MANILA, PHILIPPINES: The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has opened applications for three scholarship programs supporting qualified overseas Filipino workers and their dependents for the 2026 cycle. The application period began on September 7, 2026, with deadlines that vary by program and category.
Interested applicants can submit their applications through the official OWWA scholarship portal at scholarship.owwa.gov.ph.
Two Deadlines to Note
Applicants should check which deadline applies to their chosen program:
- September 17, 2026 — for the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) Category 1 and the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP)
- September 27, 2026 — for EDSP Category 2 and the OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP)
Families are encouraged to prepare and submit requirements early rather than wait until the final day.
The Three Scholarship Programs
Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)
The EDSP supports qualified dependents of active OWWA members pursuing a four- or five-year college course in the Philippines. It provides financial assistance of up to Php 60,000 per school year.
The program is divided into two categories:
- Category 1 — for incoming first-year college students
- Category 2 — for students currently in their second to fifth year of college
OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP)
The ODSP offers Php 20,000 per school year to qualified dependents of OFWs. It may cover students taking a bachelor’s degree or an associate course at a college or university in the Philippines.
Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP)
The CMWSP is intended for qualified migrant workers or their immediate dependents who plan to study priority courses in science and technology. Qualified scholars may receive up to Php 60,000 per school year toward the completion of a four- or five-year degree in the Philippines.
How to Apply
Applicants can complete the process online through the OWWA scholarship portal. The general steps are:
- Visit the official portal at scholarship.owwa.gov.ph.
- Select the scholarship program and category that applies to you.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Submit before the applicable deadline.
Depending on the program and category, applicants may be asked to provide documents such as proof of grades, valid identification, proof of relationship to the OFW member, and proof of enrollment.
Verify Requirements on the Official Portal
Requirements and guidelines may differ by program and can be updated during the application period. Applicants are advised to review the complete and current list of requirements on the official OWWA scholarship portal before submitting.
Those who need help may also contact their nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office, which maintains contact details and scholarship assistance channels.
The earliest deadline, September 17, 2026, applies to EDSP Category 1 and CMWSP applicants, giving them a shorter window to complete their submissions. EDSP Category 2 and ODSP applicants have until September 27, 2026. OWWA is expected to process applications and announce results through its official channels after the application period closes.