The CHED Foreign Scholarship and Training Program (FSTP) offers exceptional opportunities for Filipinos seeking advanced education and training abroad. As part of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the Philippines, this program aims to enhance the skills and capabilities of professionals in line with national development priorities. The program is managed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for degree programs, Department of Education (DepEd) for basic education, and Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for non-degree courses.
This guide provides a detailed overview of available scholarships, documentary requirements, and step-by-step application procedures to help you secure financial assistance under the CHED FSTP.
Program Overview
The CHED Foreign Scholarship and Training Program (FSTP) is a government initiative designed to provide advanced educational opportunities abroad for Filipinos, fostering skill development and global expertise in various specialized fields. Originating under Executive Order 402, Series of 2005, the program was established to align with the Philippines’ national development priorities through partnerships with international donor agencies and governments. By offering degree and non-degree programs, the FSTP strengthens institutional capacities and supports sustainable growth across key sectors.
The program’s scope covers government employees, private sector professionals, and members of accredited non-government organizations who meet the eligibility criteria. It facilitates international exchange by granting scholarships in fields such as education, agriculture, science, and public policy, among others. By broadening access to high-quality education and training, CHED FSTP contributes to building a globally competitive workforce equipped to address national and international challenges.
Scholarship Programs Under CHED FSTP
Here is a list of scholarship programs offered by various donor countries and international organizations:
1. Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) – Master’s Degree Program
This program focuses on human resource development and sharing Thailand’s culture and expertise.
Priority Areas:
- Food Security
- Climate Change
- Public Health
- Applied Biological Sciences
- Environmental Health and Toxicology
- Chemical Biology
- Topics related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Sufficiency Economy Philosophy
2. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) – Scholarship Programs
JICA’s scholarship aims to develop personnel with practical knowledge and international communication skills.
Priority Areas:
- Maritime Safety and Security Policy
- Seismology
- Earthquake Engineering
- Flood Disaster Risk Reduction
3. Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) – Master’s Degree Program
KOICA trains future leaders who will contribute to the socio-economic development of the Philippines.
Priority Areas:
- Education
- ICT
- Public Administration and Finance
- Economic Development
- Urban Development
- Global Health Security
- Water Resources Management
- Fisheries Science
4. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program (Hungary)
This prestigious Hungarian government program offers undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. courses.
Priority Areas:
- Agriculture and Sustainable Development
- Medicine
- Water Management Engineering
- Architecture
- Environmental Sciences
5. China Government Scholarships
This program promotes educational exchanges between the Philippines and China.
Priority Areas:
- Science and Engineering
- Medicine
- Economics
- Literature and Fine Arts
- Agriculture
- Education
6. Brunei Government Scholarships
Offered by Brunei’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this fully-funded scholarship is open for diplomas, undergraduate, and postgraduate studies.
7. SEAMEO SEARCA Scholarship Program
Available for regular employees in academic, research institutions, or government agencies pursuing Master’s and Ph.D. programs in agriculture and related fields.
8. Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (Singapore)
Programs designed to elevate governance and leadership include:
- Master in Public Policy (2 years, full-time)
- Master in Public Administration (1 year, full-time)
- Master in Public Management (1 year, full-time)
9. Philippine Fulbright Graduate Student Program
This prestigious U.S.-Philippines program includes various scholarships, such as:
- Fulbright-CHED Ph.D. Scholarship Program
- Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
- Global Undergraduate Exchange Program
10. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
This scholarship supports postgraduate researchers pursuing doctoral or postdoctoral studies in Switzerland.
Benefits
Successful applicants of this CHED program gain access to various benefits that support their education and training abroad:
- Full or partial coverage of tuition fees
- Living allowance or stipend
- Round-trip international airfare (depending on the program)
- Health insurance during the scholarship period
- Book and research allowances (for select programs)
- Access to world-class academic institutions and training facilities
- Opportunity to gain global expertise and network with international professionals
Who Can Apply?
The CHED FSTP is open to:
- Government officials and employees
- Professionals from the private sector
- Individuals from accredited non-government organizations (NGOs)
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the CHED Foreign Scholarship and Training Program (FSTP), applicants from government agencies, private sectors, and accredited NGOs must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Must be a Filipino citizen.
- Must have a strong academic record and hold a relevant bachelor’s or graduate degree.
- For government employees: Must have no pending administrative or criminal cases and secure a nomination from their agency head.
- For private individuals: Must provide a letter of intent and a recommendation from an employer or academic mentor.
- Must meet the specific qualifications and requirements set by the donor country or scholarship program.
- Must not have any pending service obligations or other active scholarship nominations.
- Must be physically and mentally fit to undertake studies or training abroad.
Note: Other eligibility requirements may apply depending on the type of scholarship program.
Documentary Requirements
Some of the documents that interested FSTP applicants need to prepare include:
For Government Employees:
- Letter of Nomination (signed by the head of your agency)
- Certified copy of Service Record
- Certified copy of Statement of Duties and Responsibilities
- Photocopy of Academic Transcript and Diploma (Baccalaureate/Graduate)
- Certification of no pending administrative or criminal case
- Certification of no existing service obligations for other scholarships
- Updated bio-data/resume
For Private Individuals:
- Letter of Intent
- Recommendation letter (from an employer or professor)
- Certificate of Employment (if applicable)
- Photocopy of Academic Transcript and Diploma
- NBI or Police Clearance
- Updated bio-data/resume
Step-by-Step Application Procedures
Follow these steps to apply for the CHED FSTP:
Step 1. Submit Your Documents
Prepare the required documents and submit them to the International Affairs Staff (IAS) of CHED.
Step 2. Document Evaluation
CHED will evaluate your application documents within 4 days.
Step 3. Panel Interview
Wait for the interview schedule. During the panel interview, CHED will validate your eligibility and assess your qualifications.
Step 4. Submit Additional Requirements
If needed, provide additional documents requested by the Scholarship Screening Committee.
Step 5. Endorsement to Donor Agency
CHED will endorse your nomination to the respective donor agency or embassy.
Step 6. Wait for Notification
Once the donor agency finalizes its selection, CHED will notify you through phone or official communication.
Step 7. Finalize Travel Documents
Process all travel and other documents required by the donor agency.
Step 8. Monitor Your Scholarship
CHED will monitor your progress and address any inquiries during your study program.
Where to Secure the Application Form and Submit the Application?
Applicants for the CHED Foreign Scholarship and Training Program (FSTP) can secure the application form through the CHED International Affairs Staff (IAS) or download it from the official CHED website. Completed application forms, along with the required documents, must be submitted to the CHED International Affairs Staff office. For timely submission, applicants are encouraged to check CHED’s announcements for deadlines and specific instructions.
Fees and Processing Timeline
The application for the CHED Foreign Scholarship and Training Program (FSTP) is free of charge, with no fees required during the submission process. The processing time typically spans approximately 20 days, including the evaluation of applications, panel interviews, and submission of required documents. Applicants are notified of the results and further instructions after the review process is complete.
Final Tips for Applicants
To make the process a little less painful, applicants for the CHED FSTP are encouraged to keep these tips in mind:
- Research the priority areas of each scholarship program to match your field of interest.
- Prepare your documents in advance to avoid delays during submission.
- Ensure your resume highlights relevant training, achievements, and experiences.
- Visit the respective donor agency websites for updates and eligibility criteria.
Summary
The CHED Foreign Scholarship and Training Program (FSTP) offers excellent opportunities for Filipinos to access quality education abroad, develop their expertise, and contribute to national development. With careful preparation and adherence to requirements, securing financial assistance under this scholarship program is achievable. For updates and inquiries, you may visit the CHED website or contact the International Affairs Staff (IAS) directly.