College applications already come with a lot to think about, and tuition is often one of the biggest concerns. But knowing which programs open each year—and when—can help you plan ahead and avoid scrambling at the last minute.
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Many scholarships have limited slots and multiple screening stages, so being aware of deadlines early on can be useful. If you’re considering applying for financial aid in the coming school year, here are several scholarship opportunities expected to open in 2026.
SM College Scholarship
The SM College Scholarship is open to grade 12 graduates who plan to take up selected courses in science, technology, engineering, and accountancy. Applicants may come from either public or private schools, though private school students must be DepEd voucher recipients and have completed grade 10 in a public high school.
Applicants are expected to have at least a 92% general weighted average for the first semester of grade 12. Household income should not go beyond ₱250,000 per year.
Those who pass the initial screening move on to an exam, followed by an interview with the SM Foundation on the same day. A home visit comes next. Successful applicants are then contacted to confirm their chosen school and degree program before orientation and contract signing.
Applications are typically accepted from February to March. A list of partner schools is available on the SM Foundation website.
Ayala Foundation U-GO Scholar Grant
The U-GO Scholar Grant supports Filipino students enrolled in state universities who show academic potential and financial need. The program has been active since 2023 and has supported hundreds of scholars nationwide.
Applicants may be incoming first-, second-, or third-year college students. Fourth-year students may apply only if they are enrolled in a five-year course. Those with existing scholarships are not eligible.
Aside from maintaining a GPA of at least 85%, applicants are expected to demonstrate community involvement and good conduct. Required documents include proof of enrollment, recent grades, and accepted financial documents.
Applications for Academic Year 2026–2027 are currently closed, but the program usually reopens mid-year. Announcements are made through Ayala Foundation’s official channels.
Megaworld Foundation Inc.
Megaworld Foundation Inc. offers scholarships that cover tuition and allowances, with the added possibility of employment opportunities after graduation. The foundation works with several private and state universities across the country.
For incoming freshmen, applicants are generally required to submit their senior high school report card with a minimum average of 85% and no grades below 80%. Proof of college admission or passing an entrance exam may also be requested.
Students already in college may apply as incoming sophomores or juniors, provided they meet the required GPA and are enrolled in a full academic load.
All applicants are asked to submit documents related to family income, personal identification, and school endorsement. Applications are completed online using scanned copies, while original documents are submitted later in the process.
While the official schedule has not yet been released, applications usually open around March or April.
Aboitiz Future Leaders Scholarship Program
The Aboitiz Future Leaders Scholarship Program focuses on supporting academically strong students through financial assistance, mentorship, and leadership training.
Applications are processed through partner universities, so interested students are advised to check whether their school participates in the program. Shortlisted applicants are contacted by email and interviewed on campus.
Eligible applicants must be sophomore students enrolled in approved degree programs, with no failing grades and no disciplinary record. Partner schools include Ateneo de Manila University, selected University of the Philippines campuses, De La Salle University, Mapúa University Manila, and the University of Santo Tomas.
The scholarship application period usually begins around August.
CHED Merit Scholarship
Offered by the Commission on Higher Education, the CHED Merit Scholarship Program is open to students entering or currently in their first year of college who have demonstrated strong academic performance.
Applicants must be Filipino citizens and senior high school graduates with a final GWA of at least 93%. The combined annual income of parents or guardians must not exceed ₱500,000.
CHED also considers applicants from various equity groups during ranking, including first-generation college students, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and other marginalized sectors, as long as minimum requirements are met.
Applications are typically accepted between May and June, with complete details and forms available on CHED’s official website.
Staying informed about scholarship openings can help with planning ahead, especially as application timelines vary throughout the year. For the most accurate and updated details, it’s best to check announcements directly from the organizations offering these programs.
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