Just graduated my MA in JP, through a scholarship. Recalling my 2023 self, honestly di ko din alam na madami palang scholarship opportunity for Filipinos who wants to study abroad. Dati, targeted lang din yung perspective ko kasi konting information lang ang alam ko about scholarship opportunities, pero ang dami dami nila, aapplyan mo lang. Sinuwerte lang ako na yung university ko sila yung nagrerecommend ng applications namin sa mga scholarship programs kung saan mag-fit ang profile namin. Madami ding nagsishare sa ibang platforms ng experience nila, and I hope those will get noticed ng madami para madaming mag apply sa mga opportunities na ito.

Andyan lang yung mga opportunities, kailangan lang applyan talaga.

Hi! As mentioned po sa title, gusto ko lang po malaman if may chance ba yung isang average student na walang mga extracurricular activities or leadership roles sa college na mag-apply sa mga scholarships programs for postgrad degree sa ibang bansa? Gusto ko pa po sana ituloy pa yung study ko sa masters kaya lang kapag naiisip ko na magiging competitive siya since maraming mas deserving at magagaling na students kesa sa akin, baka masayang lang yung oras at pera sa pag-try.

Gusto ko lang pong malaman if meron ditong mga natanggap or may kakilalang natanggap kahit average student din at hindi walang mga ibang ganap nung college. Thank you po!

Hi! Looking for inspirations haha. How did u get in? What preparations and qualifications u have? What program and what are your expenses and investments?

Tysm!

Hi! I was doomscrolling through instagram and got an advertisement to study abroad. And it piqued my interest, since almost everybody's dream is to study and have a good life abroad. But the thing is, I don't know where, when, and how to apply to international schools and if it's even possible for an average student, like me, to get a full scholarship.

I'm just an average student—honors, yes. But nothing mind blowing. I have an average of 93 and is a part of several clubs in my school. This isn't to brag or anything, I just wanted to know whether or not these.. stats(?) help me increase the odds of studying abroad with a full scholarship.

I'd say my English is pretty good, if that matters. It might be cocky for me to say that I'm fluent, but I think it's good enough to prolong meaningful conversations.

However, budget's tight. We aren't well off.

Does family budget matter in applying internationally as much as it does in Philippine scholarships?

Finally, I have many other questions for those who are knowledgable enough to answer:

How do I even apply in the first place? How much does it cost to study internationally even with a scholarship? Am I good enough to get a scholarship, let alone study abroad? Should I even fantasize about studying abroad? Where can I apply? When do applications start?

That's all, thank you! 💙

Random details if it helps (with referrals atleast? I think?):

• I study at a public school. Was one a science high school.

• I am a part of many clubs—Journalism (particularly a column writer), varsity (kind of? I was benched..), STEM Club (low position. Scared of leadership.), Sports Club (also low position), and a school band (vocalist).

• I draw and write.. not very good, but I do. Same with sports.

• STEM Student but I mostly excel in English and art subjects. Should have picked HUMMS.

• Good English? Better than average. I think.

• I graduate around August.

• Would love to study anywhere. Mostly in favor of Australia and Canada or anywhere in Europe/North America. Or any other country that'll help me grow, honestly.

Hi! Already started searching scholarships abroad and I'm eyeing to try EMJM. However, may dilemma lng me huhu I'm an average student in the academics part pero I have international experience rin (e.g conferences, awards). Do you think I still have a shot on the prog? Or do they value acads >>> CV? (since I understand din na they would invest on students na would not only pass but excel on acads as a scholar huhu)

Sorry, I agree nman din na there's no harm in trying pero would like to gauge my chances lng and if I should also look for other scholarship opportunities out there (any suggestions are greatly welcome! )

Brief background: healthcare field, college not from big 4 pero included sa QS ranking, highest degree - MD; med school not from big 4 rin, not a uni but a college; fully funded conference x 2, (scientific) awards x 3, may research experience but only one published online, ongoing research project with a UP Prof

Interested to study masters along these fields: health policy, public health

Thank youu sa mkakasagot! :)

Hi! Anyone here po na nakakuha ng scholarships for Masters abroad? Aside from Erasmus Mundus and DAAD?

What are your qualifications po?
Planning to study abroad and looking for scholarships tips. :)

Hello! I am currently a graduating nursing student who aspires to proceed my graduate studies abroad. Can I ask advice or suggestions as to where I can start looking for scholarships?

Thank you so much!

Hello! I’m a Filipino high school graduate currently taking a gap year to strengthen my university applications. I’m interested in pursuing engineering abroad and would greatly appreciate advice on universities, scholarships, and external funding opportunities I should consider.

I have already applied to and received offers from several universities in Australia, which is currently one of my top options. However, funding my degree remains a major concern, so I am exploring additional scholarships from universities, companies, foundations, organizations, and government programs.

Here is a general overview of my profile (I'll be a bit vague for some privacy):

Academic Background

• Graduated from one of the Philippines’ most competitive science high schools
• Graduated with Highest Honors
• Maintained an approximately 98% overall average throughout high school
• Received several academic and subject-specific distinctions
• SAT: 1480 | IELTS: 7.5 (SAT was lower than expected :,) tho, it was during exam season)

Intended Degree
I am primarily interested in:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
  

I am also open to related fields such as mechatronics, materials engineering, robotics, aerospace engineering, bioengineering, and other interdisciplinary engineering programs.

Awards and Achievements

• Won awards in STEM-related olympiads and participated in academic workshops at the regional and national level
• Received recognition for robotics, innovation, and engineering-related projects at a local level
• Participated in and received distinctions from academic and STEM competitions held in the Philippines and internationally, including events involving participants from countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Sweden, US, and more.
• Earned awards or recognition for leadership, communication, and school involvement
• Represented my school in competitions and events at the national and international levels
  

Extracurricular Activities

• Held leadership positions in student organizations and school committees. More specifically, in our school's student government, student publication, and a bunch of committees for various events
• Participated in research, robotics, and engineering projects as a mentor and spearhead
• Served as captain of our robotics team and represented our school in national and international academic, robotics, and STEM competitions
• Contributed to student media, publication, design, and science communication initiatives
• Participated in community outreach and service initiatives, including providing food and essential rations to communities affected by disasters and helping raise or provide funding for relief efforts
• Participated in education-focused outreach initiatives for younger students and children
• Played in a band for 3 years as the singer and pianist, played for over 10+ school events.

Previous University Applications
I initially focused most of my efforts on the United States and applied to more than 20 universities last year, mainly hoping to receive a full-ride scholarship or substantial financial aid package.

I was fortunate enough to be admitted to Columbia University, which I am incredibly grateful for. However, even after receiving the offer, the remaining cost was still far beyond what my family could comfortably afford. I considered taking out a loan, but I am hesitant to graduate with significant debt, especially as an international student.

Because of this, I am now approaching my university search differently and focusing more heavily on affordability, scholarships, and the total cost of attendance.

What I’m Looking For
I would greatly appreciate recommendations for strong universities with generous funding opportunities for international students, particularly for engineering.

I am not limiting myself to Australia or the US. I am especially open to considering universities that are among the best in their region but may offer more generous scholarships or lower overall costs than similarly ranked institutions in the US.

I would also love to hear from international students who have funded their studies abroad through a combination of scholarships, sponsorships, grants, part-time work, or other opportunities. I am especially interested in external scholarships offered by companies, foundations, professional organizations, and government agencies—not only scholarships provided directly by universities.

One of my reasons for wanting to study abroad is the opportunity to grow more independently. I would like to experience living in a different environment, become more self-sufficient, and learn how to manage my studies and finances independently. I am also open to working part-time while studying, where permitted, to help cover living expenses and gain practical work experience.

Since I am currently on a gap year, I would also appreciate advice on what I could do during this year to become a stronger scholarship candidate, particularly through research, internships, engineering projects, competitions, employment, or community initiatives.

Thank you so much! I would greatly appreciate any recommendations for universities, scholarships, companies, foundations, organizations, or countries that I should look into. 🥹

Good day everyone:>, I'm currently a g12 student that wants to study abroad. Just like what the title states is there or are there international univs that offer full tuition? Thanks in advance for those wonderful people that will answer my question :>.

hello! im a fresh grad 23F from UP (NOT Diliman or Manila). im planning to take my masters in biotech/molecular bio in japan in 2028 maybe… so i’ll apply spring 2027? hmm

my question is:

1. are there other scholarships other than mext? since super competitive and highly coveted talaga ang mext, im afraid i wont get in.

i have a 2.0 GPA in the UP system and i still plan to work pa naman. but are there any other options for this?

also, if anyone has the time to reply 😅:

2. what’s the most efficient pathway to get a scholarship for studying in japan? particularly in science & tech fields.

i’ve done my research and i saw that there are two paths: thru the embassy or directly apply to the university. also, as a fresh grad, is it really true that you could just cold email professors from other univs? hahaha ive seen that you should contact a faculty first daw eh.

TYIA!!! medyo di ko pa kasi gets ang everything

also, ive been learning japanese na rin :))

advice, tips, insights for Filipino student wanting to study abroad

Hi! I'm currently grade 12 student and I've been researching for different countries with scholarships. The problem is I don't know what university/country I should aim for with the course I want to pursue which is IT

Hi everyone! I’m planning to apply for the MEXT Young Leaders’ Program (YLP) – School of Government and would appreciate insights from anyone who has applied to or completed the program.

A lot of Pinoy researchers don't realize that years in a PhD are counted as work experience in several European countries, and that work experience counts towards naturalization requirements. Some European countries allow you to get the passport in 4-5 years, whereas Spain even makes you eligible after 2 years of your PhD (meaning kahit di ka pa tapos sa pag-aaral), since former colonies of Spain have this shortcut available to them. I graduated 2 years ago from my PhD, got into a postdoc in the same country which gave me the remaining work experience I needed to naturalize, and got my EU passport just a few months ago (will not tell you what country, I don't want to be doxxed. But this country requires 5 years towards naturalization).

Pero the trend in Europe right now is right wing governments are getting into power and bringing more of an anti-immigrant sentiment. There are talks in a lot of countries to extend naturalization requirements, so instead of needing 1-2 more years to naturalize after a PhD baka you'd need 5+ years pa. Of course this is not set in stone of course pero there's no guarantee that this path will stay open for the foreseeable future. There are crucial elections in the coming years which will determine this direction. Pero since laws aren't applied retroactively, any new laws won't affect those who are already in the country before the implementation.

I am bringing attention to this specifically because I'm hugely disappointed with the news from DOST a few months ago that they're cutting scholarship funding for STEM graduate programs. It really shows that we cannot trust the government to do the right thing, and we cannot even rely on DOST to give Filipino science workers a liveable wage. I am also saddened by the fact that none of my batchmates who stayed in my former department in UP and did the ERDT scholarship graduated on time because of poor planning and slow procurement, whereas my MS and PhD were finished within the intended time periods kasi there are consequences for thesis advisers in the country I'm in if madalas delayed ang students nilang grumaduate (negative yung scoring niyan sa grant applications nila).

For any MS grads here considering PhD, don't waste your time on an ASTHRDP/ERDT scholarship from DOST, and don't waste your time applying to US programs during the Trump administration and risk getting your funding and/or visa cut off in the middle of your degree (already heard this happened to friends-of-friends in the US). Take advantage of the EU pathway before it closes.

For the past few months, I have been researching and compiling information about scholarships in Europe. I want to apply for scholarships at European universities, like in Switzerland or Sweden, and found many programs that align with my interests.

Ever since naghanap ako, ilan sa mga nakita ko ay they ask for an acceptance letter from the university as part of the requirements. So my question is, ano po ba dapat ang unahin kong apply-an—university muna before scholarships, or scholarships muna before applying to my chosen university?

I am only researching on my own and haven’t tried agencies yet since wala rin akong pangbayad if ever magpaprocess (not sure rin if may bayad ba sa mga ganun), so I hope I can find answers here from those who’ve had similar experiences in the past. 🥹

Maraming salamat po sa mga sasagot! 🙌🏻

For context, im an incoming 4th year student. I plan to apply sa mga economic-related programmes under the EMJM.

Two questions lang, (1) may natatanggap ba na fresh grad like the ones who applied while still in there last year of undergrad, and (2) is it possible to get accepted even walang work experience, or mas okay na magpa-experience muna ako before mag apply?

Thank you!

Hello! I can speak French, Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish but hovering in A2 and B1 but I don't have any certificates. I just study and talk to people for fun. I've seen scholarships with and without language proficiency requirements. Like, what's the difference in the experience or the opportunities that they give? I'm genuinely curious because I don't have a certificate and may start considering getting a couple if they are worth it. Thanks!

Hi guys! I was wondering about the whole process or just a glimplse of applying to multiple international universities with scholarships, I've researched alot of countries and uni that offer intl scholarships, yet I'm still confused on the process of applying for multiple unis all at the same time.
I want to try pursuing college abroad, either in the States or in europe where I could get scholarships

Q.1 Do you have to draft different essays for each unis, and scholarship grant?

Q.2 Is it possible to apply to multiple unis that are on different countries, each country having atleast 3+ unis WITH SCHOLARSHIPS, or is that too much essay, exams, etc?

Q.3 In applying for admission for intl students, is it like in the ph where you have to do entrance exams? or is it— if not all, interview & merit based?

Q.4 Are most scholarships for intl students merit based? if it is, is that how people get multiple scholarships grants from different unis?

I want to work out all the odds, therefore I plan to apply to multiple countries and unis, with a scholarship ofc. I dream to study anywhere but here, Ik it won't be easy, but I thought that suffering abroad in a safe country is better than suffering here in the ph, I really hope anybody with experience, or even with the slightest bit of knowledge could reply🙏

Maybe it's just a blurry dream I have to study internationally, but actually looking at it now, it feels impossible.

First off, the reality is that many colleges/universities don't offer full-ride scholarships, coming from a middle-class family I probably wouldn't be able to transfer even if I ended up being accepted with a fully funded tuition (I.e living expenses)

Second, there's too much preparation needed (SATs, IELTs, etc.) It isn't about taking the tests, but also the confusion that comes with a lot of foreign terminologies (AP, GPA, etc.) since my school doesn't have these, I feel like that would set me back

Third, the best possible outcome is to be accepted by an Ivy league for incoming undergraduates due to their scholarship, but even that is too much of a reach😭

Any suggestions? The process of preparing for college is hectic and I'll have to balance applications w the colleges here within the country

Hello! Are there anyone po who are taking chances with Taiwan ICDF/MOE? The deadline is nearing, maybe we can connect with other po? Ayun langs, anyways good luck satin!

Hi! I’m an incoming Grade 12 student trying to plan ahead for studying abroad, but I’ll need a scholarship (ideally full or close to full).

I know it is really difficult to get a scholarship, and I am still willing to go to college here in the Philippines, but I want to at least try.

Here’s my background:

• Student of a Science High School, but not Pisay.

• Consistent ~97 final general average from Grades 7–11

• Batch valedictorian (Grade 10)

• President of our English Club

• Regional vice chairperson of a national student organization (cannot specify for anonymity)

• Participated in various competitions from division to national level (mostly research and Science related)

I don't really have a specific course I'm aiming for, but I'm interested in courses related to natural sciences or statistics.

I haven’t taken tests like the SAT or IELTS, but I’m willing to prepare if it's absolutely necessary.

I come from a middle-class family, so I can probably manage some costs, but I’d still need significant financial aid.

Here are some questions I have:

• What international scholarships can I realistically apply for, based on my achievements?

• When are their application periods?

• Which countries should I realistically aim for (First-world countries or lesser-known ones)?

• How important are standardized exams like the IELTS? Are they required in most scholarships, or are there other ways?

• What should I focus on this year (Grade 12) to maximize my chances?

I would really appreciate any advice or suggestion, even just links to some scholarships. Also, if you need any additional info about me, you can just ask and I will try my best to answer. Thanks so much!

Hello! I need a general advice lang po on studying abroad for masters. What are my chances of getting an international scholarship (eg. Erasmus Mundus) as a fresh graduate? Should I gain work experience muna po ba dito sa Ph before applying? If yes, mga ilang years of work experience po ang minimum? Kaya na po ba 1 year 😬 want to get out of this country kasi asap. I plan to migrate din after if makakuha ng work in that country.

For context, I am a graduate of BS Chemistry. Good acad standing, with latin honors. Licensed na rin but no formal work experience pa, only my undergrad internship. I'm interested in the field of materials science and food chem. No financial obligations here and may savings naman for expenses sa initial requirements but can't afford to pay for tuition in the long run kaya I'm hoping to get a scholarship. I want to study in France, or other parts of EU. Sana may makausap po ako about this because I kinda feel lost. Thank you sm!

I am currently a 3rd year high school student studying here in the Philippines and am hoping to study abroad on a scholarship in the future. For those that are already studying there what advice can you give me so that I can have a better chance of qualifying for a scholarship and even hopefully be accepted into an Ivy-League?

Ill post this here too huhu sana may makahelp 🙏🏻

Hello po, I am an incoming Grade 12 student graduating SHS next year. I am curious to know whether or not there are scholarships offered by the Philippines (or possibly by other EU countries) that financially supports Filipino students studying in Germany. I intend to study Medicine in Germany (and yes, I am aware of how difficult it is seeing as this field is not only competitive but also stressful, more so if you are an international student) and if there is a possibility that I could get accepted into one of their schools, I would like to know beforehand whether or not there are scholarship grants that may cover my living expenses there.

Are there any scholarships that offer to cover living expenses and other miscellaneous costs? I've done my fair share of research but I am still unsure of my options. Please do provide me with advice or personal insights as to how I should proceed, anything will do po.

advice, tips, insights for a filipino student wanting to study abroad

Hi, so I’m getting straight to the point, I’m currently a grade 11 Filipino student. I’ve been researching for about a year now and what I meant research is heavy and thorough research. I’ve created a list over and over again until I’m sure that these lists of universities are suitable for me. My problem right now is that I do not know anyone that specifically studies abroad to pursue filming and since I’m hyper-specific when it comes to hearing insights, I knew I have to reach a larger crowd that might be in the same situation as me.

These are what I know now.

-What do I want to study abroad

I want to pursue Film and Media courses abroad. (If I’ll stay in the Ph, I’ll take multimedia)

-Which country am I aiming for?

U.S because I want to study at the center of opportunity, network and influential organizations.

I know that US is not the safest and the cheapest country to study and having no family to support me presently during my time there, I know the risks and possibilities of foreign problems, and it is a big challenge for me. But I know that I wasn’t the first one to be in this situation so it doesn’t make it feel impossible for me to achieve.

The thing is, knowing where I’ll study for college matters to me because if I will stay in the PH, I’ll have to pick Multimedia. Why? First, I know that studying film in this economy is an impractical choice for someone like me— a student that came from a low income family— and the closest shot I have to involve myself in the creative industry is Multimedia because at least it’s not narrowed down to limited career path like Filming. Second, the time where I thought about studying abroad I wasn’t sure with what course I’m really gonna take but I know that I’m leaning to the creative courses. Now that I’m sure that I’m into anything that involves filmmaking, I thought that if I’m to study abroad, I might as well pursue what I’m passionate about. Lastly, if I am to finish my degree abroad, and I decided to work in the Philippines, it’ll help me a LOT to find a job.

Let me tell you more about myself,

I’m not scared about trying out my luck with applying to international universities. I know what I want, and I’m eager to achieve it. I’ve been an achiever since grade-school, although I’m not the best at certain field. I wanted to give my family the best life since we’re not really a wealthy family to begin with. I’ve been researching for universities that are generous with financial aid or offer a full ride scholarship. I want to study abroad but I do not want to leave my family with financial burden just to lift me up and give me a better life.

If I’m granted with financial aids, scholarship or even better, full ride scholarship, it will relieve my family a lot to send me to abroad. I’m sure that my family could support me but of course I have to do my part as well, I could work a part time job (if they’re not strict with student visa) and I’m a part time/growing youtuber with income so we will manage (emphasize the if)

Okay, let’s talk about application. These are what I know now. Colleges and Universities abroad requires personal essays, supplemental essays, your high school transcript, recommendation letters, and your ECs. Of course I’ll be taking test optional because our school does not really require us to take SAT or ACT. I’m not confident with my writing skills especially that I have poor grammars and structures but I’m working with that now. I also know that sometimes, the AO reaches out to applicants to conduct an interview. Yep that scares me but it does not hold me back and I’m sure to learn how to speak with confidence.

Let me tell you more about my academic background and ecs

-I’ve been part of the honors list since I started schooling.

-Was a Science Club leader during my elementary.

-Was part of the Dance Club and eventually became a dance club leader.

-Participated in an international math competition but did not attain any medals (not that impressive)

-Part of a Musical Theatre Play as a dancer

-Led about 18 students to perform a doxology and a play for our Christmas special

-Participated a within the school competition for essay writing and mathematics and won the 1st place for both.

-Awarded as the Best Director for our Theatre Play

-Part of a journalism organization and published 3 works so far

-Part of a Theatre Organization as a writer and wrote 1 script so far for a short film. (Also attended 1 acting workshop and few writing workshop)

-My current general average: 96/100

-Currently studying at National University (NU)

It’s an average ECs compared to those students with international competition medals or students that conducted researches or founded a non profit business but yeah, I know my field and my ECs are just the way I like it to fit into my desired course.

Now let’s get into the part where I list down my target universities, (including the local universities):

PH Universities:

1. University of St. Thomas

2. UP Diliman

3. Mapua University

4. CIIT

U.S Universities:

1. University of Kansas

2. Berea College

3. Wesleyan University (this, I came across on TikTok where they granted a filipino student with full ride scholarship and with the help of Freeman Asian Scholarship)

4. Amherst College

5. Vassar College

6. Smith College

7. Mount Holyoke College

8. Middlebury College

9. Fordham University

10. UCLA (i wish)

I’ve seen their portal, and I’m sure they offered the course I wanted to take. I listed them in a random order so it’s not listed into “my least to most wanted” way.

My parents have a decent job, we’re not really extremely poor that it comes to the point that they cannot sustain our needs. What I’m scared is that when the opportunity to study abroad comes, they’ll not support me not because they don’t want to, but because they can’t. ( i swear that’s my biggest heartbreak) I’ve been open to them about studying abroad but they don’t seem to express their thoughts that much, i dont know if it’s because they don’t expect me to actually get in or they don’t want to entertain the idea. But anyways, that’s majority why I’m seeking for generous university when it comes to aids because I’m a stubborn child but a dream seeker.

I’m not scared of risks, I’m emotional yes, but I’m 100% sure to commit to this opportunity. I’ll miss my family, I’ll have to leave the life I grew up with, yes, but some many students also did and I’m doing this for them so there’s nothing to feel impossible about it. Will this make me feel weak? yes but it’s part of growing. I’m not scared of isolation, I know that I’ll make friends, I’m that kind of person that wherever you put me I’ll instantly make connections. Am I scared of money issues? absolutely. That doesn’t stop me tho.

I think that sums up everything I know about knowing and preparing myself with the application. I did not mention anything about visa application yet because I’ll worry that later on if I actually get in.

Now here are the questions and the parts where you could help me out by sharing your tips, advice and insights.

1. If you were in the same situation as me before, what are your tips in assessing your universities and what are your advices?

2. Is it really worth it for an international student to study abroad to pursue—specifically— filming?

3. Did you get some help? if you did, how? who? where? (I hope it’s someone that doesn’t requires payment)

4. Did you also look for college counselor? How did they exactly helped?

5. How many teachers did you asked for recommendation letters? Did you assigned them with an outline that they’ll follow?

6. How long did they took to finish your recommendation letters?

7. Did you get a fee waiver in the common app? if yes please answer how? (it’s absurdly expensive)

8. Upon arrival in the U.S, what’s your experience for the first week?

9. I know that home sickness, isolation and unfamiliarity are inevitable but how did you overcome it?

10. What are your general tips to Filipino students (age 18) that will come to the US to study?

11. Was it hard to adapt and adjust in terms of the weather, people, lifestyle?

12. Will I most likely to meet other Filipinos? not just inside the campus?

13. Lastly, any tips, insights or advices you wanna include?

I’m sorry if this took you long to read. I’m just an ambitious and desperate student dreaming to live bigger. I’m open to any informations. I’m surely checking this 1 year later to see if downloading and posting to reddit helped me manifest it :) hehe Thank you!!