Going to college can be expensive, but you may be able to get financial help through Government Scholarships for Incoming First-Year College Students.

These scholarships are offered by national government agencies, local governments, government-owned institutions, and other public offices. Depending on the program, you may receive help with tuition, school fees, allowances, books, transportation, uniforms, and other school expenses.

This guide will help you find government scholarships that may be available to incoming first-year college students in the Philippines.

Who Is This Guide For?

This guide is mainly for incoming first-year college students, also called incoming college freshmen.

An incoming college freshman is a student who has finished or is about to finish senior high school and will start the first year of a college degree.

You may also see these terms used in scholarship announcements:

• Incoming first-year college student
• Incoming college freshman
• Incoming college student
• First-year college applicant

These terms usually refer to students who are about to begin college for the first time.

However, you should always read the official requirements. Some scholarships are only for incoming first-year students, while others may also accept current college students, ALS graduates, children of qualified workers, members of certain communities, or students taking specific courses.

What Is a Government Scholarship?

A government scholarship is financial help provided by a government agency, local government, government-owned institution, or public office.

You may qualify based on your grades, family income, chosen course, place of residence, family background, or membership in a specific group.

Some scholarships are open to students across the Philippines. Others are only for students from a certain province, city, school, community, or family group.

Each scholarship has its own rules. Before applying, check:

• Who can apply
• What courses are accepted
• Which schools are included
• What benefits you may receive
• What documents you need
• When the application opens and closes
• Where you should submit your application

Important Application Reminder

Scholarships do not all open at the same time.

The opening date, deadline, available slots, requirements, and application steps depend on the program and the agency offering it. Some scholarships open only once every school year. Others follow the schedule of a regional office, province, city, partner school, or government agency.

A scholarship included in this guide may not be open when you read it.

Always check the latest official announcement before applying. Make sure you confirm the current deadline, requirements, application link, and available courses.

Prepare your documents early whenever possible. Some programs have limited slots, and late or incomplete applications may not be accepted.

Government Scholarship Programs

Below are government scholarships and educational assistance programs that you may consider as an incoming first-year college student.

Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

1. Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program

The Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program supports high-performing senior high school graduates who want to continue their education.

It has two tracks:

• TVET Diploma Track: For students taking a TESDA-approved diploma program at a registered technical-vocational school.
• Higher Education Track: For incoming first-year college students taking an approved undergraduate degree at a qualified college or university.

For the Higher Education Track, you must belong to the top five of your graduating class or have a Grade 12 general average of at least 95%. You must also meet the family income, course, and school requirements.

Who should check this: High-performing incoming college freshmen

View More Details: Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program

The program is open to qualified incoming first-year college students, including top Grade 12 graduates and certain TESDA National Certificate holders.

2. CHED Merit Scholarship Program

The CHED Merit Scholarship Program provides financial help to students with strong academic performance.

You may apply if you are an incoming first-year college student and meet CHED’s grade, family income, course, and school requirements.

Who should check this: Incoming first-year students with high Grade 12 grades

View More Details: CHED Merit Scholarship Program

3. Expanding Access to Scholarships for Special Equity Groups

The EASE Program provides financial help to incoming first-year college students who belong to a special equity group.

You may qualify if you are a person with a disability, a solo parent or their child, an Indigenous person, a senior citizen, or a qualified underprivileged student.

Who should check this: Incoming first-year college students who belong to a special equity group

View More Details: CHED EASE

EASE was offered to incoming first-year college students for the first semester of Academic Year 2026–2027. Applications and instructions may be released through CHED Regional Offices.

4. Scholarship Program for Coconut Farmers and Their Families

The Scholarship Program for Coconut Farmers and Their Families, also called CoScho, helps qualified coconut farmers and their dependents complete an undergraduate degree.

You may apply if you are a Filipino citizen with a grade average of at least 80%, and you or your qualified family member is registered in the National Coconut Farmers Registry System. Your parents’ combined annual income must not exceed ₱300,000, and you must meet the course and school requirements.

Who should check this: Coconut farmers and their children or dependents

View More Details: CHED CoScho

5. Scholarship Program for Future Medical Technologists and Pharmacists

The MTP-SP provides financial help to qualified students taking Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, or Pharmacy.

However, CHED has paused the acceptance of new scholars for Academic Year 2026–2027 under CEB Resolution No. 102-2026. You may monitor the official CHED page for any future application announcement.

Who should check this: Students planning to take Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, or Pharmacy

Application status: Acceptance of new scholars is deferred for AY 2026–2027.

View More Details: Scholarship Program for Future Medical Technologists and Pharmacists

6. Scholarship Program for Future Statisticians

The CHED Scholarship Program for Future Statisticians, also called Estatistikolar, supports students taking Bachelor of Science in Statistics or Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistics.

You may apply if you are an incoming first-year or current college student and meet CHED’s academic, income, school, and course requirements.

Who should check this: Students planning to study Statistics or Applied Statistics

View More Details: CHED Estatistikolar

7. Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Grants-in-Aid for Higher Education Program

The ACEF-GIAHEP supports students taking courses connected to agriculture and food production.

Accepted areas may include agriculture, forestry, fisheries, veterinary medicine, and other related courses listed in the guidelines. You may apply if you are a Filipino citizen and your parents’ or guardians’ combined annual income does not exceed ₱400,000.

You must also enroll in an approved course and must not be receiving another government-funded student assistance program.

Who should check this: Incoming college freshmen planning to take an agriculture-related course, especially dependents of registered farmers or fisherfolk

View More Details: ACEF-GIAHEP

8. Scholarship Program for Sugarcane Industry Workers, Small Sugarcane Farmers, and Their Dependents

The SIScholar Program provides financial help to qualified sugarcane industry workers, small sugarcane farmers, and their dependents who will take an approved course at a State University or College.

You may apply as an incoming first-year college student if you have at least an 85% senior high school average, meet the ₱500,000 family income limit, and are certified by the Sugar Regulatory Administration.

Who should check this: Sugarcane industry workers, small sugarcane farmers, and their qualified dependents

View More Details: CHED SIScholar

Department of Science and Technology

9. DOST-SEI Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarships

The DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarships support incoming first-year college students who will take an approved science and technology course.

The program has two scholarship types:

• Merit Scholarship: For students with strong ability in science and mathematics.
• RA 7687 Scholarship: For talented students from families who meet the program’s financial requirements.

You must pass the DOST-SEI scholarship examination and meet the course, school, and other requirements.

Who should check this: Students planning to take an approved science, technology, engineering, or mathematics course

View More Details: DOST-S&T Undergraduate Scholarships

10. BEST for IP Scholarship Program

The BEST for IP Scholarship Program supports incoming first-year Indigenous students who want to take science and technology courses at Nueva Vizcaya State University.

You may apply if you are a natural-born Filipino, an officially recognized member of an Indigenous Peoples group, and your household’s annual income does not exceed ₱400,000. You must also meet the other DOST-SEI requirements.

Who should check this: Qualified Indigenous students applying to Nueva Vizcaya State University

View More Details: BEST for IP Scholarship Program

The program was launched in 2026 as a DOST-SEI and NVSU partnership for incoming Indigenous students. (Nueva Vizcaya State University)

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration

11. Education for Development Scholarship Program

The EDSP is for qualified children or siblings of active OWWA-member Overseas Filipino Workers taking a four-year or five-year college course..

If you are an incoming first-year student, you will apply under EDSP Category 1 and take the DOST national qualifying examination. Only the top 1,000 qualifiers are considered, while Category 2 is for students already enrolled in their second to fifth year of college.

Who should check this: Qualified dependents of active OWWA-member OFWs

View More Details: OWWA Education for Development Scholarship Program

12. OFW Dependent Scholarship Program

The ODSP provides financial help to qualified dependents of active OWWA-member OFWs taking an associate, four-year, or five-year college course in the Philippines..

If you are an incoming first-year college student, you will apply under ODSP Category 1. Your OFW parent’s monthly income must meet the limit set by OWWA for the current application period.

Who should check this: Qualified OFW dependents who meet the current income requirement

View More Details: OWWA OFW Dependent Scholarship Program

13. Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program

The CMWSP helps qualified migrant workers or their immediate dependents who will take an approved science and technology course.

You may use the grant for a four-year or five-year college degree at a college or university in the Philippines.

Who should check this: Qualified OFWs or their dependents planning to take a priority science and technology course

View More Details: OWWA CMWSP Scholarship Application

14. Education and Livelihood Assistance Program

ELAP is not a general scholarship for every OFW dependent. The ELAP provides education and livelihood assistance to qualified dependents of OFWs facing serious family circumstances.

You may qualify if your OFW family member died while actively registered with OWWA, or was incarcerated, convicted, or sentenced to death abroad and had at least one OWWA membership contribution.

Who should check this: Qualified dependents of deceased or imprisoned OFWs covered by OWWA

View More Details: OWWA ELAP

Land Bank of the Philippines

15. Iskolar ng LANDBANK

Iskolar ng LANDBANK supports qualified children or grandchildren of agrarian reform beneficiaries, small farmers, and fisherfolk.

You must take an approved course and apply through one of LANDBANK’s partner universities. The program may provide up to ₱100,000 per school year for allowances, books, uniforms, and other course needs.

Who should check this: Dependents of agrarian reform beneficiaries, small farmers, and fisherfolk

View More Details: Iskolar ng LANDBANK

LANDBANK selects scholars through partner schools and supports approved courses connected to agriculture, engineering, technology, business, and data. (Land Bank)

Government Service Insurance System

16. GSIS Subsidy for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program

The GSSP helps qualified children or dependents of eligible GSIS members study an approved STEM course.

Your qualified GSIS-member parent may nominate you if they are in Salary Grade 15 or below and have updated premium payments. You must have at least a 90% senior high school average, no failing grades, and admission to an approved school and STEM course.

Who should check this: Incoming college freshmen who are qualified dependents of GSIS members

View More Details: GSIS Subsidy for STEM Program

GSIS launched the STEM subsidy program in 2026 for qualified dependents of eligible members. (GSIS)

Program to Monitor: GSIS Educational Subsidy Program

The GSIS Educational Subsidy Program has provided financial help to qualified dependents of GSIS members in previous years.

Keep it in a separate “program to monitor” section unless GSIS releases a new application call. Do not describe it as open based only on an old announcement.

View More Details: GSIS Scholarship Announcements

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

The BFAR Fisheries Scholarship Program has three separate grants for students who plan to take a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries.

17. Fisheries Industry Leaders Grant

The FILG supports graduating or graduate senior high school students who belong to their school’s honor roll.

You may apply if you are a natural-born Filipino, no more than 25 years old, have at least an 80% grade average, and have not earned any college units.

Who should check this: Honor students planning to take Bachelor of Science in Fisheries

View More Details: BFAR Fisheries Industry Leaders Grant

18. Fisherfolk Children Educational Grant

The FCEG supports students whose parent or guardian is a registered municipal fisherfolk.

You may apply if you are a natural-born Filipino, no more than 25 years old, have at least an 80% grade average, and have not earned any college units.

Who should check this: Children or qualified dependents of registered municipal fisherfolk

View More Details: BFAR Fisherfolk Children Educational Grant

19. Fisheries Scholarship Program for Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples

This scholarship supports qualified Indigenous students who want to take Bachelor of Science in Fisheries.

You may apply if you are a natural-born Filipino, no more than 25 years old, belong to an Indigenous group recognized by NCIP, and have at least a 75% grade average.

Who should check this: Qualified Indigenous students planning to take Bachelor of Science in Fisheries

View More Details: BFAR FSP for ICCs and IPs

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples

20. NCIP Merit-Based Scholarship Program

The NCIP Merit-Based Scholarship Program provides financial support to qualified and deserving Indigenous students based on academic performance and the program’s screening process.

You may apply if you are a recognized member of an Indigenous Cultural Community or Indigenous Peoples group and meet the current NCIP requirements.The NCIP Merit-Based Scholarship Program supports qualified Indigenous students who perform well in the program’s screening and ranking process.

Who should check this: Indigenous students with strong academic performance

View More Details: NCIP Merit-Based Scholarship Program

21. NCIP Educational Assistance Program

The NCIP Educational Assistance Program provides limited financial help to qualified Indigenous students who need support with their education.

You must be a recognized member of an Indigenous Cultural Community or Indigenous Peoples group and meet the requirements of your NCIP regional or provincial office.The NCIP Educational Assistance Program provides financial or educational support to qualified Indigenous students.

Who should check this: Qualified Indigenous students who need financial assistance

View More Details: NCIP Educational Assistance Program

Department of Agrarian Reform

22. DAR Scholarship Program for Dependents of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries

The DSP-DARBs supports qualified dependents of agrarian reform beneficiaries who want to complete an approved agriculture-related college course.

You may apply through a DAR provincial office or a participating State University or College, subject to the current program requirements.

Who should check this: Children or qualified dependents of agrarian reform beneficiaries

Official link: DSP-DARBs

Local Government and Public Institution Scholarships

These scholarships are limited to residents of a certain city or province. Check the residency rules carefully before applying.

23. Davao City Water District College Scholarship Programs

Davao City Water District offers two main college scholarship programs:

• Academic Excellence Scholarship Program
• College Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples

You must be an eligible resident of Davao City and meet the academic, financial, and other requirements of your chosen program.

Who should check this: Qualified Davao City residents

Official link: DCWD College Scholarship Programs

24. Iskolar sang Iloilo Program

The Iskolar sang Iloilo Program helps qualified but financially challenged students from Iloilo Province complete a four-year or five-year college course.

You must be a resident of Iloilo Province and meet the grade, family income, school, and other requirements in the current announcement.

Who should check this: Qualified incoming first-year students from Iloilo Province

Official link: Iskolar sang Iloilo Program

25. CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program

The CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program provides educational assistance to qualified incoming first-year college students from Cebu Province.

You must meet the program’s grade, residency, family income, and school requirements.

Applications may require endorsement or processing through the Office of the Governor, Office of the Vice Governor, or members of the Provincial Board.

Who should check this: Incoming college freshmen from Cebu Province

Official link: CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program

26. Comprehensive Assistance Program for Identified Scholars of Capiz

The CAPIS Scholarship Program provides educational assistance to qualified students from Capiz Province.

It has three scholarship categories:

1. Merit Scholarship Program: For incoming first-year college students with strong academic performance.
2. Educational Financial Assistance Program: For incoming or current college students who need financial help, with priority given to selected groups.
3. EVAFFIT Scholarship Program: For students taking approved courses in Environmental Management, Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture, Fisheries, or Forestry.

You must meet the grade, residency, family income, school, and other requirements of the category you are applying for.

Who should check this: Qualified incoming first-year college students from Capiz Province

View More Details: Province of Capiz CAPIS Scholarship Program

Scholarships That Are Not for Regular Incoming College Freshmen

The programs below are connected to medical education, but they are not scholarships for students entering a regular undergraduate course.

27. Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program

The MSRS Program provides financial support to qualified students taking a Doctor of Medicine degree. It is not intended for regular incoming first-year undergraduate students.

You may apply as an incoming first-year medical student if you have completed an approved pre-medical degree, passed the NMAT, and met the admission requirements of a participating medical school. Scholars must complete the required return service after graduation and licensure.

Who should check this: Qualified college graduates planning to enter medical school

View More Details: CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program

28. Cash Grant to Medical Students Enrolled in State Universities and Colleges

The CGMS-SUCs provides tuition support and financial assistance to Filipino students taking a Doctor of Medicine degree in an approved State University or College.

You may apply whether you are a new or continuing medical student. Submit your application directly to your participating SUC before the start of the academic year.

Who should check this: Filipino medical students enrolled in an approved SUC

View More Details: CHED Cash Grants to Medical Students Enrolled in SUCs

29. Northern Samar Provincial Medical Scholarship Program

The program supports qualified Northern Samar residents who plan to study Medicine and serve the province after completing their training.

You may check this scholarship if you are preparing to enter medical school and are willing to complete the required return service.

Who should check this: Qualified Northern Samar residents planning to become doctors

View More Details: Northern Samar Provincial Medical Scholarship Program

Before You Apply

Before you submit an application, read the official requirements carefully. Each scholarship has its own rules, deadlines, accepted courses, partner schools, and required documents.

Make sure to:

• Check if the scholarship is currently open.
• Confirm that you are qualified to apply.
• Review the accepted courses and schools.
• Prepare your documents early.
• Follow the correct application steps.
• Submit your application before the deadline.
• Keep a copy of your application and supporting documents.
• Check your email and the official page for updates.

You may apply for more than one scholarship, as long as the programs allow it. However, some scholarships do not allow students to receive another government-funded scholarship at the same time.

Always use the official website, application portal, or verified page of the agency. Do not pay anyone who promises guaranteed approval or a scholarship slot.

References

The information in this guide was checked using official websites, program pages, application portals, guidelines, and announcements from the following agencies and institutions:

• Commission on Higher Education
• Department of Science and Technology–Science Education Institute
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
• Land Bank of the Philippines
• Government Service Insurance System
• Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
• National Commission on Indigenous Peoples
• Department of Agrarian Reform
• Davao City Water District
• Provincial Government of Capiz
• Provincial Government of Northern Samar
• Iloilo Provincial Government
• Provincial Government of Cebu
• Other government offices and participating schools connected to the listed programs

Scholarship details may change. Application dates, benefits, requirements, available slots, and official links may be updated by the agency without notice.

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.

Remember that being included in this guide does not mean that a scholarship is currently open. Check the official link for the latest application period, requirements, available courses, and application steps.