The Philippines is an amazing country known for its rich culture, beautiful cities, and warm hospitality. It’s no wonder why it’s fast becoming the perfect place for international students to pursue their education. This article will look at some of the best scholarships available for international students in the Philippines.
These scholarships provide opportunities for students from around the world with financial aid to experience the Philippines’ higher education system. These scholarships vary and are somewhat different in terms of their benefits. Read this article until the end for the scholarship that best suits your studies.
Top Scholarships in the Philippines for International Students
1. VSU-funded Scholarship Grants
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full Funding
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D.
The Visayas State University offers several scholarships for international students, including the Graduate Teaching Assistantship Grant to Foreign Graduate Students and the Graduate Fellowship Program for Foreign Graduate Students. The Graduate Teaching Assistantship Grant allows foreign graduate students to pursue their graduate studies at VSU while working as teaching assistants. The Graduate Fellowship Program, on the other hand, provides scholarships to international students pursuing their PhD or Master’s degree at VSU.
To qualify for the Graduate Teaching Assistantship Grant, applicants must be foreign graduate students who have been accepted to VSU’s graduate program. They must also pass a screening process, which includes attending an interview and submitting their academic credentials to be reviewed. Applicants for the Graduate Fellowship Program must be international students who have been accepted to VSU’s Ph.D. or master’s program. They must also have a high-grade point average and must pass a screening process.
2. Ateneo Freshman Merit Scholarship (AFMS)
The Ateneo Freshman Merit Scholarship, or AFMS, is a prestigious scholarship program offered by Ateneo de Manila University to incoming first-year students, including international students. This scholarship grant covers full tuition, miscellaneous fees, and a generous allowance for books, transportation, and living expenses.
To qualify for the AFMS, international students must meet the following requirements: they must be incoming first-year students who have been accepted to Ateneo de Manila University’s undergraduate program. They must have a high school grade point average of at least 90% or its equivalent. They must have a minimum score SAT of 1200 or 25 on the ACT and must submit a completed application form, with the required documents including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.
International students will also be required to pass a rigorous screening process, which includes attending an interview and a review of their academic credentials. After this, only a select number of students are awarded the AFMS, making it a highly competitive and sought-after scholarship program.
3. Freeman-ASIAA Program
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Partial Funding
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
The Freeman-ASIA Program gives money to help students from the U.S. who are in college and want to study in East or Southeast Asia but need financial help. This money can cover things like plane tickets, living costs, transportation, and books.
To get this scholarship, you need to be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident who already gets financial aid based on need, or you must show that you really need help paying for your study abroad. You also need to be an undergraduate student with at least a 2.8 GPA, studying for your first bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree in a U.S. college or university.
You apply for this scholarship through your college in the U.S. and you must have at least one term left there when you come back from studying in Asia. The scholarship doesn’t cover everything, but it can give you up to $3,000 for summer programs, up to $5,000 for semester programs, and up to $7,000 for academic year programs.
4. Magis Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full Funding
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s
The Magis Scholarship Philippines is a prestigious scholarship program offered by the Ateneo de Manila University, a top-ranked university in the Philippines. This scholarship is available for students from other countries who wish to study for their bachelor’s or master’s degrees at Ateneo de Manila University.
To qualify for the Magis Scholarship, international students must meet the following requirements: they must be admitted to an undergraduate or graduate program at Ateneo de Manila University. Applicants need to have a strong academic background, with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or its equivalent. They should show dedication to community service and social responsibility and also pass a rigorous screening process, which includes an interview and a review of academic records.
5. De La Salle University – Graduate Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D.
De La Salle University or DLSU, offers graduate scholarships to international students who wish to pursue their master’s or doctoral degree at the university. The scholarship allows international students to study at one of the top universities in the Philippines and be part of an outstanding academic community.
To qualify for the De La Salle University Graduate Scholarship, international students must meet the following requirements: They must be admitted to a master’s or doctoral program at DLSU.
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or its equivalent. They need to complete a scholarship application form and provide all necessary documents, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
They must demonstrate strong academic performance and research potential and pass a rigorous screening process, which includes an interview and an intensive review of their educational credentials. The partially funded scholarship covers up to 50% of tuition fees, and it is open to students pursuing any master’s or doctoral degree offered by DLSU, including but not limited to business, engineering, arts, and sciences.
FAQs: Applying for Scholarships in the Philippines
What are the Advantages of Studying Higher Education in the Philippines?
First, the country is home to internationally accredited universities that have produced world-class professionals in various fields. Universities like Ateneo De Manila University, the University of the Philippines, and De La Salle University are renowned for their excellence in medicine, science, business, politics, and the arts. These institutions offer foreign study programs and attract hundreds of international students each year, providing a diverse and enriching learning experience.
Another advantage is that English is widely spoken in the Philippines, making it a top English-speaking Asian country. English is the second official language, and schools use it as the medium of instruction. This ensures that international students have no language barriers and can easily engage in theoretical learning and academic discussions.
Moreover, the low cost of living in the Philippines is a major draw for international students. With affordable options for dormitories or apartment rentals starting at less than $50 or Php2,000 a month, students can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Additionally, expenses for food, clothing, and leisure activities are relatively inexpensive, allowing students to maintain a balanced lifestyle while managing their finances sensibly. The Philippines is also popular for a Western-based education system. These factors make the Philippines an ideal destination for international students seeking a well-rounded and affordable education.
The Philippines provides numerous scholarship opportunities for international students, enabling them to access excellent education at prestigious English-speaking universities. With these scholarships, students can pursue their academic aspirations without financial constraints, and attaining such scholarships also showcases the exceptional brilliance and commitment international students bring to their education.
We hope that this article on the best scholarships in the Philippines for international students was helpful. Check out the Philippines Page to learn more information on studying in this country, and remember to explore the Available Programs for International Students!
