Back to StudentsEducation Guide · Metro Manila

College Scholarships in Metro Manila

11 scholarships. Thousands of slots. Millions of pesos in available funding.

Updated on 05/01/2026 · 10 min read

College scholarships in Metro Manila 2026
Government
★ Featured01

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.

₱8,000/month stipend₱40,000/year tuition₱10,000/year book allowanceSTEM Priority~8,500 Slots Nationwide8.3% Acceptance RateMay 15 JLSS Deadline
Apply now
02

Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship

CHED · All Metro Manila Private Universities

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
Apply now
03

Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES)

UniFAST · CHED · Nationwide

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.

Need-based4Ps / Listahanan priorityPrivate & SUC schools
Apply now
University
04

Ateneo Freshman Merit Scholarship

Ateneo de Manila University · Quezon City

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.

100% tuition + fees₱50K annual allowanceTop 50 ACET Scorers50 Slots Only
Ateneo scholarship details
05

Magis Scholarship

Ateneo de Manila University · Quezon City

Ateneo's most generous need-based grant. All expenses paid — for students who qualify for financial aid and show real promise as future leaders.

All expenses paidFinancial aid applicants4 Scholars Per Batch1 Per Region (NCR/Luzon/Visayas/Mindanao)
Magis scholarship details
06

Gold & Blue Scholar Program

National University · Manila

NU rewards honor graduates generously. Gold Scholars (Highest Honors) and Blue Scholars (High Honors) both get tuition discounts, book allowances, and stipends every trimester.

Renewable 4–5 yearsBook allowanceTrimestral stipendNo grade below 90%
NU Gold & Blue program
07

Academic Scholarship

Lyceum of the Philippines University · Manila

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%)
LPU academic scholarships
Corporate
08

SM Foundation Scholarship

SM Foundation · Partner Schools Nationwide

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
SM Foundation scholarship
09

Aboitiz Foundation Scholarship

Aboitiz Foundation · Select Universities

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
Aboitiz scholarship details
10

Metrobank Foundation Scholarship

Metrobank Foundation · UST, UP Diliman, UE & more

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
Metrobank scholarship details
11

Gokongwei Brothers Foundation STEM Scholarship

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
Gokongwei STEM scholarship

Before you apply — read this.

  • 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.

SSS EALP, GSIS Ginhawa, InvestEd, Bukas & GCash GGives — rates and requirements compared.

Read the guide
Information sourced from official university and government websites · Updated May 2026 · For reference only — always verify with your school directly.