Education is a powerful tool that can transform lives and open doors to a brighter future. Recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) offers a scholarship grant to qualified dependents of OFWs, providing them with financial support to pursue their education.
Overview of the EDSP
The EDSP provides a maximum scholarship grant of Php 60,000.00 per school year, covering the duration of a baccalaureate course (4-5 years). The selection of scholars is determined through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) national examinations. For incoming freshmen, only the top 400 passers are considered, while 600 slots are available for those who are already enrolled in college.
Qualifications for the EDSP
To be eligible for the EDSP, applicants must meet the following qualifications:
Incoming Senior High School (Grade 12) Qualifications:
- Must have at least 80% General Weighted Average (GWA) without failing grades upon application
- Passed the qualifying examination conducted by DOST and belongs to the top 400 passers nationwide
Incoming Freshmen (1st year college) Qualifications:
- Single
- Grade 11 graduate (Incoming Grade 12 / currently enrolled as Grade 12)
- Not more than 21 years old
- With a General Weighted Average (GWA) of 80% or higher. If required GWA is not yet available at the time of filing of application, the academic performance of the applicant in the two consecutive preceding school years shall be used as the basis for evaluation
- Belonging to the top 400 qualifiers of the Department of Science and Technology national qualifying exam
For those who are already enrolled in 2nd year to 5th year in college:
- Not more than 30 years old
- With a GWA not lower than a B letter grade or 85% equivalence in all academic and non-academic subjects during the last school year attended in full load
Requirements for the EDSP
To apply for the EDSP, applicants must prepare the following requirements:
- Checklist of Requirements
- OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) OFW Membership Record
- 2pcs. ID Picture with Name Tag
- At least one (1) valid I.D. of the OFW and/or the Authorized Representative
- Proof of Relationship to OFW Member (e.g., Birth Certificate from PSA or LCR)
- Dependent’s Form 137 / Certified True Copy of Form 138 / Transcript of Records (TOR)
- For incoming first-year students, 80% GWA without failing grades
- For second to fifth-year students, 85% GWA without failing grades
- Notice from RWOs of qualifying the DOST-OWWA Pre-Qualifying Examination for EDSP
Note: Some special requirements, such as the Certificate of Good Moral and Medical Certificate, have been waived due to the ongoing pandemic.
How to Avail the EDSP
To avail of the EDSP, follow these steps:
- Visit the OWWA Regional Welfare Office which covers the permanent address of the OFW.
- Get a queuing number or queue in the line for an EDSP scholarship application.
- Present the I.D. of the OFW member together with the requirements to the Membership Verification Desk.
- Obtain the Notice of Award and Schedule of Scholarship Orientation validation/evaluation.
- Attend the Scholarship Orientation and facilitate the notarization of the Scholarship Agreement.
The EDSP is a valuable opportunity for qualified dependents of OFWs to pursue their education and secure a brighter future. By investing in their education, we empower the next generation to become leaders and contributors to the development of our nation.
For more information and to check the specific requirements and procedures, please visit the official website of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
