Reaching the fifth year of college can still come with transportation, school requirements, and other expenses. Government scholarships and financial assistance may help with some of these costs.

If you are about to enter or are currently in your fifth year, Government Scholarships for 5th Year College Students may be worth checking based on your course, grades, family background, or other qualifications.

This guide lists government scholarships, grants, and educational assistance programs that incoming and current 5th year college students in the Philippines may consider.

Who Is This Guide For?

This guide is mainly for students who are about to enter or are currently studying in their fifth year of college.

You may also see terms such as:

• Incoming 5th year college student
• 5th year college student
• Fifth-year college student
• Fifth-year undergraduate student
• Final-year college student
• Graduating college student

Some five-year students may already be in their final year, while students in longer programs may still have another year remaining. Always check the specific year-level requirement of each program.

Who May Qualify for Government Scholarships?

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

• Incoming or current 5th year college students
• Students taking medical or allied health programs
• Dependents of OFWs
• Dependents of qualified GSIS members
• Students with strong academic performance
• Students taking programs with Related Learning Experience (RLE)
• Students who meet other program-specific requirements

Not every program applies to every fifth-year student, so check each scholarship before applying.

Important Application Reminder

Government scholarships have different application periods, requirements, and selection processes.

Before applying, make sure to check:

• Current application period and deadline
• Eligible year level
• Whether incoming or current 5th year students may apply
• Required grades or GWA
• Eligible courses and schools
• Family or dependent requirements
• Required documents
• Rules on receiving another scholarship
• Screening or admission requirements
• Official application process

The programs listed below 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 incoming or current 5th year college students may consider.

Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

1. 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 a higher-year medical student, meet your school’s academic and retention requirements, and are willing to complete the required return service after finishing your medical degree.

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

The AHEAD Grant supports qualified students taking Related Learning Experience (RLE) courses in CHED-recognized programs.

You may qualify if you are Filipino, are taking RLE courses, and your family income does not exceed ₱1,200,000 per year. For DMD, DO, and DVM programs, incoming 5th-year students are included in Tier 2 of the ranking system.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)

3. Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)

The EDSP provides scholarship support to qualified children or eligible 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, and have no failing grades.

4. 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.

5. OWWA Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP)

The OWWA ELAP provides educational support to qualified OFW dependents.

You may qualify as a 2nd to 5th year college student if you are an eligible dependent, are single, not more than 30 years old, and have at least an 80% GWA.

You must also not be receiving another OWWA scholarship or external scholarship grant.

Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)

6. GSIS Educational Subsidy Program (GESP)

The GESP 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 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, make sure it matches your situation.

Check the following:

• Confirm whether incoming or current 5th year students are eligible.
• Check the latest application period and deadline.
• Review the required grades or GWA.
• Confirm that your course and school are eligible.
• Review OFW, GSIS, medical, or other special requirements.
• Check whether another scholarship is allowed.
• Prepare the required documents.
• Complete any required screening or admission process.
• Apply only through the official government application channel.

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 prepared using eligibility details, scholarship guidelines, application pages, and announcements from the following government agencies and 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.

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.