Balancing school requirements with everyday expenses can become more challenging during the second year. Government scholarships and financial assistance may help ease some of these costs.

If you are currently in your second year, Government Scholarships for 2nd Year College Students may be worth checking based on your grades, course, family income, or background.

This guide lists government scholarships, grants, and educational assistance programs that 2nd 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 second year of an undergraduate program.

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

• 2nd year college student
• Second-year college student
• College sophomore
• Second-year undergraduate student
• Current college student

Some programs may also accept students in other year levels. Always check the specific eligibility rules of each scholarship.

Who May Qualify for Government Scholarships?

Government scholarships 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 OFWs
• Dependents of qualified government employees
• Students taking medical or allied health programs
• Students from specific provinces or communities
• Students who meet other program-specific requirements

Not every program applies to every student, so check the qualifications 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 prioritize continuing beneficiaries or certain year levels.

Before applying, make sure to check:

• Current application period and deadline
• Updated eligibility requirements
• Required documents
• Academic requirements
• Family income limits
• Eligible courses and schools
• Scholarship, grant, or subsidy benefits
• Rules on receiving another scholarship
• Screening or admission requirements
• Official application process and submission channel

The programs 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 and educational assistance programs that 2nd year college students may consider.

Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

1. 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.

2. 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 as a current college student 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.

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

SIScholar supports qualified children or 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 dependent, meet the school admission requirements, and your parents’ or guardian’s combined annual income does not exceed ₱400,000.

4. Scholarship Program for Future Medical Technologists and Pharmacists (MTP-SP)

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

You may qualify as a continuing student if you have at least an 80% GWA or equivalent, have no failed subjects in the previous term, and meet the program’s 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. Check the latest CHED announcement for future implementation updates.

5. 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 academic requirements.

Based on the qualifications provided, you may qualify if you are a Filipino college student with earned units in a CHED-recognized program and at least a passing GWA.

6. Scholarship Program for Future Statisticians (ESTATISTIKOLAR)

ESTATISTIKOLAR provides educational support to qualified students who meet the program’s academic and financial requirements.

You may qualify as a 2nd year college student if you have at least an 80% GWA or equivalent and your parents’ or legal guardians’ combined annual gross income does not exceed ₱500,000.

7. Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program

The MSRS Program supports qualified students pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree at participating higher education institutions.

You may qualify if you are an incoming second-year medical student or a student in a higher year level, meet your school’s academic and retention requirements, and are willing to complete the program’s return service obligation.

8. Allied Health Experiential Assistance for Deserving Students (AHEAD) Grant

The AHEAD Grant provides assistance to qualified students enrolled in CHED-recognized programs and taking Related Learning Experience courses.

You may qualify if you are taking an eligible program, have a family annual income of not more than ₱1,200,000, and meet the program’s year-level ranking requirements. Applicants from recognized Special Equity Groups may receive additional ranking points.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)

9. Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP)

The OWWA Education and Livelihood Assistance Program provides educational support to qualified OFW dependents.

Based on the eligibility details provided for this guide, you may qualify as a 2nd to 5th year college student if you are the child or sibling of a qualified OWWA member, are single, not more than 30 years old, and have at least an 80% GWA.

10. Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)

The EDSP provides scholarship support to qualified children or siblings of active OWWA members.

You may qualify as a 2nd to 5th year college student if you are single, not more than 30 years old, have at least an 85% GWA with no failing grades, and are enrolled in a Philippine-based college or university.

11. OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP)

The ODSP provides educational assistance to qualified children or siblings of active OFW members.

You may qualify as a 2nd to 5th year college student if you are single, not more than 30 years old, have a passing GWA from the previous school year, and are enrolled in a Philippine-based college or university.

Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)

12. 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.

Before You Apply

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

Make sure to:

• Confirm that 2nd 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 OFW, farmer, fisherfolk, dependent, or residency requirements.
• Check whether receiving another scholarship is allowed.
• Prepare the required school, income, identification, and supporting documents.
• Complete any required screenings or admission procedures.
• Follow only 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)
• Allied Health Experiential Assistance for Deserving Students (AHEAD) Grant
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
• Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)

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, grant, 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.