Children and siblings of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) seeking help with college costs can turn to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), which accepted applications for three OWWA scholarship programs for Academic Year 2026-2027: the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP), and the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP).
OWWA announced the application period on its official channels, calling on students to apply and become the next “ISKOWWA.” All applications are filed through the agency’s online Scholarship Application portal, which was built to give OFWs and their families faster service. Information submitted is handled in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
The application windows ran on the following schedule:
- EDSP Category 1 and CMWSP: September 7 to 17, 2026
- EDSP Category 2 and ODSP: September 7 to 27, 2026
Both windows had closed as of this writing. Interested students should watch OWWA Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Facebook page for any reopening or the next application cycle.
Scholarship programs and benefits
Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)
A grant of up to ₱60,000 per school year for qualified dependents of OFWs, until the completion of a four- to five-year baccalaureate course. Incoming freshmen (Category 1) are selected through the DOST national examinations, while 600 slots are set aside for students already in 2nd to 5th year in a Philippine-based college or university (Category 2).
OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP)
Financial assistance of ₱20,000 per school year for qualified dependents of OFWs who are enrolling or already enrolled in a four- or five-year baccalaureate or associate course in a Philippine-based school. The required monthly salary of the OFW is set in a memorandum OWWA issues during the application period each year.
Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP)
Up to ₱60,000 per school year for deserving migrant workers and their immediate descendants who pursue priority courses in science and technology, until the completion of a four- to five-year degree. Funding comes from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) through a replenishable allocation maintained under a separate OWWA account.
Who can apply for the OWWA Scholarships?
EDSP Category 1 (incoming 1st year college)
- Child of an active OWWA member, or sibling of a single or married but childless active OWWA member
- No availment of any OWWA scholarship by other members of the OFW family
- Single
- Not more than 21 years old
- Grade 12 graduating student
- GWA of at least 80 percent or its equivalent
EDSP Category 2 (2nd to 5th year college)
- Child of an active OWWA member, or sibling of a single or married but childless active OWWA member
- No availment of any OWWA scholarship by other members of the OFW family
- Single
- Not more than 30 years old
- GWA of at least 85 percent or its equivalent, with no failing grades
- Enrolled in a Philippine-based college or university
ODSP Category 1 (incoming 1st year college)
- Child or sibling of an active OWWA member
- Single
- Not more than 21 years old
- Passing GWA from the previous school year
- OFW monthly income of not more than USD 1,000 or its equivalent
- No availment of any OWWA scholarship by other members of the OFW family
ODSP Category 2 (2nd to 5th year college)
- Child or sibling of an active OWWA member
- Single
- Not more than 30 years old
- Passing GWA from the previous school year
- Enrolled in a Philippine-based college or university
CMWSP
- Active OFWs not more than 45 years old, or children of active or inactive OFWs below 21 years old
- GWA of 80 percent with no failing grades, or within the top 20 percent of the graduating class for children of OFWs; OFW applicants need only have no failing grades
- Annual family gross income of not more than USD 2,400 or ₱76,000
- Alternative Learning System passers under the Continuing Education Program (Accreditation and Equivalency) with an average of at least 85 percent, as certified by DepEd-accredited schools
- No availment of any OWWA scholarship by other members of the OFW family
READ: FutureSmart College Scholarship
What are the Documents needed
All programs require the same basic documents, uploaded during the online application:
- Proof of identity: a copy of the OFW’s valid passport bio or info page, plus the dependent’s valid school ID or any valid ID and a birth or baptismal certificate
- Proof of grades from the previous school year: Form 137 or Form 10 (TOR), Form 138 or report card, or a certificate of grades from the school
- 2×2 ID picture of the dependent (child or sibling applicant) with a white background, name tag, and signature
Students who cannot present current or previous semester grades may submit grades from the last two school years as reference.
How to apply for the OWWA Scholarship Program
- Go to the OWWA Scholarship Online Application portal at scholarship.owwa.gov.ph.
- Select the scholarship program you are applying for.
- Read the terms and conditions, then select your OWWA Regional Office from the list of regional welfare offices and click Proceed.
- Affirm that all information and requirements are complete, true, and correct, then click Yes to continue.
- Enter your active mobile number, complete the captcha, and choose whether to receive your one-time password (OTP) by SMS or email, then click Send OTP.
- Fill out the application form and upload your documents.
OWWA will contact applicants through the mobile number they provide.
Tips for OWWA Scholarship
- Use a valid and working email address and mobile number.
- Do not submit multiple applications, as this can affect verification and evaluation.
- Prepare all documents and information about both the applicant and the OFW before applying, since applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Double-check that names and words are spelled correctly and completely.
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
Contact OWWA
- Hotline 1348: 1348 within Metro Manila, (02) 1348 outside Metro Manila, and +632 1348 from abroad
- Viber: +63 915 079 5005, +63 969 169 7068, +63 966 473 9543
- WhatsApp: +63 927 824 5973, +63 968 694 0706, +63 927 824 5974
- Email: owwacares@owwa.gov.ph, tulong@owwa.gov.ph
