Because it is an English-speaking country, has affordable education, and more and more scholarships are becoming available, the Philippines is becoming a more popular place for international students to study. The Philippines may not be as well-known as India or Thailand, but it has excellent schools and funding options, especially for students from poor countries.
This full guide will teach you everything you need to know about scholarships in the Philippines for international students, such as fully funded options, who can apply, the benefits, and how to do it right.
Why Should You Study in the Philippines as an International Student?
The Philippines is a great place to get a good education at a low cost.
This is why many international students choose the Philippines:
- English is a common language that is used in schools.
- Low costs for living and tuition
- Universities in Asia that are well-known
- A friendly and welcoming place
- Diversity in culture and exposure to the world
- Good programmes in engineering, medicine, and business
The country also gives out many scholarships through universities, government agencies, and international groups.
Different kinds of scholarships in the Philippines
There are three main types of scholarships in the Philippines:
1. Scholarships from the government
The Philippine government pays for these, and they are usually based on merit.
2. Scholarships for College
Universities offer these directly to attract international students.
3. Scholarships for students from other countries
Supported by international groups and offered at schools in the Philippines.
Some types of scholarships are the following:
- Fully funded (tuition, stipend, and housing)
- Partially paid for (only tuition waiver or stipend)
- Short-term (training, research, or exchange programmes)
The best scholarships in the Philippines for students from other countries
Let’s look at the most important scholarships you should be interested in.
1. The ADB–Japan Scholarship Programme (ADB-JSP)
This is the most important fully funded scholarship in the Philippines.
The Asian Development Bank and Japan work together to pay for it.
Main Features
- Open to master’s degree programmes
- Available at some universities in the Philippines
- Concentrate on fields related to development
Pros
- All tuition costs
- Monthly money for living
- Housing
- Costs of travel
- Insurance for health
This scholarship is open to students from developing countries, so it is a wonderful fit for Africans.
2. Scholarships from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
The Commission on Higher Education runs several scholarship programs.
Main Features
- Available to both undergraduate and graduate students
- Selection based on merit
- Few spots for international applicants
For instance, the CHED Merit Scholarship gives away thousands of scholarships every year.
Pros
- Paying for tuition
- In some cases, allowances
These happen more often with local students, but there are some international partnerships.
3. The SEARCA Graduate Scholarship
The focus of this scholarship is on studies in agriculture and development.
Main Features
- Available for Masters’ and PhDs
- Focus on agriculture, environment, and rural development
Pros
- Fees for school
- Monthly payment
- Funding for research
The Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture offers it.
4. Scholarships for college students in the Philippines
Many colleges and universities give scholarships to students from other countries.
For example:
- The University of the Philippines
- University of Ateneo de Manila
- University of De La Salle
These colleges and universities offer:
- Scholarships based on merit
- Free tuition
- Funding for research
Some schools also give partial or full scholarships to international students who do well.
5. Scholarships for International Exchange and Development
You can use some global scholarships to study in the Philippines or at schools that work with the country.
For example:
- Scholarships that focus on development
- Programmes for exchanging people between regions
- Programmes for training and leadership
These programmes often focus on students from poor countries.
What scholarships in the Philippines pay for
Depending on the scholarship, the benefits may include:
- All or part of the tuition fees
- Monthly payment
- Help with housing
- Money for travel
- Insurance for health
Usually, fully funded scholarships pay for all of your major expenses, like tuition, living costs, and travel.
Requirements for eligibility
Most scholarships have similar requirements, but there are some that are different.
General Requirements
- You have to be an international student.
- The passport is still good
- Good grades in school
- Health and fitness
Requirements for school
- Undergraduate: High school diploma
- Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree: PhD
Requirements for language
- You must be able to speak English.
- You might need to take the IELTS or TOEFL (some people can skip this step).
How to Get Scholarships in the Philippines
Carefully follow these steps one by one.
Step 1: Pick Your Programme
Make a choice:
- Courses (business, medicine, engineering, etc.)
- Level of degree
- University of your choice
Step 2: Choose a scholarship.
Pay attention to:
- Scholarship from ADB to Japan
- Scholarships for college
- Programmes from SEARCA
Step 3: Get your paper ready
You will need:
- Certificates for school
- Records
- Passage
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Results of the English test
Step 4: Use the Right Channel to Apply
- ADB → Apply through universities that are partners
- University scholarships: Apply directly to the school
- Government programmes → Apply through the right channels
Step 5: Interview (if needed).
You may have to interview for some scholarships.
Step 6: Visa and admission
If chosen:
- Get in
- Get a student visa
The Best Classes to Take in the Philippines
The Philippines is especially good at:
- Health and medicine sciences
- Caregiving
- Management and business
- Building
- Tech for information
- Farming
International students are especially interested in medical and healthcare programmes.
Cost of Studying in the Philippines Without a Scholarship
Even without a scholarship, the Philippines is affordable.
Costs that are thought to be the following:
- Cost of tuition: $1,000 to $5,000 a year
- Cost of living: $300 to $800 a month
This makes it less expensive than in many Western countries.
Benefits of studying in the Philippines
- An environment where people speak English
- The cost of living is reasonable
- A good education system
- Safe and friendly place
- A growing community of international students
Things You Should Know About Challenges
- Few fully funded undergraduate scholarships
- Scholarships for graduate students that are competitive
- Not as many global rankings as Western universities
- Climate (tropical climate).
However, most students quickly adapt to it.
How to Get Scholarships in the Philippines
Use these tips to improve your chances:
1. Concentrate on the ADB Scholarship
This option is the most reliable choice that is fully funded.
2. Apply early
Deadlines are strict, and everyone is trying to meet them.
3. Write a strong personal statement
Please be clear about your goals and what they will do.
4. Pick the right classes.
Make sure your course matches what you’ve learned at school.
5. Sending applications to more than one university
Enhance your chances of being selected.
6. Make sure all documents are complete.
Applications that are not complete will be turned down right away.
Last Words
You might not consider the Philippines to be the first place to look for scholarships, but it has some great ones, especially for students who want to study English and don’t want to spend a lot of money.
The best things you can do are the following:
- Scholarship from ADB–Japan (most important).
- Scholarships for college
- Programmes from SEARCA
You can get a scholarship in the Philippines if you apply early, write good essays, and choose the right programs.
The most important things are being consistent, getting ready, and applying for more than one job.