The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) offers various scholarship programs for the dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). These scholarships aim to provide financial assistance to qualified students who wish to pursue their studies in college or university. However, there are specific requirements that applicants must meet to be eligible for these scholarships.
Eligibility criteria for OWWA scholarships vary depending on the program. Some scholarships require that the OFW must be an active OWWA member, while others require that the OFW must be a land-based or sea-based worker. Additionally, applicants must also meet the academic requirements set by the program, such as a minimum grade point average or a specific course of study. It is important to note that these scholarships are highly competitive, and meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee acceptance.
The application process for OWWA scholarships typically involves filling out an online application form and submitting supporting documents, such as academic records, proof of OWWA membership, and proof of income. Applicants must also undergo a selection process, which may include an interview and a written examination. It is important to follow all application instructions carefully and submit all required documents on time to avoid disqualification.
Key Takeaways
- OWWA scholarships provide financial assistance to qualified students who wish to pursue their studies in college or university.
- Eligibility criteria vary depending on the program and may include academic requirements and proof of OWWA membership.
- The application process involves filling out an online application form, submitting supporting documents, and undergoing a selection process.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the OWWA Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Age Requirements
Applicants must be 21 years old or younger at the time of application. There is no minimum age requirement.
Academic Qualifications
Applicants must have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 80% and belong to the upper 20% of the graduating class. For incoming freshmen, the selection of scholars is determined through the DOST national examinations. Only the top 400 passers are considered for entry as freshmen; 600 slots are available for those who are already enrolled in college.
Income Threshold
The applicant’s family income should not exceed Php 300,000.00 per year. This includes the income of the OFW parent or sibling, as well as the income of other family members.
Membership Status
The applicant must be a dependent of an active OWWA member who has paid the membership contribution for at least three consecutive years. The applicant may also be a brother or sister of an unmarried OWWA member.
It is important to note that meeting these criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the program. The selection process is highly competitive, and only a limited number of scholarships are awarded each year.
Application Process
To apply for the OWWA scholarship, applicants must follow a specific application process. The process involves three main stages: submission of required documents, submission guidelines, and selection procedure.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents before applying for the OWWA scholarship:
- Accomplished application form
- Proof of OWWA membership
- Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB) or passport
- Two (2) copies of 2×2 ID photo
Applicants must ensure that all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays in the processing of their application.
Submission Guidelines
After preparing the required documents, applicants must submit their application to the nearest OWWA regional office that covers the permanent address of the OFW member. Applicants must present their OFW member ID and get a queuing number for the ODSP scholarship application. They must then proceed to the Membership Verification Desk to submit their requirements.
Selection Procedure
The selection process for the OWWA scholarship involves the following stages:
- Preliminary screening of applications – OWWA will verify the completeness and accuracy of the documents submitted by the applicant.
- Competitive examination – Applicants who pass the preliminary screening will take a competitive examination to determine their eligibility for the scholarship.
- Interview – Applicants who pass the competitive examination will undergo an interview to assess their communication skills, academic performance, and leadership potential.
- Final screening – OWWA will conduct a final screening of the applicants who passed the interview to determine the final list of scholars.
Overall, the application process for the OWWA scholarship is straightforward and requires applicants to follow the submission guidelines and prepare the required documents carefully.
Also, read about Free Scholarships for Girls: How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are needed to apply for the OWWA Scholarship Program?
To apply for the OWWA Scholarship Program, applicants need to submit the following documents:
- Accomplished application form
- Two (2) 2×2 ID pictures
- Certificate of Grades for the last school year attended
- Certificate of Good Moral Character from the school last attended
- Proof of OWWA membership of OFW or seafarer or a certified true copy of OWWA contribution payment
- Proof of relationship to the OWWA member (birth certificate of the applicant or marriage contract of the parent, if applicable)
When is the deadline for submitting the OWWA Scholarship application form?
The deadline for submitting the OWWA Scholarship application form varies every year, but it is usually around the end of May or early June. Applicants are advised to check the OWWA website or visit the nearest OWWA office for the exact deadline.
What educational courses are covered under the OWWA Scholarship?
The OWWA Scholarship covers baccalaureate courses in any field of specialization. The scholarship grant is good for a maximum of five (5) years or until the completion of the course, whichever comes first.
How can I access the OWWA Scholarship online application for the academic year 2024-2025?
To access the OWWA Scholarship online application for the academic year 2024-2025, applicants can visit the OWWA Scholarship Online Application portal at https://scholarship.owwa.gov.ph. They need to register and create an account before they can start filling out the application form.
What are the eligibility criteria for applying to the OWWA Scholarship Program?
To be eligible for the OWWA Scholarship Program, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a Filipino citizen
- Must be a dependent of an active OWWA member or an OFW or seafarer
- Must have a GPA of at least 80% or its equivalent
- Must not be more than 21 years old at the time of application
- Must pass the qualifying examination and interview conducted by OWWA
How can I verify my active membership status with OWWA for scholarship eligibility?
To verify active membership status with OWWA, applicants can visit the nearest OWWA office in their area or check their membership status online at the OWWA website. They can also call the OWWA hotline at (02) 834-0717 or send an email to owwa_opcenter@owwa.gov.ph for assistance.