The Philippines is actively encouraging the children and siblings of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to apply for government scholarship programmes that can significantly ease the cost of college education.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), an attached agency of the Department of Migrant Workers, runs two key scholarship schemes for qualified dependents of OFWs who maintain active OWWA membership. These programmes form part of the agency’s broader welfare and support services for overseas Filipino workers and their families.
The OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) provides financial assistance of up to Php20,000 (approximately Dh1,200) per year. The more substantial Education for Development Scholarship Programme (EDSP) offers up to Php60,000 (around Dh3,600) annually. EDSP is open to Grade 12 graduates who successfully pass a qualifying examination administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
This year, two students from the province of Palawan qualified for the EDSP and have already begun receiving benefits, according to the Philippine Information Agency. Speaking at the Kapihan sa PIA forum on 29 July, OWWA-Palawan Family Welfare Officer Adignita Elijan said the agency has helped many students complete their degrees over the years. Some of these scholars have gone on to become doctors, engineers and other professionals.
In Palawan alone, around 70 new scholars were admitted to OWWA’s scholarship programmes in 2025, in addition to those already receiving continuing assistance from previous years. Elijan noted that once a student is accepted, they can continue receiving financial support until graduation even if their OFW parent or sibling later stops working abroad.
Applicants must be single, and the OFW parent or sibling must hold active OWWA membership at the time of application. Newly deployed workers are automatically enrolled in OWWA during the processing of their overseas employment through the Department of Migrant Workers. Membership remains valid for two years or for the duration of the employment contract, whichever applies.
Elijan urged OFWs to keep their membership active so their dependents remain eligible for the agency’s programmes and services. She also advised interested students and families to monitor the official OWWA website for the opening of the online application period. Because scholarship slots are limited, applicants are encouraged to prepare required documents early and ensure the OFW family member’s membership is current before submitting an application.
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The scholarships form an important support mechanism for families who rely on remittances from relatives working overseas. By reducing the financial burden of higher education, the programmes help dependents of OFWs pursue professional qualifications that can improve long-term family stability and contribute to national development.
OWWA continues to promote these opportunities across the country, highlighting success stories of past scholars who have completed degrees in various fields. The agency stresses that maintaining active membership is the key requirement that unlocks access not only to scholarships but also to other welfare services available to OFWs and their families.
Families of overseas Filipino workers are therefore advised to check eligibility criteria carefully, keep OWWA membership updated, and apply promptly when the next application window opens. With annual support reaching as high as Dh3,600 under the EDSP, the programmes offer a meaningful pathway for dependents to complete college education with reduced financial pressure.
