The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Scholarship Program (GSP) offers financial assistance to the children or dependents of low-income GSIS members and pensioners. By supporting higher education, the program provides tuition coverage of up to Php40,000 per academic year and a monthly stipend of Php3,000. This initiative is aimed at easing the financial burden of college education for deserving families.
Understanding the GSP is important for GSIS members, particularly those with limited income, as it opens doors to quality education for their dependents. This guide details the eligibility requirements, application process, and benefits of the GSIS GSP, helping you or your dependents secure the opportunity to access higher education.
Program Overview
The GSIS Scholarship Program (GSP) is an educational assistance initiative launched in 1998 aimed at providing college scholarship slots for dependents of low-income GSIS members and permanent total disability (PTD) pensioners. It was established to support the education of children or dependents of low-income government employees, fostering access to higher education and promoting academic excellence in the country.
The program operates under the principles of inclusivity and merit, grounded on GSIS’s mandate to enhance the welfare of its members. Covering tuition, miscellaneous fees, and stipends, the GSP prioritizes dependents of members earning below a set income threshold and offers opportunities in accredited schools and CHED-identified priority courses. As of the latest guidelines, 400 scholarship slots are made available under the program annually, with 40 slots exclusively reserved for dependents of persons with disabilities (PWDs), indigenous peoples (IPs), and solo parents.
Benefits
Qualified scholars enjoy several benefits under the program, including:
- Tuition and Miscellaneous Fee Coverage: The program covers the actual cost of tuition and miscellaneous fees, up to Php40,000 per academic year.
- Monthly Stipend: Scholars receive a Php3,000 monthly allowance for living expenses throughout the academic year.
- Regional Allocation: Slots are distributed proportionately per region to promote accessibility for scholars nationwide.
- Dedicated Slots for Sectoral Groups: Dependents of PWDs, IPs, and solo parents are guaranteed 40 out of the 400 annual slots.
Target Beneficiaries
The GSP is designed to provide educational support to those who need it most, including the following:
- Children or Dependents of Low-Income GSIS Members: Members with a salary grade of 24 or below, or equivalent, are prioritized.
- Dependents of Active GSIS Members: Those who are in active service and in good standing with GSIS.
- Dependents of Permanent Government Employees: Members with permanent employment status in the government sector.
- Dependents of Deceased GSIS Members: Children of deceased members whose accounts are in good standing at the time of death.
- Applicants Pursuing Priority Courses: Dependents enrolled in CHED-identified priority courses at accredited schools.
- Qualified First-Year College Students: Dependents who are incoming freshmen meeting the program’s academic and eligibility requirements.
- Dependents of Retired Members: As long as the retired members’ accounts remain in good standing.
Eligibility Requirements
For GSIS Members or PTD Pensioners
To qualify for the GSIS Scholarship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Active GSIS Members:
- Permanent employees in government with at least three years of service.
- Salary grade (SG) 24 or below, or an equivalent job level.
- Must have premium contributions for the last six months.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Pensioners:
- Must be below 60 years of age.
- Their last compensation will be used for the selection process.
Each GSIS member or PTD pensioner is allowed to nominate one dependent for the program.
For Nominees (Scholars)
The nominated dependent must meet these qualifications:
- Be the child or dependent of a GSIS member or PTD pensioner, including children of solo parents as defined under the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act.
- Be an incoming college freshman accepted into a 4- or 5-year degree program.
- Enroll in a school recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as Level III or IV, Autonomous, Deregulated, or a chartered Higher Education Institution (HEI).
Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents to the nearest GSIS office or via email at gsisscholarship@gsis.gov.ph:
- GSIS Scholarship Application Form (duly accomplished)
- Certificate of Employment for active GSIS members
- Certification of college acceptance from the school for the nominated scholar
- Dependent’s Birth Certificate
- GSIS Business Partner (BP) Number printout (available from the GSIS frontline information officer)
Additional Requirements for Sectoral Groups
For applicants identifying as PWD, IP, or solo parents, additional documents are required:
- Endorsement letter from the head of the agency attesting to sectoral affiliation
- Government-issued authentication:
- PWD ID from the local Social Welfare Development Office (LSWDO)
- Certificate of Confirmation of Tribal Membership from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
- Solo Parent ID from LSWDO
Application Procedures
Follow these steps to apply for the GSIS GSP:
Step 1: Prepare Application Requirements
Download the GSIS Scholarship Application Form from the GSIS website (www.gsis.gov.ph) and gather all necessary documents. Ensure that all information is accurate and complete.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Submit the completed form and required documents to the nearest GSIS office or email them to gsisscholarship@gsis.gov.ph. Applications are processed only if all requirements are met.
Step 3: Wait for the Selection Process
Once submitted, applications will undergo a screening process. Scholarship slots are distributed proportionately across regions, with priority given to applicants with the lowest annual basic salary. In cases of salary ties, those with longer government service are prioritized.
Step 4: Submit Additional Requirements if Selected
If your nominated scholar qualifies, you will be notified through a published list in a national newspaper. Within 30 days of publication, submit the following to the nearest GSIS office:
- Information Sheet with two (2) recent 2×2 ID photos
- Enrollment Assessment Form (if available)
Note: Failure to submit these requirements within the given timeframe will result in forfeiture of the scholarship slot.
Selection and Duration of Scholarship
Scholarship recipients are selected based on their parent’s annual basic salary, with priority given to the lowest earners. Slots are allocated regionally, ensuring fair distribution across the country.
The scholarship covers the entire duration of a 4- or 5-year college course. However, scholars must comply with the GSP terms and their school’s rules and regulations to retain the scholarship.
Important Notes
For your reference, here are some important terms of the GSP:
- Scholars must enroll in the term immediately after being awarded the scholarship and every term thereafter, in accredited schools.
- Deferment of enrollment is allowed only once for valid reasons (e.g., illness or relocation) with GSIS approval.
- Full academic load is required per term, but a lighter load is allowed as long as the scholar graduates on time.
- Summer classes are allowed, but costs will be covered by the scholar.
- Scholars must meet the academic standards set by their school to remain eligible.
- Shifting courses is allowed only once during the first or second year, with GSIS approval, and must still meet the original course duration.
- Transfers are allowed only for family relocation or safety concerns, to another accredited school, without extending the course duration.
- Scholars can hold other scholarships simultaneously, but the GSIS grant will only cover remaining costs after the other grant is used.
- Scholars and their guardians must sign a Scholarship Contract with GSIS.
- GSIS will issue a Letter of Guarantee to the school for payment of tuition and miscellaneous fees (up to ₱40,000 annually).
- The scholarship grant is non-transferable.
- Payments are made directly to the school. Any excess costs are paid by the scholar.
- Scholars must submit grades, billing statements, and receipts within 60 days of enrollment; failure to do so forfeits claims for the term.
- If the scholar is disqualified by the school, GSIS must be informed, and the scholarship may be terminated.
- Written requests for shifting courses or transferring schools must include school certifications and be approved by GSIS.
- GSIS pays fees within 15 days of receiving grades and billing statements.
Frequently Asked Questions
For your reference, some of the most common questions and answers regarding the GSP are also listed below:
1. Can I nominate more than one dependent?
No, each GSIS member can nominate only one dependent per academic year. However, dependents can qualify for scholarships granted in different school years.
2. What happens if a scholar’s parent passes away?
If the parent-member dies before the release of the GSP results, the scholarship may still be awarded to the dependent. The legal guardian will handle the scholarship contract.
3. Are summer classes covered?
No, the GSP only covers regular terms within the prescribed duration of the course.
4. How can I follow up on my application?
You may contact the GSIS Scholarship Program office at (02) 8976-4970 or via email at gsisscholarship@gsis.gov.ph.
Video: GSP Scholars Who Graduated With Latin Honors
Watch this video and meet some of the students whose lives changed with the help of the GSP:
Summary
The GSIS Scholarship Program (GSP) is a valuable opportunity for low-income GSIS members and PTD pensioners to secure financial assistance for their dependents’ college education. By covering tuition fees and providing a monthly stipend, the program helps ease the financial burden of higher education. Whether you are a GSIS member or a dependent, taking advantage of this scholarship can pave the way for a brighter future in education. Read this guide and learn how to apply today to give your dependent the chance to achieve their academic goals!