 7687, also known as the “Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994”, provides for scholarships to talented and deserving students whose families’ socio-economic status do not exceed the set cut-off values of certain indicators. Qualifiers must pursue priority fields of study in the basic sciences, engineering, other applied sciences, and science and mathematics teaching.
      • Merit: The DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship Program, formerly known as the NSDB or NSTA Scholarship under RA No. 2067, is awarded to students with high aptitude in science and mathematics and are willing to pursue careers in the fields of science and technology.

• • • Junior Level Science Scholarships: Provides scholarships that will finance the education of talented and deserving students in their third year of college in the areas of science and technology. The types of Junior Level Science Scholarships are:
      • RA 10612: The Republic Act No. 10612 aims to strengthen the country’s science and technology education by fast-tracking graduates in the sciences, mathematics and engineering who shall teach science and mathematics in secondary schools throughout the country.
      • RA 7687: The Republic Act No. 7687, also known as teh “Science an Technology Scholarship Act of 1994”, provides scholarships to talented and deserving students whose families’ socio-economic status does not exceed the set cut-off values of certain indicators. Qualifiers must pursue priority fields of study in the basic sciences, engineering, other applied sciences, and science and mathematics teaching.
      • Merit: The DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship Program is awarded to students with high aptitude in science and mathematics, who are willing to pursue careers in the fields of science and technology.

The Undergraduate DOST Scholarship benefits are as follows:

• • • Regular Academic Year
      • Tuition and other school fees: ₱40,000 per year
      • Book allowance: ₱10,000 per year
      • MS/PE uniform (1^st semester of first year only): ₱1,000
      • Group health and accident insurance: Premium
      • Transportation allowance (for those studying outside of home province): 1 economy-class round-trip fare
      • Monthly living allowance: ₱7,000 per month
      • Graduation clothing allowance: ₱1,000
    • Summer Allowance (if required in the curriculum)
      • Tuition and other school fees: ₱1,500
      • Book allowance: ₱500 (to submit Official Receipt)
      • Monthly living allowance: ₱7,000 per month for two months
  • Graduate Scholarships
    • ASTHRDP – National Science Consortium (ASTHRDP-NSC): Provides scholarships for master’s and doctoral degrees in priority S&T areas, to help improve the country’s global competitiveness and capability to innovate through Science and Technology and to accelerate the production of high-level human resources needed for Research and Development (R&D) in S&T. The ASTHRDP-NSC scholarship benefits include tuition and other schools fees, monthly stipends, book allowance, group health and accident insurance, transportation (for those studying outside of home province), thesis / dissertation allowance, and students research support fund. The stipends in the remaining months of scholarship period shall be given to a scholar who completes the degree earlier than the prescribed period of the study.
    • Capacity Building Program in Science and Mathematics (CBPSME): For master’s and doctorate degrees in science and mathematics education. The program aims to improve the quality of education and accelerate the development of critical mass of experts in Science and Mathematics Education. The CBPSME scholarship benefits include tuition fee other schools fees, monthly stipends, book allowance, group health and accident insurance, transportation (for those studying outside of home province), and thesis / dissertation allowance.
    • Engineering Research and Development for Technology (ERDT): Provides scholarships for master’s and doctoral degrees in various engineering fields, to deliver high-impact research, upgrade the qualifications of practicing engineers, and develop a culture of research and development. ERDT scholarships include tuition and other schools fees, monthly stipends, book allowance, transportation (for those studying outside of home province), thesis / dissertation allowance, and research support fund.
    • Foreign Graduate Scholarship Program: Aims to provide master’s and doctoral degrees in specialized priority fields in science and technology to develop a pool of high quality human resources in science and engineering who will contribute to the country’s global competitiveness and economic development. The program provides opportunities to talented and deserving students to study and obtain MS and PhD degrees in science and engineering in reputable institutions abroad. The program also aims to upgrade the country’s research and technological innovation capabilities in the area of advanced sciences and emerging technologies. Foreign Graduate Scholarships include actual tuition and other school fees, monthly living allowance, book allowance, health and accident insurance, outright thesis / dissertation allowance, pre-travel expenses, one round-trip economy fare from residence to place of study (one-time only in the whole duration of the study), and relocation allowance.

3. LANI Scholarship

The Lifeline Assistance for Neighbors In-need (LANI) Scholarship Program was established to improve both the quantity and quality of graduates in the Taguig City, especially college graduates. Applicants for this scholarship should meet the following basic qualification criteria:

• • Bona fide resident of Taguig City for at least 3 years immediately preceding the application. Must be a registered voter of the city if 18 years or older, and with at least one of the parents also a registered voter of the city.
  • Of good moral character both in paper and in deeds
  • Determined to finish the course or pass the bar / board examination
  • Committed to love and serve Taguig City

There are 8 different LANI scholarship types offered:

• • Premier / Specialized School: For those enrolling in or enrolled in the University of the Philippines System (Luzon Campuses) and other public and private colleges and universities certified by CHED as Centers of Excellence in the NCR. This is open to graduates of either public or private secondary schools. Amounts from ₱40,000 to ₱50,000.
  • Honors (Full): Top 10 graduates of public high schools in Taguig, regardless of the schools or courses in college. Amounts from ₱40,000 to ₱50,000.
  • Priority Courses and Skills Training: For those enrolling in or enrolled in courses identified by the City as responsive to its present and future needs, and in cognizance of the DOST-listed priority courses. This category includes persons with disabilities (PWDs) as certified by the City’s PDAO, or if taking up law or medicine, must be enrolled or enrolling in top performing schools as listed by PRC / CHED / SC. This is open to graduates of either public or private secondary schools. Amounts from ₱40,000 to ₱50,000.
  • Basic + SUC/LCU (Basic Plus): For graduates of public high schools in Taguig or nearby LGUs, who are enrolled or enrolling in an SUC or LCU in the NCR, except for TCU students who are already full scholars of the City. Amounts from ₱20,000 to ₱30,000.
  • SUC/LCU: For graduate of private school who are enrolled or enrolling in an SUC or LCUs in the NCR. Amounts from ₱15,000 to ₱25,000.
  • Basic: For graduates of any public high school in Taguig or nearby municipalities or cities within the NCR who are enrolled in higher education institutions in the NCR which are not SUCs or LCUs. Amounts from ₱15,000 to ₱25,000.
  • Review Assistance: A one-time assistance for residents who have already graduated, and are preparing for their licensure / board or bar examinations.
  • Leadership and Educators Advancement and Development (LEAD): For those pursuing Master’s or Doctoral degrees, who are government employees working either in local or national government for at least 3 years, based in Taguig, and whose performance evaluation is outstanding or at least very satisfactory. This includes teachers in both public and private schools in Taguig.

4. Megaworld Scholarship

Megaworld Foundation offers scholarships that include full tuition fees, allowance per academic year, and career opportunities at Megaworld Corporation and/or its subsidiaries and affiliates. These scholarships are intended for undergraduate studies, and are aimed at incoming freshmen, sophomores and juniors whose incoming tax return (ITR) does not exceed ₱300,000..

5. FEU Scholarship

Far Eastern University (FEU) Scholarships are offered to freshmen students. There are 6 types of scholarships available:

• • Entrance Scholarship: Awarded to 1^st year exam takers who meet the eligibility requirements and will enroll during the 1^st semester of the academic year.
  • Teacher Scholarship Program: Awarded to 1^st year exam takers who meet the eligibility requirements and will enroll in the identified degree programs of the Institute of Education during the first semester of the academic year.
  • LEAP: Long-term education assistance program (LEAP) is awarded to students who are in dire need.
  • NRSSP: Nicanor Reyes Science Scholarship Program (NRSSP) is awarded to students from the identified science high schools whose FEU CAT percentile score is superior with a HS GWA of at least 88 and an annual family income not exceeding ₱360,000 per year.
  • Service Group: Support talented students who embody the core values of Fortitude, Excellence and Uprightness and help promote the University through sports, arts, and culture.
  • External Scholarships: Externally-funded scholarships will not be included in the budget tally for FEU scholarships.

6. Aboitiz Scholarship and Financial Assistance

Aboitiz Foundation grants scholarships and financial assistance to students from all levels of study who excel in academic but are financially unable to finish their studies. College scholars are encouraged to take courses that give them better chances in landing a job at the Aboitiz Group after graduation. These courses include Accountancy, Management, Psychology, and Engineering. The Foundation supports scholars in pre-school, elementary, high school, and college levels.

7. DLSHSI Scholarship

De La Salle University (DLSU) scholarships are offered to needy but capable Filipino men and women desiring to continue educational and training programs in both the undergraduate and the graduate levels.

• • Mutien Marie Scholarship Grant (Graduate): For those who are engaged in the profession of human formation and development.
  • Archer Achiever Scholarship: For students who top the DLSU College Admission Test. Available for students who graduated from Philippine private / public and science high schools.
  • The Star Scholars Program: Integrated undergraduate and graduate scholarship for high-achieving students from around the country.
  • Vaugirard Scholarship Program: 50 scholarships offered every year exclusively for students who graduated from Philippine public high schools.
  • Gokongwei Grants: For students who wish to pursue priority fields of study in any undergraduate engineering degree program as offered by the college.
  • Andrew Gonzalez Academic Scholarship: For high school students who ranked Top 1 (with highest honors) for each strand (STEM, ABM, and HUMMS) of La Salle district schools and have passed the entrance exam.
  • La Salle Financial Assistance Grant: For Filipino students who meet specific criteria for eligibility. Selections are based on financial need and academic competence.
  • Brother President Scholarship Program (BPSP): Awarded to legitimate or legally-adopted children of married, permanent and full-time faculty, and administrative service personnel who joined DLSU in May 1987 of after and have served the University for at least 3 years and are in active University Service while availing of the grant.
  • Centennial Scholarship Program (CSP): For qualified children of full-time permanent faculty (teaching and academic service faculty) and administrative service personnel (ASP) of the University.
  • Scholarship for Children of Faculty (SCF): For qualified children of full-time, part-time, and retired faculty members who joined DLSU before May 1987.
  • Scholarship for Children of Co-Academic Personnel (SCC): For dependents of Co-Academic Personnel of the University.
  • Military Scholarship (PD 577): For dependents of military personnel who died or became incapacitated in the line of duty .

Additional list of scholarship programs in Phillippines. Let’s your friends know about #ScholarshipsInThePhilippines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Scholarships in the Philippines

1. What scholarships are available for students in the Philippines?

There are numerous scholarships available for both local and international students. Some of the key scholarships include:

• CHED Scholarship

• DOST Scholarship

• LANI Scholarship

• Megaworld Scholarship

• FEU Scholarships

• Aboitiz Foundation Scholarships

• DLSU Scholarships And many more offered by various universities and organizations across the country.

2. Can international students apply for scholarships in the Philippines?

Yes, the Philippines attracts international students, especially from other countries in East Asia. Many scholarships, such as those offered by CHED, DOST, and private universities, are open to both local and international students.

3. What are the eligibility requirements for CHED Scholarships?

To qualify for CHED scholarships, applicants must:

• Be a Filipino citizen

• Be a high school graduate or a college student who has earned units

• Have a combined annual family income not exceeding ₱300,000

• Not be a graduate of any degree program

4. How can I apply for the DOST Scholarship?

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) offers various scholarships, including the S&T Undergraduate Scholarships. Interested applicants must meet specific academic and socio-economic requirements and choose fields of study in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM).

5. Are there scholarships for students pursuing courses in specific fields?

Yes, many scholarships cater to specific fields such as engineering, education, science, technology, and business. For example, the Gokongwei Grants at DLSU support students pursuing undergraduate engineering degrees, while the LANI Scholarship prioritizes courses in demand in Taguig City.

6. What is the LANI Scholarship, and who can apply?

The LANI Scholarship program is aimed at improving the number of college graduates in Taguig City. It offers scholarships for students in various courses, including those enrolled in priority fields. Applicants must be residents of Taguig City for at least 3 years and meet specific academic criteria.

7. Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?

It depends on the specific scholarship program. Generally, students are encouraged to apply for one scholarship program at a time, especially if it is a full scholarship. However, some programs allow students to combine scholarships, so it’s important to check the terms and conditions of each.

8. How can I find more scholarships in the Philippines?

For additional scholarship opportunities, students can visit the official websites of the CHED, DOST, Megaworld Foundation, Aboitiz Foundation, and other universities and foundations offering financial aid. Many universities have dedicated scholarship pages with detailed information on eligibility and application procedures.

9. What is the process for applying for scholarships in the Philippines?

Each scholarship program has its own application process, but generally, it involves:

• Checking eligibility criteria

• Gathering necessary documents (e.g., academic records, proof of income)

• Filling out an application form (often available online)

• Submitting required documents before the deadline

10. What benefits do DOST scholarships offer?

The DOST Undergraduate Scholarships provide:

• Tuition and school fees (up to ₱40,000 per year)

• Book allowance

• Monthly living allowance (₱7,000 per month)

• Insurance and other allowances

11. How do I apply for scholarships offered by private universities like DLSU or FEU?

For private universities like DLSU and FEU, scholarship applications are typically submitted through their official websites. Be sure to review the specific scholarship program guidelines, eligibility, and deadlines for each university.

12. Can I apply for a scholarship if I am already enrolled in college?

Yes, many scholarships, such as the DOST Junior Level Science Scholarship and the LANI Scholarship, are open to current college students. Some scholarships are also available for students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees.

13. Are there any scholarships for students with disabilities?

Yes, there are scholarships specifically designed for students with disabilities. For example, the LANI Scholarship offers funding for students with disabilities who are pursuing courses that are in demand in the Taguig City area.

14. Are there any scholarships for students from low-income families?

Yes, many scholarships in the Philippines prioritize students from low-income families. For instance, the DOST Scholarship targets students from families with socio-economic status below a certain threshold, and the LANI Scholarship also provides support for students who demonstrate financial need.

Final Thoughts

The Philippines offers a diverse array of scholarship opportunities for both local and international students. Whether you’re aiming for a degree in science, technology, business, or the arts, there are programs available to support your academic and financial needs. Government bodies like CHED and DOST, as well as local institutions such as FEU and DLSU, provide scholarships that can ease the financial burden of higher education.

Furthermore, scholarships such as the LANI and Megaworld programs, along with others offered by foundations and universities, reflect the country’s commitment to making education accessible to talented individuals, regardless of their financial background.

As you explore these opportunities, it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements and apply early to secure your chance for financial assistance. The Philippines stands out as a welcoming destination for global learners, offering world-class education and generous support for those willing to invest in their future.

Take advantage of these opportunities, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the respective scholarship bodies for more details. Education is a powerful tool that can open doors to many possibilities, and with the right support, your academic dreams in the Philippines could soon become a reality.