SM Scholarship 2026: Requirements, Priority Courses, and Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for the SM Scholarship isn’t just about having high grades. I’ve seen students with 95% averages get rejected simply because they missed one small instruction or forgot to confirm their application on time. Since the 2026 window is about to open, I’ve put together this guide to help you avoid those mistakes and actually get that “congratulations” email.
Below is the updated 2026 roadmap for the SM College Scholarship Program.
Table of Contents
- SM Scholarship 2026: At a Glance
- What are the Requirements?
- What are the Qualifications?
- What are the areas covered?
- Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
SM Scholarship 2026: At a Glance
I’ve summarized the requirements here so you can check if you qualify in less than 30 seconds.
| Feature | 2026 Requirement Details |
|---|---|
| GWA (Grades) | At least 92% weighted average (Grade 12, 1st Sem) |
| Household Income | Total annual income of ₱250,000 or less |
| School Type | Public HS or Private HS with a DepEd Voucher |
| Application Period | February 1 to February 28, 2026 (Expected) |
What are the Requirements?
- Accomplished online application form
- Attachments to the online application:
- Parent’s or Guardian’s Latest Income Tax Return / Certification of Non-Filing of Income / Certificate of Indigency
- Latest Grade 12 report card
- Birth Certificate
- 2×2 ID picture
- Sketch of home to the nearest SM Mall
What are the Qualifications?
- Grade 12 graduates from public and private schools in the areas covered. Applicants from private schools must have a DepEd voucher and must be Grade 10 finishers from public high schools.
- General weighted average grade of at least 92% or its equivalent for Grade 12 – 1st semester.
- Total household income of at most P250,000 per year.
What are the areas covered?
- Luzon: NCR, Albay, Bataan, Batangas,Benguet, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Cavite, Isabela, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Sorsogon, Quezon, Rizal, Tarlac, Zambales
- Visayas: Capiz, Cebu, Iloilo, Leyte, Negros Occidental
- Mindanao: Agusan del Norte, Davao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, South Cotabato, Zamboanga del Sur
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Follow these steps carefully. Missing Step 2 is the #1 reason applications are ignored.
Step 1: Prepare Your Digital Documents
Ensure you have clear scans (not blurry photos) of:
- PSA Birth Certificate
- Grade 12 Report Card (First Semester)
- Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents or a Certificate of Indigency from your Barangay.
- A Sketch Map: A hand-drawn map of your house going to the nearest SM Mall.
Mateo’s Tip: When drawing your map, don’t just use street names. Add landmarks like “Barangay Hall” or “Blue Water Tank.” It helps the SM team find you faster for the home visit!
Step 2: The “7-Day Confirmation” Rule
Once you register at the official SM Foundation Scholarship Portal, fill out all fields and click submit. You must log back in within 7 days to click the “Confirm Application” button. If you don’t do this, the system will assume you’re a bot and delete your data.
Step 3: Online Qualifying Exam
If your documents are accepted, you’ll get an email for a virtual exam. I suggest finding a quiet spot with good Wi-Fi. It’s a timed test, so you don’t want your data connection dropping halfway through.
Step 4: The Interview and Home Visit
If you pass the exam, you’ll have an interview. Afterward, expect a visit. The SM Foundation team will visit your home to verify your financial situation. Be honest and be yourself.
Priority Courses and Partner Schools
Courses Offered Under the SM College Scholarship
- BS in Computer Science
- BS in Computer Engineering
- BS in Mechanical Engineering
- BS in Accounting Information Systems
- BSBA in Management Accounting
- BS in Information Technology
- BS in Civil Engineering
- BS in Accountancy
- BS in Internal Auditing
- BS in Elementary Education
- BS in Electronics and Communications Engineering / BS in Electronics Engineering
- BS in Electrical Engineering
- BS in Accounting Technology
- BSBA in Financial Management
- BS in Secondary Education major in Biology, Chemistry, General Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, English
Remember, this scholarship only covers specific “Priority Courses” like Engineering, IT, and Education.
Wait! Before you choose your school, make sure it’s on the accredited list. I have already compiled the Complete List of SM Partner Schools for 2026 so you can double-check before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The program is open to Grade 12 graduates from public high schools and private high schools (with a DepEd voucher). You must have at least a 92% GWA from your first semester and a total household income of ₱250,000 or less per year.
The SM scholarship exam usually consists of 100 to 150 items. It covers core subjects like Mathematics, English (Reading Comprehension and Grammar), and Science, plus a section on Abstract Reasoning. Since it’s timed, I recommend practicing your speed on basic math and logic puzzles.
Scholars receive full tuition and miscellaneous fees, plus a monthly stipend to help with daily expenses. One of the best “hidden” perks is that SM offers scholars part-time jobs during Christmas and summer breaks, and a guaranteed job offer within the SM Group (like BDO or SM Retail) after graduation.
You can access the official application link at scholarship.sm-foundation.org. Note that the “Apply Now” button will only become active starting February 1, 2026.
Don’t panic! Go to the portal login page and click “Forgot Password.” Use the email address you registered with. This is why I always tell students to use a permanent Gmail account, not a temporary school email!
No. The SM Scholarship is strictly for incoming freshmen (current Grade 12 students).
if 84% is yiur average is it still acceptable for this scholarship?
Sana mopa matulogan naga aral po Ako Ng 3rd year college nahirap Ako kahit working student