The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) prioritizes the well-being and welfare of all Filipino Workers abroad and their dependents by providing scholarship programs to help them achieve their dreams.
One of OWWA’s scholarship programs is called the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program or CMWSP. This scholarship program aims to help OFW families with their educational needs with the help of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). The CMWSP provides financial grants up to Php 20,000 per academic year for a four- or five-year course.
Benefits
The Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) is offered to the children of OFWs who want to continue their studies to tertiary. Applicants can choose any college or university they want to attend and must choose a course in science and technology. Applicants will receive financial support worth Php 20,000 from OWWA.
Qualifications
To be qualified for the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP), the OFW and their dependents must meet all the qualification sets by OWWA and PCSO.
If the applicant is the OFW:
- Must be an active OFW
- Must be below
- 45 years old
- No failing grades
- Must pass the Alternative Learning System with at least 85% GWA at the DepED-accredited schools
If the applicant is the dependent:
- Must be a child of the OFW
- Must be below 21 years old for freshmen
- For 2nd year to 5th year, applicants must be single and under 30 years old
- Must have a General Weighted Average (GWA) of 80% without failing grades
- Within 20% of graduating class
- Must pass the Alternative Learning System with at least 85% GWA at the DepED-accredited schools
The OFW and his or her family must have an Annual Gross Income of $2,400 or its equivalent. Applicants must not taken any post-secondary or vocational courses, or undergraduate or college units.
Requirements
All applicants must complete all the documentary requirements before applying for the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP). Make sure that you have all the documents we listed here:
- 2 copies of the application form
- 2×2 ID picture
- OFW Passport
- Proof of school record
- Form 137 / Certified true copy of form 137
- Transcript of Record (ToR)
- Principal’s certification on scholastic standing
- Proof of OWWA membership
- Official receipt of OWWA contribution
- Certificate of OWWA membership
- Proof of relationship to the OFW
- Birth Certificate (PSA)
- Duly certified Local Civil Registrar (LCR) (if the applicant is a sibling of the OFW)
- Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) (for unmarried OFW)
- Proof of Income
- Income Tax Return
- Overseas Employment Contract (OEC)
- Pay slip
Application Process
If you meet all the qualifications and you have all the requirements, then we can proceed with the application. The process is very simple. All you have to do is follow the steps we listed:
Step 1: Go to the OWWA website and look for the scholarship button or just click this link: https://scholarship.owwa.gov.ph/
Step 2: Choose the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) box.
Step 3: Click the boxes under “Qualified Beneficiaries”
Step 4: Select the OWWA Regional Welfare Office near you.
Step 5: Click the “Register” button.
Step 6: Wait for the OWWA officer to contact you regarding your application.
The next step is to wait for the master list of qualified applicants on the OWWA website. If your name is among the qualified applicants, you will receive a Notice of Award (NoA) and the schedule for the orientation.
The OWWA Scholarship Online Application portal is only available if the application for the school year is open. If you click the “Register” button and do not proceed to the next step and just pop up a notification, it means that the application is still closed and you have to wait for the announcement.
Video: OWWA Scholar – Ms. Jessa May R. Mislang
Jessa May R. Mislang, a graduate of Bachelor of Science major in Mathematics, is one of the scholars of the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP). She is only one of many scholars that OWWA was able to help in achieving their dream of finishing their education. Watch the video by Pinoy OFW as Ms. Mislang shares her experience and thoughts about this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application of the CMWSP start and end?
The exact date for application for the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) varies. To know the exact date, visit the OWWA website and check the notifications about it.
How much does the CMWSP grant to qualified applicants?
The Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) grants financial assistance worth Php 20,000 per academic year.
Is there an exam I need to pass to be qualified for the CMWSP?
Yes. You need to pass the pre-qualification exam of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) before applying for the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP).
Where can I take the pre-qualification exam?
The OWWA Regional Welfare Offices (RWOs), together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), will provide and announce the venue and other details in their website and social media accounts.
How will I know if I am a qualified applicant?
The OWWA posts all qualified applicants on its website. So make sure to check from time to time.
Summary
One of the reasons why Filipino workers choose to work abroad is to give their families a better life. And to have a better life, we need a good education that will set a foundation for our future. The Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) is designed to help OFWs and their dependents achieve their educational goal. This program will provide financial grants to shoulder the students’ tuition fees and educational needs.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) wants OFWs and their dependents to grab this opportunity to become a scholar and to take advantage of free education. This program aims to help low-income earners to have a fighting chance to change their lives by getting a bachelor’s degree. So, if you are an OFW or eligible dependent, seize this chance and apply.