DCWD College Scholarship 2026 Application Guide

The DCWD College Scholarship is a scholarship program of the Davao City Water District (DCWD) that provides financial assistance to qualified students pursuing a college degree at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP). 

The program aims to help deserving students, especially those from Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities and other qualified applicants, complete their higher education.

This guide covers the DCWD College Scholarship qualifications, requirements, benefits, partner school, application deadline, application process, and other important information to help interested applicants prepare for their scholarship application.

Qualifications:

To qualify for the DCWD College Scholarship, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements based on the scholarship category they are applying for. Below are the general qualifications for both the Indigenous Peoples (IP) and Non-IP scholarship slots. 

DCWD College Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples (IPS)

• Senior high school graduate with an average grade of at least 80%
• If currently enrolled in college, must have an average grade of at least 80% from the previous semester;
• A member of an Indigenous Cultural Community or a Muslim residing in the watershed areas of Toril, Tugbok, Baguio, Calinan, or Marilog districts

DCWD College Scholarship for Non-IP

• Senior High graduate of recently preceding school year upon application;
• Must have an average grade of at least 80%
• Must be in the top 20% of the graduating class
• Must be a resident of Davao City

Requirements:

To apply for the DCWD College Scholarship, applicants must prepare and submit the required documents based on the scholarship category they are applying for. Below are the general documentary requirements for both the Indigenous Peoples (IP) and Non-IP scholarship slots. 

DCWD College Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples (IPS)

• Notice of Admission to the Program (NOAP) from USEP
• Senior High School Report Card or Report of Grades from the previous semester for continuing college student
• Tribal Certification
• Barangay Clearance
• Barangay Endorsement
• Certificate of Confirmation (COC) from the National Commission on Indigenous
• Peoples (NCIP) or National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) certifying membership to an IP/tribal group and that the tribal chieftain is registered with NCIP/NCMF
• Certified true copy of annual household Income Tax Return (ITR) (not exceeding PhP 120,000) or if not required to file an ITR, a BIR certification with a notarized Affidavit of Low/No Income
• Photocopy of Birth Certificate (PSA Copy)
• One (1) recent 2×2 photo (preferably in IP attire)

DCWD College Scholarship for Non-IP

• Notice of Admission to the Program (NOAP) from USEP
• Senior High School Report Card
• Certification that the applicant belongs to the top 20% of the graduating class signed by the school head
• Certified true copy of annual household Income Tax Return (ITR) (not exceeding PhP 120,000) or if not required to file an ITR, a BIR certification with a notarized Affidavit of Low/No Income
• Photocopy of Birth Certificate (PSA Copy)
• One (1) recent 2×2 photo
• Barangay Clearance
• Barangay Endorsement

Benefits:

The DCWD College Scholarship provides financial assistance to help scholars with their educational and academic expenses. Both Indigenous Peoples (IP) and Non-IP scholarship recipients receive the following benefits:

• Transportation allowance.
• Meals allowance.
• Boarding house allowance.
• Uniform and textbook allowance.
• Academic incentives for scholars who qualify as Dean’s Listers.
• Thesis allowance during the graduating year.
• Cash incentive upon graduation.

Priority Courses:

The DCWD College Scholarship does not limit applicants to specific degree programs. Instead, eligibility depends on meeting the admission requirements for degree programs offered by the designated partner university campuses.

• The scholarship is open to all eligible degree programs offered by the designated partner university campuses.
• Applicants must first qualify for admission to their chosen degree program before applying for the scholarship.

Partner School:

The DCWD College Scholarship is available only to students who are admitted to the designated partner university. Applicants must first secure admission to an eligible campus before applying for the scholarship.

• University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP)
  • Mintal Campus
  • Obrero Campus

Application Deadline:

If you are planning to apply for the DCWD College Scholarship, make sure to submit your application within the official application period. Late or incomplete applications may not be accepted.

• Application Period: January 28, 2026 – May 29, 2026
• Application Deadline: May 29, 2026

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for the DCWD College Scholarship by following the official application process below. Make sure to prepare all the required documents before submitting your application. 

Step 1: Meet the Admission Requirements
Apply for admission and make sure you meet the admission requirements of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP).

Step 2: Receive Your Notice of Admission
Wait for the Notice of Admission to the Program (NOAP) from USEP after you are accepted.

Step 3: Visit the DCWD Community Relations Division Office
Go to the 6th Floor, DCWD Matina Office and inform the staff that you are applying for the scholarship.

Step 4: Complete the Scholarship Application Form
Fill out the scholarship application form provided by the office.

Step 5: Submit Your Application
Submit the completed application form together with all the required supporting documents for evaluation.

About DCWD College Scholarship:

The Davao City Water District (DCWD) College Scholarship is a financial assistance program that helps qualified students pursue a college degree. The program provides educational support and incentives to deserving scholars to reduce the cost of higher education and encourage academic success.

For Academic Year 2026–2027, the scholarship offers a total of six (6) scholarship slots. These include five (5) slots for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Muslim youth and one (1) slot for a Non-IP student.

The scholarship is offered in partnership with the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) and supports students who meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Through this initiative, DCWD aims to help deserving students complete their college education and prepare for a better future.

Final Thoughts:

The Davao City Water District (DCWD) College Scholarship helps deserving students achieve their dream of earning a college degree by providing financial assistance and educational support. The program aims to reduce the financial burden of college and encourage students to complete their studies.

The scholarship gives special priority to Indigenous Peoples (IPs), Muslim youth, and qualified Non-IP students, particularly those from watershed areas in Davao City. Through this program, DCWD promotes equal access to higher education and supports students with the potential to succeed.

By partnering with the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP), the DCWD College Scholarship invests in the education and future of its scholars. It helps students focus on their studies, develop their skills, and prepare for meaningful careers while contributing to the development of their communities.

If you’re interested in other scholarship opportunities, visit our Local Programs page for the latest updates and application guides. 

Reference:

1. Davao City Water District. (2026, January 28). Call for applications: DCWD’s College Scholarship Programs for SY 2026–2027. https://web.davao-water.gov.ph/news/post