How to Apply for OWWA Scholarship: A Comprehensive Guide

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), recognized as the country's modern-day heroes, have always been huge contributors to the Philippine economy for their remittances. These remittances are then used by their families to purchase goods and services, which serve to benefit businesses and the country as a whole.

With the formation of the Department of Migrant Workers, the Philippine government is making more programs to express its appreciation for the major role that our overseas workers play in helping to boost the country's economic aspirations.

One of the programs highlighted for our OFWs is the scholarship program developed for qualified OFW dependents. In this blog, Lumina Homes will give you a comprehensive guide on how to submit an application for the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) scholarship program.

How to Apply for OWWA Scholarship this 2023

There are two scholarship programs for qualified OWWA dependents. These are:

• Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) 

• OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP)

What is EDSP and its Qualifications?

EDSP is a scholarship grant to qualified dependents of OFWs. The maximum benefit is ₱60,000 per academic year until the accomplishment and completion of the baccalaureate course in four to five years.

For incoming first-year students, the determination of successful applicants will be conducted via a DOST-facilitated national examination. Only the top 400 passers will be considered for entry as first-year students, while 600 slots are awaiting those who are already enrolled in college.

A qualified applicant must be a child of an active OFW/OWWA member or a sibling of the unmarried OWWA member who is:

1. A Senior High School student (Grade 12)

• The General Weighted Average (GWA) must be at least 80 percent with no failing remarks upon application

• Must pass the qualifying DOST-conducted examination and be part of the top 400 passers nationwide

2. An incoming freshman (1st-year college)

• Must be single

• Must be a Grade 11 graduate or currently enrolled as a Grade 12 student

• Must not be more than 21 years of age

• The General Weighted Average (GWA) must be at least 80 percent or higher. In the event that GWA is not yet available at the time of application, the academic performance of the applicant in the past two school years will be used for eligibility evaluation

• Must pass the qualifying DOST-conducted examination and be part of the top 400 passers nationwide

3. Already enrolled in 2nd year to 5th year college

• Not more than 30 years old

• With a GWA of 85 percent or its equivalent

Requirements to Apply for EDSP

• Scholarship Application Form (available at OWWA Regional Welfare Office)

• OFW Membership Record (available at OWWA Regional Welfare Office)

• Two (2) pieces of ID picture with a name tag/Government Issued or Company Issued ID

• At least one (1) valid ID of the OFW member and/or Authorized Representative

• Proof of Relationship to OFW Member (i.e. OFW Birth Certificate, OFW CENOMAR, and/or the dependent's birth certificate

• Dependent’s Form 137 / Certified True Copy of Form 138 / Transcript of Records (TOR)

• For incoming first-year students, 80 percent GWA with no failing grades

• For second to fifth-year students, 85 percent GWA with no failing grades

• For Incoming first-year college students, Notice from RWOs of qualifying for the DOST-OWWA Pre-Qualifying Examination for EDSP

• Certificate of Good Moral Character

• Medical Certificate indicating physical fitness and no pre-existing medical condition(s)

What is ODSP and its Qualifications?

ODSP is a scholarship program offering financial assistance with an amount of ₱20,000 per school year. ODSP is available for qualified dependents of OFWs who have a monthly salary of not more than $600. Applicants must show proof of intent to enroll, must be currently enrolled, or have been enrolled already in any four-year or five-year baccalaureate course or associate course in a university.

A qualified applicant must be a child of an active OFW/OWWA member or a sibling of the unmarried OWWA member who is: 

An incoming college freshman

• Must be single

• Must be a grade 11 graduate or currently enrolled as a Grade 12 student

• Not more than 21 years old

• With a passing grade 

Those who are already enrolled in the second year to fifth year in college must be:

• Single

• Not more than 30 years old

• With a passing grade 

Requirements to Apply for ODSP

• Scholarship Application Form (available at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office)

• OFW Membership Record (available at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office)

• Two (2) pieces of ID picture with a name tag/Government Issued or Company Issued ID

• At least one (1) valid ID of the OFW member and/or Authorized Representative

• Establish Proof of Relationship to OWWA member (i.e. OFW Birth Certificate, OFW CENOMAR, and/or the dependent's birth certificate)

• Applicant's Form 137/ Certified true copy of Form 138/ Transcript of Records (TOR) indicating 80-or-more percent GWA with no failing remarks

• Certificate of Good Moral Character

• Medical Certificate indicating physical fitness and no pre-existing medical condition(s)

OWWA Scholarship Application Process:

• Visit the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office covering the permanent mailing address of the OFW you are a dependent of.

• From there, you must queue in the line or get a queuing number intended for the EDSP/ODSP scholarship application.

• You must present the ID of the OFW member alongside other key requirements to the Membership Verification Desk.

• You must get a Notice of Award and Schedule of Scholarship Orientation evaluation.

• You must attend Scholarship Orientation and must Facilitate the Notarization of the Scholarship Agreement.

Scholarship grants for the qualified dependents of active OWWA members are one way for the national government to give back to our modern-day heroes. In fact, our OFWs are also key drivers in the demand for residential real estate properties, as OFWs with active OWWA membership often choose to invest in residential real estate to attain their dreamt house and lot in the Philippines.

What is more, a real estate investment is best for OFWs since real estate properties are tangible assets as opposed to mutual funds and stock investing. It is a safe long-term investment with fewer risks yet higher returns.

If you are on the active hunt for a affordable house and lot for sale in your province, Lumina Homes is a prime provider of affordable house and lot from over 50 key housing communities in the country. With affordability and quality as our two main offers in our house and lots, you can be certain that investing in Lumina Homes will be worthwhile. Become a Lumina homeowner this 2023 and expect quality lifestyle amenities.