College education can be a significant financial investment. But with rising costs, it can easily turn out to be quite expensive. Many students often find it difficult to pay for their college education and look for other options to meet this major expense. In such situations, applying for college scholarships can help offset a significant part of the overall cost. Many scholarships for college students are available, each with different eligibility criteria and application processes.

Explore different types of scholarships
Before applying for any scholarship for a college degree, it is essential to learn as much as possible about the various types that are offered. In general, college scholarships can be differentiated based on who is offering them, the eligibility criteria, and the purpose of the scholarship.

• Institutional scholarships
  These are offered by the various universities and colleges. Students who want to enroll for a degree in a specific institution can directly apply for that institution’s scholarship.
• Government scholarships
  Local and national government agencies also help students fund their academic and professional goals. Government scholarships offer allowances, tuition assistance, and other benefits to eligible students. Most of these scholarships are offered by agencies like the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
• Non-profit and foundation scholarships
  These are financial aid programs offered by private foundations, organizations, and corporations to assist students in pursuing higher education. These scholarships are usually pursued by students who do not get access to government-based funding due to merit or inability to meet certain eligibility requirements.
• Community-based scholarships
  These are usually offered by non-profit organizations, local government units (LGUs), and other regional groups. Community-based scholarship programs aim to support students in specific communities and areas, encouraging local education and development.
• Cadetship programs
  These are structured training programs for students who aspire to have a career in any specialized field, such as the maritime industry, military, or aviation. Students get access to training allowances, financial support, and free tuition in some cases. Besides, the programs include physical training, on-the-job experience, and academic studies.

Start researching the scholarships early
To successfully apply for any scholarship, it is important to learn all aspects of it as early as possible. This must be done before graduating from high school. An easy way to research any scholarship is to identify the ones whose eligibility criteria can be met easily. Also, make sure to match these scholarships with academic goals, qualifications, and interests. There are multiple ways to get more information about the various scholarships.

• Browse through the scholarship portals
  Go through the official websites of the scholarship providers. For example, CHED’s official website generally has updated lists of the various scholarships that are available for students every year.
• Check the websites of various institutions
  Students who have already decided which university or college they wish to enroll in can browse the official website of the institution. It will have all the necessary information regarding the scholarships and financial aid programs offered by the specific institution.
• Discuss with school counselors
  In many schools, the guidance counselor can be a valuable source of information regarding various scholarships that are available for students. Depending on their experience, they can have enough knowledge about the scholarship opportunities available for a specific field or area of study that interests a student.

Understand the eligibility requirements
After shortlisting the various scholarships that one is interested in, it’s time to look at their eligibility requirements. While each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria, some of these factors are usually common across all. Looking at these requirements is crucial to understanding whether one is the right candidate. This will ensure that no time and money is wasted in applying for scholarships for which one is not eligible at all.

• Citizenship
  This requirement is generally needed to be met to apply for most of the government-funded scholarships. Some of the privately funded scholarships also require applicants to be natural-born Filipino citizens.
• High school graduate
  Almost all scholarships require applicants to submit proof that they have successfully graduated from high school.
• Academic performance
  Many scholarships require students to have a specific General weighted average (GWA) or grade point average (GPA) for successful application.
• Financial requirement
  Most scholarships require students to demonstrate that they have a financial need due to which they are applying. In such cases, proof of the student’s family income and financial status has to be submitted.

Prepare all the documentation
All scholarship applications require a set of documentation. If applying for scholarships online, these documents can be simply uploaded in their digital versions. Most applications generally require some standard documents.

• Application form
  The application form can be accessed through the website or scholarship office of the provider. A student can directly fill out the form online or offline.
• Academic record proofs
  These include high school transcripts and grades. Students who have received any honors or awards must include these in the application as well.
• Recommendation letters
  Many scholarships need students to submit recommendation letters. While one letter is generally the minimum requirement, some applications may require multiple. In most cases, letters from the school principal or teachers are usually mandatory.
• Financial documents
  Scholarships that are need-based require applicants to submit proof of financial status. This can include parents’ proof of income, salary certificate, affidavit of support, or income tax return.
• Other documents
  Some other required documents generally include birth certificates as citizenship proof, valid ID cards, or community service certificates.

Submit the application before deadline
Scholarship deadlines are stringent. Besides, different scholarship applications have different deadlines. So, make sure to keep reminders of submitting multiple applications. Also, submit them days ahead of the due date, as not all scholarships accept late applications.