OWWA Scholarship 2026: EDSP, ODSP, and CMWSP Requirements and How to Apply

OWWA offers three scholarships for the families of Overseas Filipino Workers: the EDSP, the ODSP, and the CMWSP. They look alike but have different amounts, age limits, and grade rules, so it’s easy to apply for the wrong one. I read through OWWA’s scholarship page and its announcement and put the three side by side here.

The 2026 application periods have closed. If you missed them, you can still use this post to find your program and get your documents ready.

Quick summary

• EDSP: up to ₱60,000 per school year, for dependents of active OWWA members
• ODSP: ₱20,000 per school year, for dependents of OFWs
• CMWSP: up to ₱60,000 per school year, for priority Science and Technology courses
• Where to apply: scholarship.owwa.gov.ph
• 2026 application periods: EDSP Category 1 and CMWSP, September 7 to 17. EDSP Category 2 and ODSP, September 7 to 27.

Is the application open now?

No. All three application periods in OWWA’s announcement have ended:

I haven’t seen dates for the next round, so I won’t guess. The announcement is also not specific about which school year these periods are for, so confirm that with OWWA if you’re planning ahead.

The three programs compared

Every program also requires that you be single and that no other member of the OFW family has used any OWWA scholarship.

Which program fits you?

• You’re an incoming 1st-year student with a high GWA: look at EDSP Category 1 first. It pays the most.
• You’re already in 2nd to 5th year with at least 85% and no failing grades: EDSP Category 2.
• Your grades are lower or your OFW parent’s income is modest: ODSP is the one with the loosest grade rule (just passing), but it pays less.
• You’re taking a Science and Technology course: check CMWSP. It’s also the only one that covers OFWs themselves and ALS passers.

If you qualify for more than one, the page doesn’t say whether you can apply to several. It does say not to make multiple applications, so ask OWWA before you try.

EDSP: Education for Development Scholarship Program

According to OWWA, the EDSP gives qualified OFW dependents a maximum of ₱60,000 per school year until they finish a baccalaureate course (4 to 5 years).

Category 1 (incoming 1st year):

1. Child of an active OWWA member, or sibling of a single or married but childless active member
2. No other member of the OFW family has used an OWWA scholarship
3. Single
4. Not more than 21 years old
5. A Grade 12 graduating student
6. GWA of 80% or its equivalent

For incoming freshmen, OWWA says scholars are chosen through the DOST national examinations, and only the top 1,000 qualifiers are considered for entry.

Category 2 (2nd to 5th year):

1. Child of an active OWWA member, or sibling of a single or married but childless active member
2. No other member of the OFW family has used an OWWA scholarship
3. Single
4. Not more than 30 years old
5. GWA of at least 85% or its equivalent
6. No failing grades
7. Enrolled in a Philippine-based college or university

OWWA says 600 slots are for 2nd to 5th year students.

ODSP: OFW Dependent Scholarship Program

The ODSP gives ₱20,000 per school year to qualified OFW dependents who are enrolling, currently enrolled, or have been enrolled in a four- or five-year baccalaureate or associate course in a Philippine-based college or university.

Category 1 (incoming 1st year):

1. Child or sibling of an active OFW member
2. Single
3. Not more than 21 years old
4. A passing GWA from the previous school year
5. OFW monthly income of not more than USD 1,000 or its equivalent
6. No other member of the OFW family has used an OWWA scholarship

Category 2 (2nd to 5th year):

1. Child or sibling of an active OFW member
2. Single
3. Not more than 30 years old
4. A passing GWA from the previous school year
5. Enrolled in a Philippine-based college or university

OWWA also says the required monthly salary of the OFW is based on a memorandum it issues during the application period each school year. The Category 2 list doesn’t mention an income limit, but check the current memo to be sure.

CMWSP: Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program

The CMWSP is for deserving migrant workers and their immediate descendants who want to take priority courses in Science and Technology. It gives up to ₱60,000 per school year until the course is completed, and the funding comes from PCSO.

You may qualify if you are:

1. An active OFW who is not more than 45 years old
2. A child of an active or inactive OFW who is below 21
3. An applicant with a GWA of 80% and no failing grades, or within 20% of the graduating class (for children of OFWs). For OFWs themselves, no failing grades.
4. From a family with annual gross income of $2,400 or ₱76,000
5. An Alternative Learning System passer under the A&E program with an average of at least 85%, certified by DepEd-accredited schools
6. A member of an OFW family where no one has used another OWWA scholarship

The page doesn’t list which courses count as “priority fields.” Ask OWWA before you choose a course based on this scholarship.

Documents you need

All three programs ask for the same basic requirements, uploaded online:

1. Proof of identity
   • OFW: copy of the valid OFW passport bio or info page
   • Dependent: valid school ID or any valid ID, and birth certificate or baptismal certificate
2. Proof of grades from the previous school year: Form 137, Form 10 (TOR), Form 138 (report card), or a certificate of grades from the school
3. 2×2 ID picture of the dependent (child or sibling applicant), with a white background, a name tag, and the applicant’s signature

If you can’t show current or previous semester grades, OWWA says grades from the last two school years can be used as a reference.

Tips from reading the list:

• Get the OFW’s passport bio page scanned clearly. If the OFW is abroad, ask them to send a photo early.
• Check your photo rules (white background, name tag, signature) before you submit. This is easy to get wrong.
• Name your files clearly so you can find them when the form asks.

How to apply for the OWWA Scholarship

The application is online at scholarship.owwa.gov.ph.

1. Open the site and select your OWWA Regional Office from the list, then click Proceed.
2. Read the confirmation that everything you give is complete, true, and correct, and that you’ll provide extra requirements if OWWA asks. Click Yes to continue.
3. Enter your active mobile number, complete the captcha, and choose to receive a one-time password (OTP) by SMS or email. OWWA says it will contact you at that mobile number.
4. Fill out the form and upload your documents.

OWWA’s notes for online applicants:

• Use a valid, working email address and a working mobile number.
• Don’t make multiple applications. It can affect verification and evaluation.
• Prepare all documents and information about the applicant and the OFW before you start. OWWA says this serves as the basis for its first come, first served policy of processing applications.
• Spell names and words correctly and completely.
• Have a stable, strong internet connection.

The page doesn’t explain what happens after you submit, how results are announced, or whether there’s an exam for the ODSP or the CMWSP, so ask OWWA.

READ: SM College Scholarship: Requirements and How to Apply

Who should not apply

Save your time if any of these is true:

• You’re married. All three programs require you to be single (the EDSP rule is stated for applicants).
• You’re over the age limit for your category
• Another member of your OFW family already used an OWWA scholarship
• Your parent or sibling is not an active OWWA member (for the EDSP and ODSP)
• You have failing grades and you’re applying for EDSP Category 2 or the CMWSP

If you’re close on one of these, ask OWWA before you decide.

Mistakes to avoid

• Applying to the wrong category. Check whether you’re an incoming 1st year or already in 2nd to 5th year.
• Applying more than once. OWWA warns this can hurt your verification.
• Starting the form before your files are ready. The processing is first come, first served.
• A wrong photo. It needs a white background, a name tag, and your signature.
• A typo in your name. Match it with your birth certificate.
• A phone number or email you don’t check. OWWA contacts you through it.

How to get ready for the next round

1. Check that your OFW parent or sibling is an active OWWA member.
2. Ask your school for your grades from the previous school year (report card, Form 137, or certificate of grades).
3. Get a scan of the OFW’s passport bio page.
4. Prepare your birth certificate or baptismal certificate.
5. Take a 2×2 photo with a white background, a name tag, and your signature.
6. Follow OWWA’s official channels so you don’t miss the announcement.

What the official page doesn’t say

• The next application dates
• The school year each period covers
• What the maintaining grade is once you’re a scholar
• How and when results are announced
• How the payment is released
• Whether you can apply for more than one program

OWWA contact channels

From OWWA’s announcement:

• Hotline 1348: Metro Manila 1348, outside Metro Manila (02) 1348, from abroad +632 1348
• Email: owwacares@owwa.gov.ph or tulong@owwa.gov.ph

FAQ

Before you apply

I’m not part of OWWA, and I don’t process applications. Dates and requirements can change, so check OWWA’s official page before you apply. If you spot something wrong in this post, email me at hello@scholarshipsph.com and I’ll fix it.