The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration or OWWA created a series of scholarships for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents. One of OWWA’s scholarship programs is called the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) which focuses on OFW dependents who are enrolled or planning to enroll in any 4-year or 5-year course at any college or university they choose. It offers financial assistance worth Php 20,000 per academic year. The OFW must be an active member and has a monthly salary of less than 600 USD.
The OWWA has a lot to offer that will greatly benefit OFWs and their dependents and this is why it is important to all OFWs to keep their OWWA membership active and be updated to all programs and services that OWWA provides.
Qualifications
To apply for the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP), an OFW and his or her dependent must meet the following qualifications.
For OFW:
- An OFW must be an active member of OWWA.
- An OFW must have a monthly salary of not more than 600 USD.
For OFW dependents:
- Must be a child of a married or single OFW or a sibling of an unmarried OFW.
- Freshmen must be below 21 years old.
- Dependents who are already enrolled or have been enrolled in college must be below 30 years old.
- Dependent must be single or unmarried
- Must be physically, mentally, and morally fit.
- Must pass the college or university entrance exam.
- Must not have any other scholarship grants.
Requirements
If you fit all the qualifications, then you must gather all the documentary requirements to apply for the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP).
- 2 copies of the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) Application Form
- 2 copies of the 2×2 ID picture
- Proof of relationship between the OFW and the dependent.
- Original Birth Certificate issued by the PSA both for OFW and applicant
- Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) for unmarried OFW
- Form 137 (for freshmen)
- Transcript of Record (TOR) or Certificate of Grades (for those who are already enrolled)
- Proof of OWWA active membership
- OWWA contribution official receipt
- OFW verification sheet
- Health Certificate
- Certificate of good moral character from your high school
- Must have a GWA average of above 80% on his/her Grade 12 report card.
- Graduating Class Certificate. The applicant’s name must be included in the list of graduating students.
- Must not be a beneficiary of any scholarship grant and must not taken the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) Qualifying Examination.
- Affidavit of no pending application for resident migrant status and no dual citizenship. Must be signed by parents or legal guardians of the applicant.
- Photocopy of OFW Contract salary. Must not exceed 600 USD.
Application Process
The OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) has a very simple process. The applicants just need to make sure that they all the requirements and follow these simple steps to apply:
Step 1: Secure an Application Form by getting a copy from the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) to your place or simply download it.
Step 2: Fill out the form and make sure that all information is correct.
Step 3: Submit the Application form and all the documentary requirements to the OWWA Regional Welfare Office.
Step 4: Wait for the OWWA officer to approve your application.
Step 5: Once approved, you will be given a Notice of Award and Schedule of Scholarship Orientation.
Step 6: Attend Scholarship Orientation and Facilitate Notarization of Scholarship Agreement.
You can also send your application through email and via courier services such as LBC, J&T, JRS, and the like. When the OWWA officers receive your application, it doesn’t mean that you are automatically qualified to receive the grant. This only means that you are qualified to take the national competitive exam administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Only 200 passers can qualify for the Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP)
Video: OWWA Admin Explains programs for scholars
Watch this interview of CNN Philippines with OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cardac who talks about the scholarship programs of OWWA, qualifications, and application procedure, and how these programs will help the OFWs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still apply for the Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) even if I’m already in my second year in college?
Yes. The Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) accepts incoming students and students who are already enrolled in college.
Is there an age limit to be qualified for the ODSP?
Yes. Incoming students or freshmen must not be over 21 years old and 30 years old for students who are already in college.
How much will I receive in the ODSP?
The Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) provides financial assistance worth Php 20,000 per academic year.
Where can I apply for the ODSP?
You can go directly to the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) or you can send it via email and courier services.
Can I transfer the ODSP grant to my other siblings?
No. The Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) grant is non-transferable.
If both parents are OFWs, can they apply for their two children?
No. The Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) only accepts one child per family. However, you may want to check other OWWA programs and services that can accommodate the other child.
Summary
Every parents dream of giving their children the best education they can offer. However, with the inflation that we are all experiencing, the tuition fees, and other school materials becoming more expensive, this dream just become a dream for most Filipinos. This is also one of the reasons why Filipinos choose to work abroad and sacrifice for their family.
The OWWA recognized the sacrifices that our OFWs. This is the reason why they created the Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) to help OFWs dependents with their education. This program will help OFWs in providing education for their family and it will help young Filipino students to study hard and reach for their dream.
The OWWA encourages all OFWs and their dependents to take advantage of all the programs and services they offer. To check all their programs and services, check their website at https://owwa.gov.ph.