Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents have a lot of scholarships programs and services they can choose from Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). One of them is called the EDSP or Education for Development Scholarship Program. This scholarship program provides financial assistance maximum of Php 60,000 per academic year for the OFWs’ beneficiaries who plan to enroll in college or university.
We all know that studying costs a lot of money because of the tuition fees and school materials becoming more expensive as time goes by. The Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) aims to help OFWs and their beneficiary ease the financial burden that education brings. Applicants of this scholarship must be a child of the OFW or a sibling of a single or childless OFW.
Qualification
Before applying for the Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), make sure that you meet all the qualifications that OWWA sets for this program. The OFW must be an active member of OWWA and the dependents must pass the OWWA pre-qualifying test administered by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Technology Institute (DOST-SEI). OWWA will only give grants to the top 400 passers of the exam for incoming college students and the top 600 passers for those who are already in college.
Incoming Senior High School (Grade 12)
- Must have 80% General Weighted Average (GWA) with no failing grades.
- Pass the qualifying exam administered by the DOST
Incoming Freshmen (1st Year College)
- Single
- Must be incoming grade 12 or currently enrolled as Grade 12
- Must be below 21 years old
- Must have 80% General Weighted Average (GWA) with no failing grades.
2nd Year to 5th Year in College
- Must be below 30 years old
- Must have B grade or 85% General Weighted Average (GWA)
All applicants must be Filipino citizens and have good physical, mental, and emotional health. Having a good moral character is also required so make sure to ask for the certificate in your school.
Requirements
If you meet all the qualifications, it’s time for you to gather all the documents needed for your application. If the General Weighted Average (GWA) is not yet available, the applicant must provide the academic performance in two consecutive proceeding school years.
- Scholarship Application Form (2 copies)
- OFW Member Record
- Official receipt of OWWA Contribution
- OFW Verification Sheet (issued by MPC)
- 2 copies of 2×2 ID picture with name tag
- 1 valid government ID of OFW or an authorized representative
- Proof of relationship to the OWWA member. Must be issued by the PSA
- Original copy of the Birth Certificate of the applicant
- Original copy of Birth Certificate of the OFW, if the applicant is a sibling
- Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) for single OFWs
- Applicant’s Form 137 (for freshmen) and Transcript of Record (TOR) or Certificate of Grades (for 2nd year and up).
- Health Certificate (Form 2A)
- Certificate of Good Moral Character (Form 2B)
- Certificate of graduating class (Form 2C)
- Certificate of not having taken any post-secondary or undergraduate college unit and not a recipient of any scholarship grant (Form 2D)
- Sworn Statement of no pending scholarship application or grand and not a dual citizen (Form 2E)
- Notice from Regional Welfare Office (RWO) of qualifying the DOST OWWA (For Freshmen)
Application Process
When you secure all the documents needed for the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), it’s time to take some action and apply. Just follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Secure an application form by going to the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) or by just downloading it through this link: https://owwa.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/APPLICATION-FORM-FOR-EDSP-FOR-REGIONS.pdf
The link includes the following:
- Evaluation Form
- Form 1
- Application Form
- Form 2
- Health Certificate
- Certificate of Good Moral Character
- Principal’s Certification
- Parent’s Certification on the first availment
- Parent’s Certification on Application for Immigration/Dual Citizenship of Applicant
Step 2: Fill out the application form and make sure that all the details are correct.
Step 3: Go to your nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) and submit the application form together with the documents you have prepared. Do not forget to present an identification card of the OFW member to the Membership Verification Desk.
Step 4: Wait for the OWWA officer to send you an email or call to give you the Notice of Award and Schedule of Scholarship Orientation.
Step 5: Once you have received the verification of the slot, you can attend the Scholarship Orientation and Facilitate the Notarization of the Scholarship Agreement.
Please note that you might need to book an appointment when going to the OWWA RWO. Make sure to call them first to learn their application process. You can also send your application through online and submit your documents through courier services.
Video: How to Apply OWWA EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (SY 2023-2024)
Watch this video by Daniel Timpawa VLOG’s to learn how to avail of the scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to apply for the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)?
Check the qualifications and requirements that we listed above. If you meet all the qualifications and have all the documents required for this program, then you can apply by going to the OWWA RWO or online.
Can I apply for the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) even if I already avail another government scholarship grant?
No. This program is only for OFWs beneficiaries who have never availed of any scholarship grant.
If both parents are OFWs, can they apply for two of their children?
No. Only one child per family regardless if both parents are OFWs. Talk to the OWWA officers if you can apply the other child to other scholarship grants.
If the single OFW has no siblings, can their cousins avail of the program?
No. Only immediate family can avail of the program.
Summary
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) cares not only about the OFWs’ welfare but also the well-being of their dependents. They wanted to make sure that all the OFWs’ hardships would not be in vain and that their dependents would have an opportunity to the quality education that they deserved.
The Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) is suitable for students who are dedicated and hardworking. If you think you are qualified, do not hesitate to ask your nearest OWWA RWO about this program.