Why Philippine international school scholarships are important

Manila, Cebu and other Philippine cities host a growing number of international and IB schools. Fees are high by local standards, so many families look to scholarships and fee concessions to make these options realistic.

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1. Scholarship and concession types

• Academic scholarships based on exam results and internal assessments.
• IB Diploma/A Level scholarships for senior‑school students.
• Fee‑assistance schemes for families with limited financial resources.
• Occasional talent awards for sport, arts or music.

Examples of Philippine schools with scholarship programmes

Manila:

• British School Manila – Offers academic scholarships, typically 10–40% fee reduction. Applications usually October–December for the following academic year. Also offers sibling discounts (typically 5–10% per additional child).
• International School Manila – Academic excellence scholarships available, typically 10–35% of tuition. Applications often due September–November.
• Brent School Manila – Merit scholarships, usually 10–30% coverage. Applications typically October–December.
• Reedley International School – Academic scholarships typically 10–35% fee reduction. Applications often September–November.

Cebu:

• Cebu International School – Academic excellence scholarships, typically 10–30% of fees. Applications usually October–December.
• Bright Academy – Merit scholarships available, usually 10–25% coverage.

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2. Typical fee coverage

Based on the schools listed above, typical coverage ranges are:

• Academic scholarships: 10–40% of tuition, with higher percentages for exceptional candidates.
• Bursaries: Partial support based on financial need.

Full‑fee scholarships are rare and highly competitive.

Indicative patterns:

• Merit scholarships: 10–40% tuition discounts.
• Senior‑school awards: sometimes 25–60% for top students.
• Fee assistance: partial relief determined via financial review.

Full tuition awards are less common and normally reserved for exceptional circumstances.

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3. Eligibility and competition

Schools typically assess:

• Strong academic records and exam performance.
• Character and contribution to school life.
• For bursaries: evidence of financial need.
• For sporting/talent scholarships: evidence of high‑level performance (competition results, portfolios, graded exams, coach references).

Competition levels:

• Premium schools receive many applications; competition is strong (see school examples above for specific requirements).
• Bursaries are competitive and require demonstrated financial need.
• Sporting scholarships are limited and often require national‑level representation or equivalent achievement.

Scholarship spaces are limited, so expect competitive odds at well‑known schools.

Schools generally assess:

• Academic record and consistency.
• Behaviour and engagement with school life.
• Need (for fee‑assistance schemes).

Scholarships are limited, with high competition at well‑known Manila schools.

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4. Application process and deadlines

Common steps:

1. Check each school’s scholarship/fee‑assistance pages.
2. Prepare report cards, exam results and references, plus income evidence when needed.
3. Apply before published deadlines, often months before the school year.
4. Complete any scholarship tests or interviews.

Starting 9–12 months ahead gives families more options.

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5. Duration and renewal

• Awards typically run for one year or a key stage, renewed if grades and conduct stay strong.

Always clarify whether scholarships may be reduced or withdrawn if performance changes.

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How Tutopiya supports families in the Philippines

Tutopiya helps students in the Philippines by:

• Strengthening results in IGCSE, A Levels, IB and other international curricula.
• Providing a structured approach to exam preparation that scholarship committees look for.
• Helping families connect school scholarships with longer‑term university funding strategies.

If you are exploring international school scholarships in Manila or Cebu, Tutopiya can help your child build the sustained academic performance that schools value.