Higher education can bring added expenses for tuition, transportation, school supplies, and other needs. Government scholarships and financial assistance may help cover some of these costs.

If you are currently studying as a freshman, Government Scholarships for 1st Year College Students may be worth checking based on your grades, family income, course, or background.

This guide lists government scholarship and educational assistance programs that 1st year college students in the Philippines may consider in 2026.

Who Is This Guide For?

This guide is mainly for students who are currently in their first year of an undergraduate program.

Scholarship announcements may use different terms for students at this level. You may also see:

1st year college student
First-year college student
College freshman
First-year undergraduate student
Current college student

Some programs may also accept Senior High School graduates, ALS passers, or students in other year levels. Always check the specific eligibility rules of each scholarship.

Who May Qualify for Government Scholarships?

Government scholarship and financial assistance programs have different eligibility requirements. Depending on the program, support may be available to:

Students from low-income households
Students taking priority degree programs
Dependents of farmers or fisherfolk
Dependents of qualified government employees
Members of Indigenous Peoples communities
Students belonging to Special Equity Groups
Students who meet other program-specific requirements

Not every program applies to every student, so check the qualifications of each scholarship before applying.

Important Application Reminder

Government scholarship programs have different application periods, requirements, and selection processes. Some may accept new applicants every academic year, while others may only support continuing beneficiaries or temporarily pause new applications.

Before applying, make sure to check:

Current application period and deadline
Updated eligibility requirements
Required documents
Family income limits
Eligible courses and schools
Scholarship, subsidy, or grant benefits
Rules on receiving another scholarship or financial assistance
Official application process and submission channel
Whether the program is accepting new applicants or continuing beneficiaries only

The scholarships listed in this guide may not all be accepting applications at the same time. Always check the latest official announcement before applying.

Government Scholarship Programs

Below are government scholarships, subsidies, and educational assistance programs that 1st year college students in the Philippines may consider.

Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

1. Tulong Dunong Program (CHED-TDP)

The CHED Tulong Dunong Program provides financial assistance to qualified students pursuing their first undergraduate degree.

You may qualify if you are a Filipino student with at least a passing GWA and your household’s annual income does not exceed ₱400,000. You must also not be receiving another covered national government-funded scholarship or subsidy.

2. Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES)

The Tertiary Education Subsidy provides financial support to qualified Filipino students pursuing their first undergraduate degree.

You may qualify if you are enrolled in an eligible program at an SUC, CHED-recognized LUC, or private HEI and remain within the prescribed program duration.

3. Scholarship Program for Coconut Farmers and Their Families (CoScho)

CoScho provides educational support to qualified students who are dependents of registered coconut farmers.

You may qualify if you have at least an 80% GWA, your parent is registered in the National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS), and your parents’ combined annual income does not exceed ₱300,000.

4. Scholarship Program for Sugarcane Industry Workers, Small Sugarcane Farmers, and Their Dependents (SIScholar)

SIScholar provides educational support to qualified dependents of sugarcane industry workers and small sugarcane farmers.

You may qualify if you are certified by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) as an eligible child or dependent and your parents’ or guardian’s combined annual income does not exceed ₱400,000.

5. Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Grants-in-Aid for Higher Education Program (ACEF-GIAHEP)

ACEF-GIAHEP supports qualified students taking agriculture, forestry, fisheries, veterinary medicine, and related programs.

You may qualify if you are enrolled in an eligible program and your parents’ or guardian’s combined annual income does not exceed ₱400,000. Preference may be given to dependents of registered farmers or fisherfolk.

6. Expanding Access to Scholarships for Special Equity Groups (EASE)

EASE provides scholarship opportunities to qualified students who belong to recognized Special Equity Groups.

You may qualify if you belong to an eligible SEG, have at least an 85% Senior High School average, and are admitted or enrolled in a CHED-recognized priority undergraduate program.

7. Cash Grant to Medical Students Enrolled in State Universities and Colleges (CGMS-SUCs)

The CGMS-SUCs provides financial assistance to qualified students who meet the program’s educational requirements.

Based on the qualifications provided for this guide, you may qualify if you are a Filipino high school graduate, ALS or PEPT passer, or a student with earned units in a CHED-recognized program and at least a passing GWA.

8. Medical Technologists and Pharmacists Scholarship Program (MTP-SP)

The MTP-SP supports qualified students pursuing Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, or Pharmacy.

You may qualify if you are a Filipino STEM Senior High School graduate with at least an 80% GWA and meet the program’s admission and family income requirements.

2026–2027 Update: Based on the CHED update provided for this guide, acceptance of new MTP-SP scholars for AY 2026–2027 has been deferred under Resolution No. 102-2026. Check future CHED announcements for reopening or implementation updates.

MTP-SP Scholarship Guide

Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)

9. GSIS Educational Subsidy Program (GESP)

The GSIS Educational Subsidy Program provides educational support to qualified children or dependents of active GSIS members.

You may qualify if you are enrolled in a recognized higher education institution and your parent or guardian is an eligible active GSIS member who meets the program’s contribution, loan, and other requirements.

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)

10. Merit-Based Scholarship (NCIP-MBS)

The NCIP Merit-Based Scholarship provides educational support to qualified members of recognized Indigenous Peoples communities.

You may qualify if you are a bona fide member of an NCIP-recognized Indigenous Peoples group, meet the program’s income requirements, and have a favorable endorsement from a recognized IP Traditional Leader.

11. Educational Assistance Program (NCIP-EAP)

The NCIP Educational Assistance Program provides educational support to qualified members of Indigenous Peoples communities.

You may qualify if you are a member of an NCIP-recognized Indigenous Peoples group and meet the program’s income, community endorsement, and educational requirements.

Before You Apply

Before applying for a government scholarship or educational assistance program, identify which options match your situation.

Make sure to:

• Confirm that 1st year college students are currently eligible.
• Check whether the program is accepting new applicants.
• Review the latest application period and deadline.
• Check the academic and family income requirements.
• Confirm that your course and school are eligible.
• Review any sector, dependent, or community requirements.
• Check whether receiving another scholarship is allowed.
• Prepare the required school, income, identification, and supporting documents.
• Follow the official government application process.

Government scholarship requirements may change from one academic year to another.

Always check the latest official announcement before applying.

References

The information in this guide was verified using the official websites, scholarship portals/application pages, application guidelines, and announcements from the following government agencies and scholarship programs:

• Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
• Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)
• National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)

Scholarship details may change without prior notice. Application schedules, eligibility requirements, benefits, available slots, eligible courses, participating schools, and documentary requirements are determined by each government agency or scholarship provider.

Always check the latest official announcement before applying.

Research Note: This guide was prepared and verified with the help of partners, volunteers, and the CRA team.

Please note that being included in this guide does not necessarily mean that a scholarship or financial assistance program is currently accepting applications. Always visit the official government agency or scholarship page for the latest application period, requirements, eligible schools and courses, benefits, and application procedures.