Filipino expats with children and dependents who are looking for financial assistance with their education can explore government scholarships available for them. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) announced that applications for two scholarship grants, the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) and the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP), are now open from July 26 to August 16. These scholarships offer allowances of up to Php60,000 per school year, providing much-needed support for students.
The EDSP scholarship is aimed at overseas Filipino workers’ (OFWs) children and dependents in the second to fifth year of college. On the other hand, the ODSP scholarship is for those in the first to fifth year of college. First-year scholars for the EDSP program are determined by national exams in science and technology. To be eligible for these scholarships, students need to meet specific criteria such as not being more than 30 years old and maintaining a minimum General Weighted Average (GWA) of B or 85% in all subjects throughout the previous school year.
The ODSP scholarship provides a Php20,000 allowance per school year to qualified dependents of OFWs earning a monthly salary of not more than $600 or Php34,000. Incoming freshmen must be single, currently enrolled or incoming Grade 12 students, not more than 21 years old, and with passing grades. Meanwhile, second to fifth-year college students applying for the ODSP scholarship must also be single, not more than 30 years old, and maintain passing grades to be considered eligible.
Applicants interested in these scholarships can visit the Owwa website to review the complete list of requirements and then proceed to any Owwa Regional Office to submit their applications. These scholarships aim to alleviate the financial burden for Filipino expat families, providing opportunities for children and dependents to pursue their education without worrying about the costs. By taking advantage of these scholarship programs, eligible students can access financial support that can make a significant difference in their academic journey and future career prospects.
In conclusion, the government scholarships offered by Owwa provide a valuable opportunity for Filipino expat families to invest in their children’s education. By offering financial assistance of up to Php60,000 per school year through the EDSP and Php20,000 through the ODSP, these scholarships aim to support students in their academic pursuits. Eligible students must meet specific criteria, such as age restrictions and academic performance, to qualify for these scholarships. By taking advantage of these opportunities, Filipino expat families can ensure that their children have access to quality education and promising career opportunities in the future.
Ultimately, the application period for these scholarships is open for a limited time, from July 26 to August 16, so interested individuals should act promptly to submit their applications. By accessing these scholarships, Filipino expat families can alleviate the financial burden of education expenses and provide their children with the support they need to succeed academically. These scholarships not only benefit individuals but also contribute to the overall development and growth of the Filipino community abroad.