The Philippines is known for its rich culture, cities, and hospitality. It is one of the destinations international students may consider for higher education. This article looks at scholarship opportunities that eligible international students can explore in the Philippines.
These scholarships can help eligible students experience the Philippines’ higher education system. Benefits, eligibility requirements, and deadlines vary by scholarship. Review the current official scholarship page and confirm your eligibility before applying.
Top Scholarships in the Philippines for International Students
| Scholarship Name | Provider | Eligible Degrees | Scholarship Value |
|---|
| VSU-funded Scholarship Grants | Visayas State University | Master’s
Ph.D. | Varies by grant; confirm with VSU |
| Ateneo Freshman Merit Scholarship | Ateneo de Manila University | Bachelor’s | Full tuition and fees, a ₱50,000 annual allowance, and an on-campus dormitory scholarship for qualifying recipients outside Metro Manila |
| Freeman-ASIA Program | External | Associate’s
Bachelor’s | Up to $3,000 for summer programs, $5,000 for semester or quarter programs, and $7,000 for academic or calendar year programs |
| Magis Scholarship | Ateneo de Manila University | Bachelor’s | 100% tuition and fees plus allowances and support |
| St. La Salle Scholarship Program (Graduate) | De La Salle University | Master’s
Ph.D. | Full or partial tuition and fees waiver |
1. VSU-funded Scholarship Grants
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Varies by grant; confirm with VSU
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D.
Visayas State University offers funding options for foreign graduate students, including the Graduate Teaching Assistantship Grant to Foreign Graduate Students and the Graduate Fellowship Program for Foreign Graduate Students. Foreign graduate teaching assistants support instructional and related departmental activities. The fellowship program has 10 slots: five for Ph.D. students and five for master’s students.
VSU’s public scholarship page describes the available grants but does not provide a complete current application checklist or deadline for each foreign graduate funding option. Review the VSU-funded scholarship grants page and contact VSU Graduate Education for the latest requirements and benefits.
2. Ateneo Freshman Merit Scholarship (AFMS)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition and fees, a ₱50,000 annual allowance, and an on-campus dormitory scholarship for qualifying recipients outside Metro Manila
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s
The Ateneo Freshman Merit Scholarship, or AFMS, is offered by Ateneo de Manila University to outstanding incoming college students. Ateneo’s scholarship guide states that AFMS recipients are selected from the top applicants from private, public, and science senior high schools locally and abroad.
Recipients can select any four- or five-year undergraduate course. The award includes full tuition and fees, a ₱50,000 annual allowance, and an additional on-campus dormitory scholarship for qualifying recipients from outside Metro Manila.
Ateneo’s public scholarship information does not list an AFMS-specific minimum high school GPA, SAT score, ACT score, or interview requirement. Applicants should review Ateneo’s current admissions and scholarship instructions for the applicable intake.
3. Freeman-ASIAA Program
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Up to $3,000 for summer programs, $5,000 for semester or quarter programs, and $7,000 for academic or calendar year programs
- Eligible Degree/s: Associate’s, Bachelor’s
The Freeman-ASIA Program provides need-based funding for U.S. undergraduate students who want to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. The Philippines is one of the eligible destinations. The award can help cover study-abroad costs and related expenses, including airfare, basic living costs, local transportation, and books.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, demonstrate financial need, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8, and be pursuing their first bachelor’s or associate’s degree at a two- or four-year U.S. institution. Applicants must apply through their U.S. home campus and have at least one term of enrollment remaining there after returning from Asia.
The qualifying study-abroad program must award academic credit and meet the minimum duration required for the applicable term. Freeman-ASIA awards are up to $3,000 for summer programs, $5,000 for semester or quarter programs, and $7,000 for academic or calendar year programs. Applications must also be endorsed by the study-abroad adviser and financial-aid adviser by the specified deadline.
4. Magis Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 100% tuition and fees plus allowances and support
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
The Magis Scholarship is a financial-aid scholarship offered by Ateneo de Manila University for incoming college students. Ateneo describes it as an all-expenses-paid scholarship for deserving applicants in the most financially constrained circumstances.
The scholarship includes 100% tuition and fees for a four- or five-year undergraduate course, food and living support, educational allowances, accommodation or transportation support, a cellphone and laptop, and round-trip airfare every semester when applicable. Ateneo states that applicants should demonstrate excellence in academic and non-academic endeavors and the potential to become future servant-leaders.
Ateneo’s public page describes the Magis Scholarship as open to incoming applicants, but prospective international students should confirm their eligibility directly with Ateneo before applying.
5. De La Salle University – Graduate Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full or partial tuition and fees waiver
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D.
De La Salle University, or DLSU, offers the St. La Salle Scholarship Program for graduate students. The program is intended to support financially disadvantaged graduate students while recognizing academic excellence and potential for success.
DLSU’s public scholarship information states that applicants for graduate admission and currently enrolled graduate students may apply. An official DLSU graduate scholarship page states that selected students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees may receive full or partial tuition and fees waivers.
The public page does not clearly confirm every international-applicant scenario or support the previously stated 3.5 GPA, interview, and 50% tuition-cap claims. Prospective international students should review the current DLSU scholarship page and confirm their eligibility directly with DLSU.
FAQs: Applying for Scholarships in the Philippines
What are the Advantages of Studying Higher Education in the Philippines?
The Philippines has higher education institutions that enroll foreign students. Students can research options such as Ateneo de Manila University, the University of the Philippines, and De La Salle University. The best institution depends on the student’s intended program, budget, and academic goals.
For purposes of communication and instruction, Filipino and English are the official languages of the Philippines. English is used as a medium of instruction, although the language used can vary by institution and program. International students should review the language requirements for their chosen course.
We hope that this article on scholarships in the Philippines for international students was helpful. Check out the Philippines Page to learn more about studying in this country, and remember to explore the Available Programs for International Students!
