The Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) is a government initiative under the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) scholarship for dependents, designed to provide financial assistance to qualified dependents of OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers). This program grants up to ₱60,000 per school year for scholars pursuing a 4-to-5-year baccalaureate degree. Scholars are selected through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) qualifying exams or based on academic performance for those already enrolled in college.
Understanding the OWWA scholarship for dependents is important for families of OFWs who seek quality education for their children or siblings. This guide will walk you through the eligibility, requirements, application process, and benefits of the EDSP, ensuring you have all the details to make the most of this opportunity.
Program Overview
The EDSP is part of the OWWA scholarship for dependents program that offers financial assistance to qualified dependents of active OWWA members. This program is aimed at assisting OFW dependents with their college education and provides up to ₱60,000 per school year for a baccalaureate degree, covering a duration of four to five years.
To avail of the benefits of the EDSP, 1,000 deserving students, including 400 incoming freshmen must pass the DOST national examination and rank among the top 400 qualifiers, and 600 students already in college, may apply provided that they meet the specific academic requirements. With its strict requirements, the EDSP ensures access to quality education for dependents of OFWs, promoting academic growth and reducing financial burdens. The generous support offered by this OWWA program highlights the valuable benefits available to OFW families.
Benefits
The EDSP offers numerous benefits per school year, helping dependents achieve their educational goals and pursue a better future.
Here are some of the key benefits of the EDSP:
- Financial Assistance for Tuition Fees: Qualified dependents receive up to PHP 60,000 per academic year, covering tuition and other related expenses throughout their baccalaureate course.
- Eligibility for Top Educational Institutions: Scholars are chosen based on their performance in the DOST national qualifying exam, ensuring that deserving students gain access to quality education.
- Support for Senior High School and College Levels: The program is open to Grade 12 students, incoming college freshmen, and those already enrolled in higher education (up to 5th year college students).
- Accessible to Dependents of OWWA Members: The scholarship is exclusively available to children or siblings of active OWWA members, giving OFW families much-needed educational support.
- Coverage of Non-Academic Costs: Scholars can use the grant to pay for books, supplies, and other school-related necessities, reducing the financial burden on families.
- Nationwide Selection Process: The scholarship is highly competitive, with the top 400 DOST qualifiers selected annually, ensuring fair access for dependents across the country.
- Encourages Academic Excellence: The program motivates students to maintain high grades, as it requires an 80% General Weighted Average (GWA) for eligibility and an 85% GWA for continuing college students.
- Orientation and Guidance: Scholars and their families receive orientation sessions to familiarize themselves with the program’s requirements and procedures, ensuring a smooth application and utilization process.
- Non-Repayment Grant: Unlike loans, the EDSP grant does not require repayment, making it a sustainable financial aid option for beneficiaries.
- Alignment with OWWA Programs: The EDSP works in tandem with other OWWA benefits, such as the skills training and livelihood programs, creating additional opportunities for OFW families.
By providing these advantages, the EDSP helps dependents of OFWs achieve academic success and secure brighter career prospects. This program highlights the OWWA’s commitment to supporting the education and development of its members’ families.
Target Beneficiaries
The EDSP provides financial assistance to qualified OFW dependents by supporting the following target groups, including both incoming college students and enrolled college undergraduates, to better promote access to higher education through financial aid.
- Child of an Active OWWA Member: Must be a legitimate or legally adopted child of an active OWWA member.
- Sibling of a Single Active OWWA Member: Must be the sibling of an unmarried OFW who is an active OWWA member.
Eligibility
To qualify, the applicant from these target groups must also meet the following requirements:
For Incoming Senior High School Students (Grade 12)
- Must have at least an 80% General Weighted Average (GWA).
- Should not have any failing grades during the last school year.
- Belong to the top 400 passers of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) qualifying examination.
For Incoming College Freshmen (First-Year College)
- Must be single and not more than 21 years old.
- Should have graduated from Grade 11 and currently be enrolled in Grade 12.
- Achieved a GWA of 80% or higher in Grade 11 and the preceding academic years.
- Passed the DOST national examination and be among the top 400 qualifiers.
For Enrolled College Students (Second-Year to Fifth-Year Levels)
- Must not exceed 30 years of age.
- Maintained a GWA of 85% (equivalent to a B letter grade) or higher in the preceding academic year.
- Should be enrolled in a full academic load without failing grades in any subject.
Additional Notes
- Applicants should not be recipients of any other OWWA or external scholarship programs.
- All beneficiaries must meet OWWA membership and eligibility requirements.
Documentary Requirements
To apply for the EDSP, OWWA member dependents must prepare and submit the following documents to prove their eligibility and academic qualifications.
- Scholarship Application Form: Obtainable from the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) or online via the OWWA website or social media accounts.
- OFW Membership Record: Secure this from the OWWA RWO.
- Two (2) Recent ID Pictures with Name Tag provided by the applicant.
- Any valid government-issued or company-issued Identification Card of OFW Member and/or Authorized Representative
- Proof of Relationship to the OFW Member
- For child applicants: Birth Certificate of the dependent issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Local Civil Registrar (LCR).
- For sibling applicants: OFW’s Birth Certificate and Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) from PSA.
- Proof of Academic Performance
- Incoming college freshmen (1st Year):
- Form 137, Certified True Copy of Form 138, or
- Transcript of Records (TOR) showing a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 80% without failing grades.
- 2nd to 5th Year College Students:
- Certified True Copy of grades showing a GWA of at least 85% or its equivalent.
- Notice of Passing the DOST National Examination (for incoming freshmen): Provided by the OWWA RWO upon successful qualification.
- Certificate of Good Moral Character: Obtainable from the school registrar or an authorized school official.
- Medical Certificate (if applicable): For students with medical conditions, issued by a competent medical practitioner.
- Online Scholarship Application Form: Accessible through OWWA’s official website or social media pages.
By submitting these documents, eligible dependents can prove that they meet the program’s standards and are qualified to avail of the financial benefits of the EDSP, which aims to support higher education for OFW families.
Application Procedures
To apply for the EDSP, here’s a step-by-step guide that you can follow.
Step 1. Prepare All Required Documents
- Download the Scholarship Application Form from the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) and make sure you have already gathered the required documents.
Step 2. Submit Your Application Online
- Visit the OWWA RWO’s official Facebook page or the OWWA Central Office website (https://scholarship.owwa.gov.ph/) for the EDSP online application system.
- Upload all required documents through the platform.
- Wait for the system to review and verify your application (processing time: 5–10 minutes).
Step 3. Comply With Additional Requirements (If Necessary)
- If the submitted documents are incomplete, you will be notified and given 3–5 working days to provide the missing requirements.
Step 4. Wait for Confirmation of Application Results
- Approved applicants will receive a Notice of Award along with the schedule and venue for the scholarship orientation.
- Disapproved applications will also be communicated.
Step 5. Attend the Scholarship Orientation
- Participate in the scheduled orientation conducted by the OWWA RWO.
- Submit your notarized Scholarship Agreement and proof of enrollment or grades.
Step 6. Receive the Scholarship Grant
- The OWWA RWO will process the scholarship grant through a voucher system.
- The grant is disbursed via the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).
Step 7. Monitor Your Academic Performance
- Ensure that your grades meet the required General Weighted Average (GWA) to continue receiving benefits under the EDSP.
By following these steps, you can successfully apply for the OWWA Scholarship for Dependents under the EDSP program.
Where to Get the Application Form
To apply for the EDSP, you can obtain the application form through the OWWA RWO or download it from the OWWA Central Office website. Completed applications, along with the required documents, must be submitted online through the Scholarship Online Application System (https://scholarship.owwa.gov.ph/) or in person at the designated OWWA RWO that serves the OFW’s registered address. The RWO will validate the documents and notify applicants about the next steps, including orientation and scholarship agreement finalization.
Fees and Processing Time
The application process for the EDSP is free of charge. Processing time includes initial online application review within 5–10 minutes, issuance of the Notice of Award in 2–3 days, and scholarship orientation, which may take up to 1–2 hours.
Video: OWWA EDSP Application Procedures
For a visual walkthrough on the OWWA EDSP, you may check out this video from OWWA member:
Summary
The Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) is a comprehensive initiative designed to help the dependents of OFWs by providing financial assistance of up to ₱60,000 per school year. The program eligibility is based on academic performance, allowing deserving students the chance to complete their college education without financial barriers, so they can access better education opportunities and ensure a brighter future for their loved ones. If you meet the requirements, take the first step and apply for the EDSP today!