Comprehensive List of Full-Tuition Scholarships in the Philippines
Accessing higher education in the Philippines can be financially challenging for many students. Fortunately, a variety of full-tuition scholarships are available, funded by government bodies, corporations, foundations, and educational institutions. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but often include additional benefits such as stipends, book allowances, and living expenses. This guide provides a detailed overview of the most notable full-tuition scholarship programs in the Philippines, outlining their benefits, eligibility criteria, and application processes to help students make informed decisions about their educational opportunities.
1. Government-Funded Scholarships
a. CHED Merit Scholarship
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) offers the Merit Scholarship aimed at academically gifted students enrolled in CHED-recognized programs across Private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs).
- Benefits: Full coverage of tuition and other school fees, monthly stipends, and book/connectivity allowances up to P120,000 annually for private HEIs.
- Eligibility: Incoming college freshmen with excellent academic performance and financial need.
- Application Details: Applications are submitted directly to CHED or through partnering educational institutions. Visit the official CHED Merit Scholarship page for more information: CHED Merit Scholarship.
b. Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Scholarships
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) offers several scholarship programs targeting students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
- DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship:
- Benefits: Full tuition, book allowances, thesis subsidies, transportation allowances, and monthly stipends.
- Eligibility: High school graduates with excellent academic records interested in STEM courses.
- Application Details: Apply through the DOST official portal during open application periods. More information can be found here: DOST Official Website.
- Dostoehrn Scholarship Program:
- Benefits: Full tuition coverage, monthly stipends, and support for other academic expenses.
- Eligibility: Filipino students enrolled in DOST-recognized institutions with strong academic standing in STEM fields.
- Application Details: Submit applications through the DOST scholarship portal. Visit the DOST website for more details.
c. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Scholarships
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provides scholarships to the dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), supporting their higher education endeavors.
- OWWA Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP):
- Benefits: Full tuition fees, book allowances, monthly stipends, and one-time educational assistance grants.
- Eligibility: Dependents of OWWA-registered OFWs who meet academic performance standards.
- Application Details: Applications are submitted online through the OWWA portal during designated periods. Visit the OWWA website for application guidelines: OWWA Scholarship Programs.
- OWWA Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP):
- Benefits: Similar to EDSP, offering full tuition and additional allowances.
- Eligibility: Dependents of migrant workers registered with OWWA.
- Application Details: Detailed information can be accessed through the OWWA official channels.
d. Local Government Unit (LGU) Scholarships
Numerous local government units across the Philippines offer full-tuition scholarships to constituents who demonstrate academic excellence or require financial assistance. Programs like the Iskolar ng Bayan initiative are prominent examples.
- Benefits: Typically cover full tuition fees and may include additional allowances.
- Eligibility: Varies by LGU, often based on academic performance and financial need.
- Application Details: Interested applicants should contact their respective LGU offices for specific application procedures and requirements.
2. Corporate and Foundation-Based Scholarships
a. SM Foundation Scholarship Program
The SM Foundation offers scholarships to deserving students pursuing degrees in business, Information Technology (IT), engineering, and other disciplines aligned with SM’s business areas.
- Benefits: Full tuition coverage, monthly allowances, and part-time job opportunities during breaks.
- Eligibility: Grade 12 graduates with a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 88% and who demonstrate academic excellence.
- Application Details: Apply through SM-accredited educational institutions. More information is available at: SM Foundation Scholarships.
b. Aboitiz Foundation Scholarship Program
Administered by the Aboitiz Foundation, this scholarship program supports students pursuing degrees in STEM, accountancy, and business-related fields.
- Benefits: Full tuition fees and monthly allowances.
- Eligibility: Students with strong academic records and potential for leadership.
- Application Details: Applications are submitted through the Aboitiz Foundation's official channels. Visit Aboitiz Foundation Scholarships for more details.
c. Megaworld Foundation Scholarship
The Megaworld Foundation provides scholarships to low-income students with good grades, supporting their education in accredited universities.
- Benefits: Full tuition and miscellaneous fees, annual allowances, and career opportunities post-graduation.
- Eligibility: Must maintain a minimum grade requirement of 85% and be in the top 10% of their batch.
- Application Details: Interested candidates can contact Megaworld Foundation directly via phone at (632) 8894 6437-38 or email at scholarship@megaworldfoundation.com.
d. Ayala Foundation Scholarships
The Ayala Foundation supports students in partner universities, particularly those studying in business, engineering, and other high-demand fields.
- Benefits: Comprehensive scholarship packages including full tuition, books, living allowances, and additional support as needed.
- Eligibility: Filipino students with outstanding academic performance and leadership potential.
- Application Details: Apply directly through the Ayala Foundation’s official website: Ayala Foundation Scholarships.
e. Security Bank Foundation Scholars Program
The Security Bank Foundation offers scholarships to students pursuing degrees in business, accounting, and related fields, particularly those facing financial difficulties.
- Benefits: Full tuition fees and additional allowances.
- Eligibility: High academic achievers who demonstrate financial need.
- Application Details: Detailed information and application forms can be found on the Security Bank Foundation’s website: Security Bank Foundation Scholarships.
3. Institution-Based Scholarships
a. University of the Philippines (UP) – Oblation Scholarship
The Oblation Scholarship at the University of the Philippines (UP) provides full-tuition coverage to top-ranking applicants in the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT).
- Benefits: Full coverage of tuition fees, stipends, and allowances for academic support.
- Eligibility: Top examinees of the UPCAT with outstanding academic records.
- Application Details: Admission and scholarship applications are handled through the UP admissions office. More information can be accessed at: University of the Philippines.
b. Ateneo de Manila University – Ateneo Scholarship Foundation
Ateneo de Manila University offers multiple full-tuition scholarships for talented students who demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need.
- Benefits: Full tuition coverage along with additional allowances for books and living expenses.
- Eligibility: High academic achievers from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Application Details: Applicants must fill out the Ateneo Scholarship Application Form available on the university’s scholarship page: Ateneo Scholarships.
c. De La Salle University (DLSU) – Star Scholars Program
De La Salle University’s Star Scholars Program is designed for students with exceptional academic and leadership abilities.
- Benefits: Full tuition coverage, monthly stipends, and potential sponsorships for graduate studies.
- Eligibility: High school valedictorians or top passers of entrance exams with proven leadership qualities.
- Application Details: Prospective students should apply during the DLSU admissions process. More details are available at: DLSU Scholarships.
d. Far Eastern University (FEU) Scholarships
Far Eastern University (FEU) offers significant scholarship options, including the FEU Excellence Award, which covers full tuition fees.
- Benefits: Comprehensive coverage of tuition fees.
- Eligibility: Students with outstanding academic achievements or exceptional talents in athletics and the arts.
- Application Details: Application procedures can be found on the FEU website: Far Eastern University.
e. Mapúa University Scholarships
Mapúa University provides various merit-based and need-based scholarships to support students in their academic pursuits.
- Benefits: Full tuition fees and allowances.
- Eligibility: Students with excellent academic performance and financial need.
- Application Details: Detailed information is available on the Mapúa University Scholarships page: Mapúa University.
f. University of San Carlos (USC) Scholarships
The University of San Carlos offers a range of scholarships, including merit-based and need-based grants, to support both incoming and continuing students.
- Benefits: Full tuition support tailored to various scholarship programs.
- Eligibility: Varies depending on the specific scholarship, typically requiring strong academic records or financial need.
- Application Details: Prospective applicants can find more information here: USC Scholarships.
g. Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Scholarship Programs
LPU offers scholarship programs that provide full-tuition coverage for selected academic scholars and athletes, fostering excellence in various fields.
- Benefits: Full coverage of tuition fees.
- Eligibility: Academic scholars and athletes demonstrating exceptional performance.
- Application Details: Apply through the LPU admissions office. More information is available at: LPU Scholarships.
4. Specialized Scholarships
a. TeachSTEM College Scholarship by Globe Bridging the Future (GBF)
The TeachSTEM College Scholarship is designed for students pursuing teaching degrees, particularly in STEM education, to address the growing need for qualified educators in these fields.
- Benefits: Full tuition coverage and additional teaching allowances.
- Eligibility: Students enrolled in teaching degree programs with a focus on STEM disciplines.
- Application Details: Apply through the Globe Bridging the Future official channels. Visit: Globe Bridging the Future.
b. Armed Forces of the Philippines Educational Benefit System (AFPEBS)
The AFPEBS provides full educational assistance to dependents of military personnel, ensuring that their children receive quality education without financial constraints.
- Benefits: Comprehensive educational assistance covering full tuition and related expenses.
- Eligibility: Dependents of active and retired members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
- Application Details: Interested applicants should contact the AFPEBS office for application procedures and requirements.
c. Philippine National Police (PNP) Scholarship
The Philippine National Police (PNP) offers scholarships to support the education of dependents of qualified police personnel, fostering educational advancement within the community.
- Benefits: Full tuition fees and additional allowances for educational expenses.
- Eligibility: Dependents of qualifying PNP personnel demonstrating academic excellence.
- Application Details: Contact the Philippine National Police Student Assistance Program (PNPSAP) for more information.
d. LANDBANK Gintong Ani Education Program
The LANDBANK Gintong Ani Education Program provides full tuition coverage and monthly allowances to support the children and grandchildren of farmers and fishermen, promoting educational attainment in agricultural communities.
- Benefits: Full tuition coverage, monthly allowances.
- Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of farmers and fishermen demonstrating academic merit.
- Application Details: Apply through LANDBANK’s official channels. More information can be found here: LANDBANK Gintong Ani Education Program.
5. Additional Resources and Tips
To maximize the chances of securing a full-tuition scholarship in the Philippines, applicants are encouraged to:
- Apply to Multiple Programs: Diversify applications to increase the likelihood of receiving financial assistance.
- Maintain Academic Excellence: Many scholarships require maintaining certain grade levels to continue receiving benefits.
- Prepare Early: Start gathering necessary documents and fulfill application requirements well before deadlines.
- Document Achievements: Keep records of academic, extracurricular, and community service accomplishments to strengthen applications.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check official scholarship websites for updates on application periods and requirements.
For comprehensive listings and additional scholarship opportunities, refer to reputable educational resources such as:
- Life Guide PH:
- Top Scholarships in the Philippines: Your Guide to Free Education
lifeguide.ph
- Full List of Scholarship in the Philippines
lifeguide.ph
- Career Filipino:
- CareerGigo:
Conclusion
The landscape of full-tuition scholarships in the Philippines is vast and diverse, catering to students from various academic backgrounds and financial situations. Whether funded by the government, corporations, foundations, or educational institutions, these scholarships play a crucial role in making higher education accessible and alleviating financial burdens. Prospective applicants should diligently research each scholarship’s specific requirements, prepare their applications meticulously, and adhere to deadlines to enhance their chances of success. By leveraging these opportunities, Filipino students can pursue their academic goals and contribute meaningfully to their chosen fields and communities.