Why consider the Philippines for scholarship‑friendly degrees?

The Philippines offers English‑medium instruction, a strong network of international schools, and well‑known universities such as the University of the Philippines (UP), Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University (DLSU) and University of Santo Tomas (UST). Tuition and living costs are lower than many Western destinations, and there are various merit and need‑based scholarships.

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1. University of the Philippines (UP) – Grants & Financial Assistance

Most popular for:
High‑achieving Filipino students, including some from international schools, who gain admission to UP.

Coverage

• UP’s system focuses on low tuition and financial assistance rather than named full‑ride scholarships.
• Students from lower‑income households can receive tuition subsidies and stipends through UP and national schemes.

Eligibility

• Strong performance in UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) or equivalent admission process.
• Household income and socio‑economic background are considered for financial aid.

How many & odds

• Many students qualify for partial to full tuition support, but exact numbers vary by campus and year.

How to apply

• Apply for admission via UP’s process.
• Submit financial aid forms with family income documentation to be considered for grants, discounts or stipends.

Duration

• Assistance is typically renewed annually based on continued financial need and satisfactory academic progress.

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2. Ateneo de Manila University – Merit & Need‑Based Scholarships

Most popular for:
Students seeking Business, Humanities, Social Sciences, STEM degrees at a leading private Jesuit university.

Coverage

• Merit scholarships for top applicants can offer:
  • Full or partial tuition coverage
  • Sometimes stipends for living costs
• Need‑based aid and grants can top up support.

Eligibility

• Excellent high school record (including IGCSE/A Levels/IB or local curriculum).
• Strong entrance exam scores, interviews and school recommendations.
• For need‑based aid: demonstrated financial need.

Odds

• Very competitive for full merit awards, but partial scholarships and aid are more widely available.

How to apply

• Apply for admission and tick the scholarship/financial aid sections.
• Provide:
  • Academic transcripts
  • Recommendation letters
  • Financial documentation (for need‑based aid)

Deadlines & duration

• Applications for admission and scholarships usually close months before the school year starts (often in the first quarter of the year).
• Awards are generally renewable each year with GPA requirements.

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3. De La Salle University (DLSU) & Other Private Universities

Most popular for:
Business, Engineering, Computing, Education and Arts programmes at DLSU, UST, Mapua, UA&P and other private universities.

Coverage

• Academic scholarships often provide full or partial tuition waivers for students who:
  • Rank at the top of entrance exams
  • Graduate as valedictorians or salutatorians
  • Hold outstanding records from international schools
• Some universities offer athletic and special talent scholarships.

Eligibility

• High school grades and admission test performance.
• For some awards: ranking in your graduating class or exceptional extracurricular profile.

How to apply

• Apply for admission and then complete the scholarship forms with:
  • Exam results and transcripts
  • Certificates of rank/awards
  • Recommendation letters

Timeline & duration

• Entrance test dates and scholarship deadlines are often clustered around the final year of high school.
• Awards usually cover 4–5 years of study, subject to GPA and conduct.

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What % of fees do Philippine scholarships cover?

• Top merit scholarships at Ateneo, DLSU and some other universities can cover 50–100% of tuition.
• Many students receive 25–50% tuition discounts combined with relatively low living costs, making the Philippines a cost‑effective English‑medium option.

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Eligibility patterns, odds and timelines

• Eligibility: good academic records, strong entrance exam performance, and sometimes specific class rank or leadership.
• Odds: full tuition awards are competitive, but partial awards and financial aid are more common.
• Timelines: entrance tests and applications begin well before the academic year, so international families should start planning 12–18 months ahead.
• Duration: most awards are multi‑year, contingent on maintaining academic standards.

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Advice for regional IGCSE, A Level & IB families

• The Philippines is a good fit for families looking for:
  • English‑medium degrees
  • A vibrant international school ecosystem
  • More affordable pathways than Western destinations
• Use scholarships to reduce tuition while remembering that living costs, flights and visas still need budgeting.

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How Tutopiya can help

Tutopiya supports students in IGCSE, A Levels and IB who are interested in the Philippines by:

• Strengthening core subjects for entrance exams and admissions.
• Helping families position the Philippines in a multi‑country strategy (e.g. with Singapore, Malaysia and Europe).
• Guiding students on applications, references and academic readiness.

If you are exploring the Philippines as part of your university plan, Tutopiya can help you understand where scholarships are realistic and how to balance them with other regional options.