Students planning to apply for the 2026 SM College Scholarship now have a clearer picture of where they can actually use it, with SM Foundation releasing its full list of partner schools for Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The list matters because scholars aren’t required to enroll in a single designated university they can study at any of the partner institutions within their region, as long as they’re taking one of the courses SM prioritizes for funding. Those include programs such as BS Computer Science, BS Civil Engineering, BS Accountancy, BS Information Technology, BSBA Financial Management, and several education and engineering degrees, among others.
Applicants who haven’t yet confirmed their eligibility are encouraged to first check the qualifications and documentary requirements wrote in SM College scholarship application guide before applying.
Metro Manila
In the National Capital Region, partner schools include Far Eastern University, National University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Philippine Normal University, University of the East-Caloocan, and University of the Philippines-Diliman, among others.
The list also covers several city-run universities, including Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela, and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa, along with campuses like PUP San Juan, Quezon City, and Taguig.
Luzon
Luzon carries the widest spread of partner schools, covering provinces from Cagayan down to Sorsogon. In Bicol, options include Bicol University and Ateneo de Naga University.
Cavite-based applicants can choose from Cavite State University’s various campuses or De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, while those in Laguna have access to schools like the University of the Philippines-Los Baños and Laguna State Polytechnic University.
Pampanga’s list includes Angeles University Foundation and Holy Angel University, and Baguio applicants can apply through Saint Louis University or the University of the Philippines Baguio.
Visayas
In the Visayas, Cebu offers the largest concentration of options, with schools such as the University of San Carlos, University of the Philippines Visayas-Cebu College, Cebu Normal University, and Cebu Technological University on the list.
Iloilo applicants can choose from West Visayas State University or the University of San Agustin, while those in Bacolod have access to the University of St. La Salle and the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos.
Leyte and Capiz also have their own sets of partner schools, including Visayas State University and Capiz State University.
Mindanao
Mindanao’s coverage includes Ateneo de Davao University, University of Mindanao, and University of the Philippines Mindanao for applicants based in Davao.
Cagayan de Oro students can apply through Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan or Liceo de Cagayan University, while those in Zamboanga City have Ateneo de Zamboanga and Western Mindanao State University as options.
General Santos and Butuan round out the list, with schools like Mindanao State University and Caraga State University included.
Applicants are advised to confirm directly with their chosen school whether it’s currently accepting SM scholars for the specific course they intend to take, as availability can vary each admission cycle.
