Complete List of OWWA Scholarship Programs
The importance of education and its positive impact on Filipinos has always been evident, especially in terms of creating an ideal learning environment and providing numerous benefits and opportunities. The Philippine government recognizes the significance of supporting the children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), who are considered the future of the country. To achieve this, the government, specifically through the Overseas Work Welfare Association (OWWA) and its initiatives, offers financial aid, scholarships, and grants to assist these individuals in completing their higher education.
The Philippines possesses a wealth of talent, and by implementing these scholarship programs, the OWWA aims to nurture and enhance the skills of these individuals, enabling them to shape their desired future. By providing financial assistance, the Complete List of OWWA Scholarship Programs ensures that eligible dependents of its members have the opportunity to pursue a better and brighter future.
Furthermore, these programs by the OWWA alleviate the financial burdens that students may face, allowing them to focus on their academic pursuits and skill development. In addition to the monetary aid, the agency hopes that the youth it supports will contribute to bridging the gap and aid in their own growth and development as competent professionals, thanks to the scholarships and grants they receive.
List of OWWA Scholarship Programs
To fully maximize these benefits, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of what each scholarship program offers. In order to learn more about them, we have compiled a comprehensive list of scholarship programs provided by OWWA under the Education and Scholarship Programs. Kindly refer to the list below:
- Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)
- Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)
- Seafarers’ Upgrading Program (SUP)
- Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP)
- Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP)
- Education and Training for Dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers (ETDOW)
- Education for Development Scholarship Program – Expanded (EDSP-X)
- OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (OFWDSP)
- Education for Development Scholarship Program in the Middle East (EDSP-ME)
- Education for Development Scholarship Program in Taiwan (EDSP-TW)
These scholarship programs aim to provide financial assistance and support to eligible individuals, particularly the dependents of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), in pursuing their education and training. Each program has specific criteria, requirements, and benefits, so we encourage you to explore the details of each program to determine which one aligns with your needs and aspirations.
For more information and application procedures, kindly visit the official website of OWWA or reach out to their respective offices.
Scholarships for Dependents
1. Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)
The Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) is a scholarship grant offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to eligible beneficiaries and dependents of active OWWA members. To be eligible for the scholarship, the beneficiaries must be among the top 400 passers of the pre-qualifying test conducted by the Department of Science & Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI).
The EDSP provides financial assistance in the form of a scholarship grant for a four- or five-year baccalaureate course at their preferred colleges or universities. The amount of financial assistance given is up to ₱60,000.00 per school year.
This scholarship program aims to support the education and development of qualified students who are dependents of OWWA members. It provides an opportunity for these students to pursue higher education and gain the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute to the development of their communities and the country as a whole.
2. Educational Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP)
The Educational Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP) is a scholarship program offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) under the Scholarship for Dependents program. It provides support in two forms: an educational scholarship grant for the beneficiary and a livelihood assistance grant for the spouse. ELAP is specifically designed to assist the dependents of active OWWA members who have passed away.
The scholarship grants vary based on the educational level of the beneficiary. Elementary school students can receive up to ₱5,000.00, high school students can receive up to ₱8,000.00, and college students can receive up to ₱10,000.00. In addition to the educational scholarships, ELAP also offers a livelihood grant of ₱15,000.00 to the spouse of the deceased overseas Filipino worker (OFW) or the remaining parent of an OFW dependent.
Please note that the information provided here is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021. It’s always recommended to verify the latest details and requirements directly from the OWWA or the relevant authorities.
3. OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP)
The OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) is a scholarship offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to dependents of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). It is available to siblings or children of OFWs who are either currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a four- or five-year baccalaureate degree program at a state college or university.
Under this program, eligible beneficiaries can receive financial assistance amounting to ₱20,000.00 per academic year. To qualify for the scholarship, the OFW must be an active OWWA member, and their monthly salary as an OFW should not exceed $600.00.
4. Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (Bridging) Program (MDA)
The Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) Program is an additional education and training support offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). This program is specifically designed for selected engineering students who aspire to become mariners and work as marine officers on board ocean vessels.
The MDA Program is intended for graduates of BS Mechanical Engineering and BS Electrical Engineering who are pursuing a course leading to a BS Marine Engineering degree. It serves as a bridging scholarship program to support these students in their transition to the field of marine engineering.
Under the MDA Program, eligible beneficiaries can receive maximum financial assistance of ₱38,120.00. In addition, they are entitled to a 3-month stipend of ₱15,000.00. This financial support aims to alleviate the financial burden on students and enable them to focus on their studies and training to become marine officers.
Please note that the information provided is based on the details you provided and may be subject to change. It’s always advisable to visit the official website of OWWA or contact their representatives for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the MDA Program.
5. OWWA Seafarers’ Upgrading Program (SUP)
the OWWA Seafarers’ Upgrading Program (SUP), designed to assist active seafarers in enhancing their skills to adapt to technological advancements and international maritime standards. This program offers a scholarship opportunity provided by the OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration).
Under the SUP, seafarers who are interested can apply and choose from a range of MARINA- or TESDA-accredited training courses offered by OWWA-approved training providers. It’s important to note that all training centers accredited by MARINA are recognized as OWWA-approved providers.
Successful applicants, also known as grantees, will receive financial support for their chosen training program. The amount of financial assistance ranges from a minimum of ₱1,200.00 to a maximum of ₱7,500.00. This assistance aims to help seafarers cover their training expenses and upgrade their skills accordingly.
The OWWA Seafarers’ Upgrading Program is a valuable opportunity for active seafarers to stay abreast of the latest industry standards and technological advancements. By participating in this program, seafarers can improve their competencies, ensuring their continued success and competitiveness in the maritime field.
Note: The information provided is based on the available details up until September 2021. Please consult the latest OWWA guidelines or contact OWWA directly for the most up-to-date information regarding the Seafarers’ Upgrading Program.
Short-Term Training Programs for OFWs & Dependents
6. Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)
The Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) is an education and training initiative introduced by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to support eligible individuals in upgrading their skills in the technical-vocational (Tech-VOC) field. This program aims to enhance the participants’ career prospects by providing access to specialized courses lasting between six months and one year.
Throughout the duration of the chosen course, beneficiaries of the scholarship program will receive financial assistance. For individuals enrolled in one-year technical courses, the program will cover the total course cost, up to a maximum of ₱14,000. Those pursuing a six-month vocational course will be provided with ₱7,250 in financial aid. The funds will be disbursed directly to the training institute where the dependents or beneficiaries of OWWA are enrolled.
The Skills for Employment Scholarship Program serves as a valuable opportunity for eligible candidates to acquire new skills and knowledge in the technical-vocational field, ultimately empowering them to pursue better employment prospects.
7. Information Technology (IT) Training Program
The Information Technology (IT) Training Program is a fundamental literacy program introduced by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Its main objective is to enhance the IT skills of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families. Initially, the program focused on establishing IT Training centers in OWWA Regional Offices and other international locations.
Over time, the program has expanded to encompass comprehensive training in various IT applications. This expansion aims to upgrade the skills and knowledge of OFWs and their dependents, enabling them to enhance their employability prospects.
The IT Training Program is designed to equip participants with the necessary IT competencies and knowledge required in today’s digital age. By providing training in a range of IT applications, the program empowers OFWs and their families to adapt to the evolving technological landscape and harness its potential for personal and professional growth.
8. Pre-Departure Education Program
Prior to their departure from the country for employment, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are required to undergo specific training programs known as the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) and Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP).
As part of this program, individuals planning to work abroad must attend a one-day PDOS, which provides orientation about their destination country and the working environment they will encounter there. For those who will be employed as domestic helpers, a four- to six-day CPDEP is necessary. This comprehensive program includes training on language skills, cultural familiarization, and stress management.”
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Special Education Scholarships
Some of the scholarship programs offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) were launched during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis:
9. Educational Assistance through Scholarship in Emergencies (Project EASE)
The Educational Assistance through Scholarship in Emergencies (Project EASE) is an educational assistance program introduced by the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA).
Under this project, eligible dependents of active OFW-members who were repatriated during the pandemic, including children of married or single parent OFWs or siblings of single OFWs, can receive educational assistance worth ₱10,000.00 per year. This financial support is provided for a maximum duration of four years to cover their college-level education.
10. Tertiary Education Subsidy for Dependents of Repatriated OFWs (Tabang OFW Program)
The Tertiary Education Subsidy for Dependents of Repatriated OFWs (Tabang OFW Program) is a special educational assistance program that has been initiated by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
The main purpose of this program is to provide financial support for college-level dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who were repatriated or displaced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the program, eligible individuals can receive a one-time grant of ₱30,000.00.
11. Tuloy-Aral Project (TAP)
The Tuloy-Aral Project (TAP) was initiated in December 2004 to provide educational assistance to underprivileged children of former overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and children from impoverished families.
The project operates through a two-step approach. Firstly, it collaborates with the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) and the OWWA Family Welfare Officers to identify successful OFWs and other organizations willing to contribute as donor volunteers. These individuals or organizations provide financial support amounting to $100.00.
Secondly, TAP takes responsibility for covering the school expenses of elementary and high school students who come from marginalized sectors of society. By shouldering these expenses, the project aims to enable these children to pursue their education and uplift their circumstances.
TAP has been instrumental in providing educational opportunities to children who would otherwise struggle to access quality education due to financial constraints. Since its launch, the project has made a significant impact on the lives of numerous disadvantaged children, empowering them to build a brighter future through education.
How to Become an OWWA Scholar?
To be considered for an OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) scholarship, being an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) or an OFW dependent does not automatically qualify you. You must fulfill certain criteria depending on the specific scholarship program offered by OWWA, in collaboration with organizations such as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), or Technical Education & Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The selection process for OWWA scholarships is rigorous and involves accreditation of participating organizations. However, any OWWA member or their dependent is eligible to apply for scholarships and educational training programs for themselves or their designated beneficiary.
CNN Philippines Discusses Education Programs and Training by OWWA
Check out this video below which features the OWWA scholarship programs. CNN Philippines talks to Hans Leo Cacdac, OWWA Admin, as he talks about the different programs and opportunities for OFWs and their families as well as the requirements.
Summary
This article outlines the various training programs and educational scholarship projects currently offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for active Complete List of OWWA Scholarship Programs members, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), their families, and eligible dependents. These initiatives encompass regular projects as well as those developed under special circumstances and funding availability.
All these projects can be found on the OWWA website and are open for application, with the condition that OFWs and their beneficiaries maintain active membership by paying their membership dues of $25.00 every two years.
OWWA memberships extend beyond scholarships and training benefits; they are primarily focused on safeguarding the rights and welfare of member OFWs and their families through various means. As an OWWA member, it is reassuring to know that numerous programs have been implemented to support OFWs and their dependents in achieving a better and brighter future.
Contact Information
For inquiries, concerns, or problems regarding the OWWA scholarships and education programs, you may also reach out to OWWA through the following:
Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA)
Office Address: F.B. Harrison St, Pasay, Metro Manila
Tel. No.: 8891-7601 to 24
OWWA hotline number: 1348, (02) 1348 (Regional), (+632) 1348 (International)
OWWA Email Address: owwacares@owwa.gov.ph
OWWA Facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/OWWAofficial
OWWA website: https://owwa.gov.ph/
