Quick Answer: Under the Iskolar ng Bayan Act (RA 10648), all freshman students admitted to state universities and colleges (SUCs) receive a scholarship covering tuition, allowances, and other school fees for one year. Beyond that, SUCs like UP, PUP, and PLM offer their own scholarship and financial aid programs based on academic merit and financial need.
Introduction
The Philippines has one of the most robust public higher education systems in Southeast Asia, with over 110 state universities and colleges (SUCs) spread across the country. For Filipino families, SUCs represent the most affordable — and often the most prestigious — pathway to a college degree. What many students and parents do not realize is that beyond the already-subsidized tuition, there are multiple scholarship programs available at these institutions that can cover not just tuition, but also allowances, book subsidies, and even boarding.
The cornerstone is the Iskolar ng Bayan Act (Republic Act 10648), which guarantees scholarships for qualifying freshmen at SUCs. But the landscape goes far beyond that single law. Each major SUC — from the University of the Philippines to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines to the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila — has its own array of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs. This guide maps out everything you need to know to access these opportunities.
The Iskolar ng Bayan Act (RA 10648)
Signed into law in 2014, Republic Act 10648 — the Iskolar ng Bayan Act — provides automatic scholarships to qualified incoming freshmen at state universities and colleges.
Who Qualifies?
- Incoming freshmen admitted to any SUC
- Must belong to the top 10 graduates of public high schools nationwide OR have passed the SUC's admission test and belong to the top qualifying examinees
- Must come from families with a combined annual gross income of not more than PHP 300,000
- Must be a Filipino citizen
What Benefits Are Covered?
- Full tuition and all school fees for the first academic year
- A monthly stipend (amount varies by SUC, typically PHP 3,000-5,000/month)
- Book and supplies allowance
- Uniform allowance (at some SUCs)
How to Apply
Application is generally automatic upon admission. When you pass the entrance exam and enroll as a freshman at a SUC, the school's Office of Student Affairs or Scholarship Office will assess your eligibility. You may need to submit:
- Proof of income (parents' ITR, Certificate of Tax Exemption, or Barangay Certificate of Indigency)
- Certificate of Ranking from your high school (top 10 graduate)
- Copy of entrance exam results
- Accomplished scholarship application form
Important Notes
- The Iskolar ng Bayan scholarship covers only the first year. To continue receiving financial aid, you must qualify for the SUC's own institutional scholarship programs.
- The scholarship is non-transferable — it applies only to the SUC where you are admitted.
- Scholars must maintain a satisfactory GPA to remain in good standing.
The Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931)
Before diving into individual SUC scholarships, it is crucial to understand RA 10931, also known as the Free Higher Education Act, signed in 2017. This law provides:
- Free tuition and miscellaneous fees at all SUCs for Filipino students
- Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) — A living allowance for students from low-income families (approximately PHP 20,000-40,000 per year in stipends, book, and transportation allowances)
- Student Loan Program — For students at private higher education institutions
This means that even without a scholarship, tuition at SUCs is already free. Scholarships at SUCs therefore primarily provide additional benefits like stipends, book allowances, and priority enrollment — which can make a significant difference for students from low-income families.
Major SUC Scholarship Programs
University of the Philippines — Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP)
The University of the Philippines uses STFAP to classify students into income brackets and provide financial assistance accordingly.
STFAP Brackets
| Bracket | Annual Family Income | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Bracket A | Below PHP 100,000 | Full tuition waiver + monthly stipend (PHP 3,000-5,000) + book allowance + free dormitory (if available) |
| Bracket B | PHP 100,001 - PHP 250,000 | Full tuition waiver + partial stipend |
| Bracket C | PHP 250,001 - PHP 500,000 | Full tuition waiver (under RA 10931) |
| Bracket D | PHP 500,001 - PHP 1,000,000 | Full tuition waiver (under RA 10931) |
| Bracket E | Above PHP 1,000,000 | Full tuition waiver (under RA 10931), no additional aid |
Additional UP Scholarship Programs
- UP Oblation Scholarship — For UPCAT top qualifiers. Full tuition waiver + monthly stipend of PHP 5,000 + book allowance.
- UP Gantimpala Scholarship — For students with high academic performance during their stay in UP. Based on semester GWA.
- UP DOST Scholarship — For students enrolled in DOST-identified priority S&T courses. Provides PHP 7,000 monthly stipend + tuition + book allowance.
- UP Alumni Association Scholarships — Various scholarships funded by UP alumni chapters.
How to Apply
All incoming UP freshmen fill out the STFAP Assessment Form during enrollment. You will need to submit:
- Parents' Income Tax Return (ITR) or Certificate of Tax Exemption
- Barangay Certificate of Residency
- STFAP Interview (scheduled by the Office of Scholarships and Grants)
Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)
PUP is one of the largest SUCs in the country, known for serving working-class students. Beyond free tuition under RA 10931, PUP offers:
- PUP Iskolar ng Bayan Program — For top PUPCET passers. Covers additional allowances and priority enrollment.
- PUP Academic Excellence Scholarship — For students maintaining a GWA of 1.0-1.50. Provides a monthly stipend.
- PUP Student Assistantship Program — Part-time campus employment for students who need financial support. Students work 4 hours/day in exchange for a monthly allowance.
- Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) — PHP 20,000-40,000/year in stipends for students from low-income families.
- PUP External Scholarships — PUP partners with private corporations and NGOs for additional scholarship grants.
Requirements for PUP Scholarships
- Maintain a GWA of 1.75 or better (for academic scholarships)
- Full-time enrollment status
- No failing grades
- Good moral character
- Proof of financial need (for need-based grants)
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM)
PLM is unique as a city-funded university offering completely free education to Manila residents — even before RA 10931. PLM scholarships include:
- PLM Full Scholarship (Manila Residents) — Free tuition, miscellaneous fees, and book allowance. Must be a legal resident of Manila.
- PLM Academic Excellence Award — For students with a GWA of 1.0-1.25. Monthly stipend + certificate of recognition.
- PLM Student Assistantship — Part-time campus work with monthly stipend.
- PLM External Grants — Partnerships with Manila City government, SM Foundation, and other sponsors.
PLM Residency Requirement
PLM prioritizes Manila residents. To qualify for the full scholarship, you must provide proof of Manila residency (barangay certificate, utility bills, or voter's ID showing a Manila address). Non-Manila residents may enroll but pay higher fees and are ineligible for the city-funded scholarship.
Other Notable SUC Scholarship Programs
| State University | Key Scholarship Programs | Notable Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Philippine Normal University | PNU Academic Scholarship, TES | Full tuition + stipend. Prioritizes education majors. |
| Mindanao State University | MSU Scholarship Program | Full tuition + board and lodging for scholars from underserved Mindanao communities. |
| Bulacan State University | BulSU Academic Scholarship | GWA-based stipend + tuition waiver. |
| Technological University of the Philippines | TUP Academic Excellence Program | Stipend + priority enrollment for top performers in engineering and technology programs. |
| Batangas State University | BatState-U Merit Scholarship | GWA-based scholarship with monthly stipend + book allowance. |
| Cavite State University | CvSU Academic Scholarship | GWA-based, full tuition + monthly allowance. |
CHED Scholarship Programs
Beyond individual SUC scholarships, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) administers national scholarship programs available to students at both public and private institutions:
CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP)
- For students in the top 10% of the National Achievement Test (NAT) or equivalent
- Full tuition + PHP 5,000/month stipend + PHP 5,000/year book allowance
- Must enroll in a CHED-identified priority program (engineering, science, education, agriculture, etc.)
CHED Full Merit Scholarship
- For valedictorians and salutatorians of public and private high schools
- Covers tuition, stipend, book allowance, and graduation fees
- Must maintain a GWA of 2.0 or better
CHED Half Merit Scholarship
- For students ranking 3rd to 10th in their high school graduating class
- Covers 50% of tuition + partial stipend
- Must maintain a GWA of 2.25 or better
Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES)
- Under RA 10931, available to all qualifying students at SUCs
- Benefits: PHP 20,000-40,000 per year covering living expenses, books, supplies, and transportation
- Based on financial need — assessed using the Listahanan (DSWD's National Household Targeting System) or equivalent income documentation
DOST-SEI Scholarship Programs
The Department of Science and Technology — Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) offers some of the most generous scholarships in the country:
RA 7687 Science and Technology Scholarship
- For students enrolling in science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and math (STEAM) programs
- Full tuition + PHP 7,000/month stipend + PHP 10,000/year book allowance + graduation clothing allowance
- Must pass the DOST-SEI Scholarship Exam (held annually around October-December of Grade 12)
- Must maintain a GWA of 2.0 or better with no grade lower than 2.75
- Return service obligation — Scholars must work in the Philippines for a period equal to the length of their scholarship after graduation
RA 10612 JLSS (Junior Level Science Scholarship)
- For students completing their first two years of college in S&T programs
- Provides continued support through the senior years
How to Maintain Your SUC Scholarship
Getting the scholarship is only half the battle. Maintaining it requires discipline:
- Meet the GWA requirement. Most SUC scholarships require a minimum GWA each semester — typically 1.75 to 2.25 on a 5-point scale. One bad semester can put you on probation or revoke your scholarship.
- Carry a full academic load. Part-time enrollment or underloading may disqualify you. Check your specific scholarship's unit requirement.
- No failing grades. A single grade of 5.0 (failure) or INC (incomplete) that is not resolved within the grace period can result in scholarship termination.
- Avoid disciplinary cases. Scholarship holders are expected to maintain good moral standing. A suspension or disciplinary action can lead to revocation.
- Submit requirements on time. Renewal applications, grade reports, and financial documents must be submitted each semester by the deadline. Missing the deadline means losing the scholarship for that term.
- Attend required activities. Some scholarships require participation in community service, mentoring programs, or scholar assemblies.
Comparison: Major SUC Scholarship Benefits
| Feature | UP STFAP (Bracket A) | PUP Academic Excellence | PLM Full Scholarship | DOST-SEI | CHED Merit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Fully covered | Fully covered (RA 10931) | Fully covered | Fully covered | Fully covered |
| Monthly Stipend | PHP 3,000-5,000 | PHP 2,000-3,000 | PHP 2,000-3,000 | PHP 7,000 | PHP 5,000 |
| Book Allowance | Yes | No | Yes | PHP 10,000/year | PHP 5,000/year |
| Dormitory/Boarding | Priority access | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included |
| GWA Requirement | Varies by bracket | 1.50 or better | 1.25 or better | 2.0 or better | 2.0 or better |
| Return Service | None | None | None | Yes (equal to scholarship duration) | None |
| Open to Private School Students | N/A (UP only) | N/A (PUP only) | N/A (PLM only) | Yes (any CHED-accredited school) | Yes (any CHED-accredited school) |
How to Choose the Right Scholarship
- Assess your financial need first. If tuition is your primary concern, remember that RA 10931 already covers tuition at all SUCs. Focus on scholarships that provide stipends and living allowances — that is where the real financial burden lies.
- Match the scholarship to your program. DOST-SEI is ideal if you are in a STEAM field. CHED Merit works across disciplines. SUC-specific scholarships may have program restrictions.
- Consider the return service obligation. DOST-SEI requires you to work in the Philippines after graduation for a period equal to your scholarship duration. If you plan to work abroad immediately, factor this in.
- Apply to multiple scholarships. You can hold multiple scholarships simultaneously as long as the benefits do not overlap (e.g., you cannot receive tuition waivers from two sources). Layer a tuition scholarship with a separate stipend grant.
- Check the GWA requirement before committing. If you are in a demanding program like engineering or pre-med, maintaining a 1.50 GWA may be extremely difficult. Choose a scholarship with a realistic GWA threshold.
- Look beyond national programs. Many SUCs have local government-sponsored scholarships (provincial, city, or municipal) that are less competitive but still valuable. Ask your school's scholarship office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tuition really free at all state universities?
Yes. Under RA 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act), tuition and miscellaneous fees are free at all SUCs for Filipino students. However, living expenses, books, transportation, and other personal costs are not covered — which is where scholarships become essential.
Can I receive multiple scholarships at the same time?
Yes, as long as the benefits do not overlap. For example, you can receive TES (living allowance) alongside a merit-based scholarship that covers tuition. However, you generally cannot receive two tuition waivers simultaneously.
What happens if my grades drop below the scholarship requirement?
Most scholarships place you on probationary status for one semester. If your GWA recovers, the scholarship continues. If it does not, the scholarship is revoked. You can reapply in future semesters if your grades improve.
Do I need to pass an entrance exam to get an SUC scholarship?
For the Iskolar ng Bayan Act scholarship, passing the SUC's entrance exam is a prerequisite. For DOST-SEI, you take a separate scholarship exam. For institutional scholarships, admission to the SUC is the first step.
Is the DOST scholarship only for UP students?
No. The DOST-SEI scholarship is available at any CHED-accredited college or university, public or private, as long as you enroll in a DOST-priority S&T program. Many DOST scholars attend private universities.
How do I apply for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES)?
TES applications are typically processed through the SUC's scholarship or financial aid office during enrollment. You will need to provide proof of financial need (Listahanan certification, DSWD certificate of indigency, or parents' ITR showing income below the threshold).
Can transferees apply for SUC scholarships?
Yes, but most Iskolar ng Bayan scholarships are for freshmen only. Transferees can apply for institutional scholarships based on their GWA at the new school after completing at least one semester. DOST-SEI and CHED scholarships can be continued at a new SUC with proper coordination.
What is the return service obligation for DOST scholars?
DOST-SEI scholars must work in the Philippines for a number of years equal to the length of their scholarship (typically 4-5 years). If you leave the country before completing return service, you must reimburse the total scholarship amount.
Explore State Universities on SchoolFinderPH
Ready to find the right SUC for you? Browse state universities across the Philippines on SchoolFinderPH. Compare programs, scholarship offerings, and campus life at schools in Manila, Quezon City, Cebu, Davao, and every region of the country. Your scholarship journey starts with choosing the right school.