The OWWA provides a variety of scholarships to the dependents of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). If you’re a dependent of an OWWA member, you may be eligible to apply for an OWWA scholarship. This complete guide will cover the types of OWWA scholarships, the OWWA scholarship qualifications and requirements, and how to apply for OWWA scholarships if qualified.
What Is the OWWA Scholarship
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (short for OWWA) is a non-profit organization that promotes the welfare and well-being of overseas Filipino workers (short for OFWs). OWWA offers a variety of scholarships to OFW dependents to assist with their education. If you are an OWWA active member’s dependent or sibling who needs financial assistance while in school, you may be eligible to apply for an OWWA scholarship. Such scholarships are the best options for Filipino students whose parents are employed abroad.
OWWA Scholarship Types
There are three types of OWWA scholarship programs offered by the OWWA. The details of each scholarship program are in detail as follows.
Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)
EDSP is a scholarship grant for qualifying dependents of OWWA members who belong to the top examinees of the OWWA pre-qualifying examination administered by the Department of Science and Technology Science and Education Institute. Only the top 400 students who pass the DOST national examinations will be considered for admission to the program. This program provides a scholarship of Php 60000 per school year until the completion of the 4-5 years bachelor course.
OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP)
ODSP is a scholarship program granted to qualified dependents of OWWA members who receive a monthly salary of not more than US $600. Eligible applicants shall enroll, are currently enrolled, or have been enrolled in a 4 or 5-year bachelor course in any university in the Philippines. This program provides financial assistance of Php 20000 per school year.
Education and Livelihood Assistance Program for the Dependents of Deceased OFW Members (ELAP)
ELAP is a scholarship program designed for survivors of deceased OFWs who were active OWWA members at the time of their deaths; as well as the families of OFWs who are incarcerated, convicted, and given the death penalty abroad.
Aside from the livelihood assistance of Php 1500, this program provides education assistance for a qualified dependent: Php 5000 for primary school or kindergarten, Php 8000 for secondary, and Php 10000 for higher education.
Who Are Eligible to Apply for the OWWA Scholarship
Generally, a child of an active OWWA member or a sibling of a single active OWWA member may be eligible to apply for the OWWA scholarship. The applicant must not be the recipient of other scholarships, otherwise, the OWWA scholarship application may be rejected. In addition, there are qualifications for each scholarship program.
Qualifications for EDSP
- Incoming grade 12 applicants must have at least 80% GWA, pass the examination conducted by DOST, and belong to the top 400 qualifiers across the country.
- Incoming 1st-year college applicants must be single and under 21 with at least 80% GWA and belong to the top 400 qualifiers nationwide.
- Applicants enrolling in the 2nd-5th year of college must be under 30, with a GWA not lower than a B grade in all subjects during the last school year.
Qualifications for ODSP
- Incoming 1st-year college applicants must be single and are under the age of 21 with at least 80% GWA.
- Applicants enrolling in the 2nd-5th year of college must be under 30 with at least 80% GWA.
- The OWWA member receives a salary of no more than USD 600 per month.
Qualifications for ELAP
- Incoming 1st-year college applicants must be single and under 21, with at least 80% GWA.
- Applicants enrolling in the 2nd-5th year of college must be under 30, with a GWA of 80% in all subjects during the last school year.
OWWA Scholarship Requirements
Here is the list of documents required to apply for any OWWA scholarship program:
- Completed OWWA scholarship application form.
- OFW Membership Record.
- One valid ID of the OFW.
- Proof of relationship to OFW Member: applicant’s birth certificate if the applicant is a child of OFW; certificate of no marriage if OFW is single; marriage certificate if the applicant is the spouse of OFW; birth certificate of OFW if the applicant is a sibling or parent of OFW. Dependent’s Form 137, Certified True Copy of Form 138, or Transcript of Records (at least 80% GWA without failing grades).
- Certificate of Good Moral.
- Medical Certificate.
- 2pcs 2×2 colored ID photos.
If you apply for the EDSP program, you need the following documents additionally:
- Notice from OWWA Regional Welfare Office of qualifying for the DOST-OWWA for incoming 1st-year college applicants.
- Pre-Qualifying Examination for EDSP.
If you apply for the ELAP program, you need the following documents additionally:
- Death certificate of OFW.
- Business plan.
- Entrepreneurial development training certificate.
- Certificate of Grades (if college level).
How to Make 2×2 Photos for OWWA Scholarship Application
Taking a 2×2 photo in photo studios can be money-consuming. What’s more, you might not want to spend too much time waiting in line if you have an urgent request for the OWWA scholarship application. A cost and time-effective way is to make 2×2 biometric photos at home using AiPassportPhotos. Backed by AI tech, it is an online photo tool that automatically checks and adjusts your photo. Follow the simple steps to get a 100% compliant 2×2 photo for your OWWA scholarship application:
Step 1. Upload the photo:
Upload an image recently taken to the AiPassportPhotos website.
Step 2. Run a compliance test:
AiPassportPhotos will automatically run a quick compliance test on the image.
Step 3. Crop the photo:
If the image passes the test, AiPassportPhotos will automatically crop the photo and remove the unwanted background. If the image does not pass the test, AiPassportPhotos will notify you with the details.
Step 4. Download and print the photo:
Download the digital and printable template of the 2×2 photo for the OWWA scholarship application. You can print it on high-quality photo paper with a printer; alternatively, you can print it in a photocopy store nearby.
How to Apply for the OWWA Scholarship
If you are qualified for an OWWA scholarship program, you may start the application process as soon as possible. Here is a guide on how to apply for an OWWA scholarship program online.
Step 1. Access the OWWA Scholarship Online Application Portal.
Visit the OWWA Scholarship Online Application official site and select one scholarship program. Confirm your eligibility for the scholarship program.
Step 2. Complete the application form
Download the OWWA scholarship application form and complete it. Review your details carefully.
Step 3. Submit Your Application
Fill in the information and submit the required documents online.
Step 4. Wait for the evaluation
You will receive a notification from the OWWA office if you are in the applicant slots.
Step 5. Attend the scholarship orientation and receive the scholarship.
Alternatively, you may apply for the scholarship at an OWWA regional office.
- Visit your nearest OWWA regional office and get a queueing number.
- Get and complete the OWWA scholarship application form in the office.
- Present all the necessary documents to the officer.
- Wait for the evaluation and the notification from the OWWA office if you are in the applicant slots.
- Attend the scholarship orientation and receive the scholarship.
Either way, please make sure all documents you submit are complete and accurate, or they may cause your one-time-per-year precious scholarship application to be rejected.
OWWA Scholarship 2024 to 2025 Deadline
The 2024 to 2025 OWWA scholarship online application is open to apply starting in June. The application deadline is the first week of August. Please prepare the documents and start the application soon if you are eligible in case of missing it.
Benefits of the OWWA Scholarship
The OWWA scholarship offers a variety of benefits for its recipients under different programs.
- For the OWWA scholarship benefits under ODSP, each recipient will receive financial assistance of Php 20000 per academic year until the completion of the course.
- For the OWWA scholarship benefits under the EDSP, each recipient will receive financial assistance of Php 60000 per academic year until the completion of the course.
- For the OWWA scholarship benefits under the ELAP, each recipient will receive both livelihood assistance of Php 1500 and educational assistance for the continuing education of the dependent.
Summary
This guide covers everything about the OWWA scholarship, including the types of OWWA scholarships, the OWWA scholarship qualifications and required documents, and how to apply for an OWWA scholarship. You can either go for the OWWA scholarship online application or visit the nearest OWWA regional office. Please note that the 2024 to 2025 OWWA scholarship program application is already open in June and ends in the first week of August. If you are eligible to apply for an OWWA scholarship program, seize this chance to apply and strive for your academic aspirations. Best of luck with your application!