11 scholarships. Thousands of slots. Millions of pesos in available funding.
Updated on 05/01/2026 · 10 min read
Quick answer
Filipino students in Metro Manila can combine free tuition at state universities under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act with CHED and DOST scholarships, local government aid, and private foundation grants. Applications are deadline-driven and document-heavy, so track requirements early — most need proof of income, grades, and residency. Applying to several programs at once is normal, since awards vary in coverage from tuition-only to full stipends.
Key takeaways
RA 10931 provides free tuition in state universities and colleges and TESDA-registered programs.
CHED's TES provides financial assistance to qualified students, including those in private schools.
DOST-SEI scholarships target science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses.
Many city governments in Metro Manila run their own residency-based educational assistance.
Scholarship coverage varies: tuition-only, allowance-only, or full support with stipend.
Government
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DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarships
Department of Science & Technology · Science Education Institute
One of the most prestigious science scholarships in the country. The DOST-SEI covers tuition, a generous monthly stipend, and a book allowance — ideal for students pursuing STEM degrees. The Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) deadline falls on May 15, so act fast.
The biggest government scholarship right now. If you graduated with High Honors or Highest Honors (GWA 95%+), this is worth applying for. It's merit-based, but your family income matters too. Applications are open until June 30, 2026 — 20,000 slots available nationwide.
Up to ₱208,000/year₱75K/sem tuition₱25K stipend/sem95% GWA required20,000 SlotsMax ₱2M Family IncomeOpen until June 30, 2026
No top grades required — this one is purely about financial need. If your family is in Listahanan or 4Ps, you're prioritized. Covers tuition subsidies at both private and state universities.
Ateneo's top prize for incoming freshmen. Based on your ACET score and high school rank. Top 50 applicants get full coverage — no strings, just grades.
NU rewards honor graduates generously. Gold Scholars (Highest Honors) and Blue Scholars (High Honors) both get tuition discounts, book allowances, and stipends every trimester.
For students in the top 10% of their SHS batch with a 90% GWA. LPU also has separate grants for athletes and performing arts members — so it's not just about grades.
Top 10% of batch90% GWAAthletic grantsArts discounts (50%)
One of the most comprehensive corporate scholarships in the country. Full tuition, monthly allowance, and a part-time job during breaks. SM takes care of you from enrollment to graduation.
Full tuitionMonthly allowancePart-time job~600 Slots / Year
Full ride plus extra perks — board exam stipends and bonuses if you graduate with Latin honors or top the board. Great if you're taking a licensed profession.
Full tuitionMonthly allowanceBoard exam stipendLatin honors bonus
A 4-year scholarship for academically strong but financially challenged students. Partner schools include major Metro Manila universities. Merit + need, in one package.
4-year scholarshipMerit + need-basedUST · UP · UE50 Scholars Nationwide
Gokongwei Brothers Foundation · Select Partner Universities
A full-ride corporate scholarship exclusive to STEM students, backed by one of the Philippines' largest conglomerates. Standout perk: graduates are given priority employment opportunities within the Gokongwei Group — meaning this scholarship doesn't just pay for school, it jumpstarts your career. Deadline is May 30.
Full RideSTEM OnlyEmployment GuaranteeDeadline May 30
DOST-SEI Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) closes May 15 — if you're a STEM student, that's today or tomorrow. Head to sei.dost.gov.ph immediately.
→Most university scholarships require you to apply before or during enrollment. Don't wait.
→For CHED programs (TES, Bagong Pilipinas), check ched.gov.ph or the UniFAST portal for deadlines. Bagong Pilipinas is open until June 30, 2026.
→GWA retention is real — most scholarships require an 85–90% average every semester to keep the grant.
→Stack when you can: some students hold a university scholarship and a government subsidy at the same time.
→Each school's Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid will have the most up-to-date info.
Need to bridge the gap? Compare student loan options next.
Tuition and miscellaneous fees are covered in state universities, local universities, and TESDA-registered programs under RA 10931. Living costs, books, and transport are not, which is what TES and other grants help with.
Can I hold more than one scholarship at a time?
Some programs prohibit holding another government scholarship simultaneously, while private grants often allow it. Read each program's exclusivity clause before accepting.
What documents do scholarship applications usually need?
Typically a birth certificate, school records or grades, proof of parents' income or an indigency certificate, proof of residency, and a valid ID. Some add essays, interviews, or entrance exams.
What if I do not qualify for a scholarship?
Look at local government educational assistance, study-now-pay-later arrangements, and student loan programs, and compare their total cost before borrowing.
