Affordability of education is one of the prevalent issues in the country’s education system.
Accordingly, a high number of students who are members of high and low-income poverty-stricken families are said to likely drop-out as early as elementary level. Meanwhile, most freshmen students enrolled at the tertiary level come from relatively well-off families. (Update: 9 Government-funded Scholarships this 2021)
Based on the data provided in eCompareMo.com’s article “Tuition Fee Guide: 2019 Cost of College Education in the Philippines,” the average tuition fee in private colleges and universities is already P145,000 a year.
With the 7-percent average annual increase in tuition fees, children currently enrolled in grade one are estimated to pay some P365,000 a year by the time they enter college. This amount is nearly equivalent to 50 percent of the P740,000 average annual income of a dual-income family living in Manila.
The amount will even be much higher for children born today, at around P510,000 a year by the time they enter college 18 years later.
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Nevertheless, many universities and colleges are offering full tuition subsidies for students, props to Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.
Moreover, government agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Commission of Higher Education (CHED) are offering scholarship programs for interested students who want to pursue undergraduate degrees but lack financial funding.
We listed five scholarship programs below, check them out!
#1 Science and Technology scholarships
The Science & Technology (S&T) Undergraduate Program, under DOST, aims to entice talented Filipino youths to pursue lifelong productive careers in the field of science and technology.
This program would ensure a steady and adequate supply of qualified S&T professionals, steering the country towards scientific and technological advancements.
Aspiring students can choose between the scholarship programs RA 7687 scholarship or the DOST-SEI Merit.
Click here to see the complete list of qualifications and requirements.
#2 Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
In a continuous effort to support education and training to overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and their dependents, OWWA offers scholarship programs, especially to those who are affected by the impacts of the pandemic for the academic year 2020-2021.
There are two types of scholarships available: Training programs for Filipino Seafarers and scholarships for dependents.
To know more, click here.
#3 Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST)
The Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education or UniFAST is in charge of implementing Republic Act 10931, which ensures that deserving Filipinos will have equitable access to educational opportunities.
With this, eligible students will have the opportunity to pursue tertiary education without having to pay tuition and other school fees under State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and CHED-recognized Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs). Moreover, students who need additional financial support can also apply for a short-term loan.
Interested to apply? Click here for more information.
#4 DENR Local Scholarship program
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) offers scholarship grants to talented aspirants of BS in Geology, BS in Mining Engineering, and BS Metallurgical Engineering. The scholarship will cover the transportation expenses and tuition fees, as well as a monthly allowance and an assurance of employment after graduation.
For eligibility and requirements, see here.
#5 CHED Scholarship
The CHED Scholarship Programs shall be accessible to qualified Filipino students. Eligible students may be awarded full or half scholarships. Under the state scholarship program (SSP) and private education financial assistance (PESFA). Read more here.
Make sure to apply to the scholarship program that best fits your qualifications and circumstances. Properly fill out your applications and submit them on or before the deadline.
Good luck!
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