Applying for scholarships in the Philippines can feel overwhelming, especially when each program has a long list of documents. But once you know the common requirements and how they vary by year level, it becomes much easier to prepare ahead.

With the Ultimate Guide to Scholarship Requirements, you’ll have a clear roadmap to stay organized and ready whenever opportunities open.

What You’ll Gain From This Guide

This guide will help you:

1. Know the common documents needed for scholarships
2. Understand why each requirement is important
3. Learn where and how to get these documents
4. Prepare a ready-to-go checklist para anytime may scholarship, handa ka na
5. Get practical tips to save time and avoid stress

Downloadable Kits (Optional)

Para mas madali ang preparation mo (less hassle, more focus), pwede mong i-download ang:

• 📄 Scholarship Requirements Checklist
• 📄 Sample Affidavit Templates (Income, Guardianship, etc.)
• 📄 Application Tracker Sheet
• 📄 Scholarship Opening Months Kit (optional, to track CHED, DOST, LGU, and private programs all year)
• And more related scholarship resources

✨ Subscribe to get these free scholarship requirements resources sent straight to your email.

Common Scholarship Requirements in the Philippines

These are documents that most scholarship or scholarship providers  will ask for, regardless of year level:

1. Birth Certificate (PSA copy is usually required)
2. Report Card / Transcript of Records (grades are always checked)
3. Certificate of Enrollment / Admission Slip / Notice of Admission (from your school)
4. Proof of Income (parent/guardian ITR, payslip, or certificate of indigency)
5. ID Photos (1×1, 2×2, or passport size, depending on guidelines)
6. Recommendation Letter (sometimes optional)
7. Good Moral Certificate (for most scholarships)
8. Barangay Clearance
9. Certificate of Residency
10. 4Ps ID / Listahanan Certificate
11. Indigenous ID / Certificate of Indigenous People
12. Certificates of Achievement / Extra-Curriculars
13. Essay / Personal Statement
14. Entrance Exam Results
15. Medical / Health Certificate
16. Application / Scholarship Form

💡Tip from my experience: 

1. Always keep a folder  
2. physical or digital 
3. with updated copies. 

SKL: I used to rush to the PSA for a new birth certificate the night before a deadline. Lesson learned: prepare early!

Requirements by Year Level

Incoming 1st Year College

• High School Report Card (Form 138)
• Certificate of Good Moral Character (from your high school)
• Certificate of Admission / Notice of Acceptance from college
• PSA Birth Certificate
• Proof of Income (parents/guardian)

💡 Tip: Graduation season is busy, so request your good moral and report card early. I once waited 3 hours at my school just to get my clearance. If you have extra time, you can visit a scholarship guide created by students, for Incoming 1st year College Students on how to apply and specific requirements for 1st year, which shares tips and insights on preparing your requirements efficiently.

Current 1st Year College

• Updated Certificate of Enrollment
• Latest grades / class cards
• Good Moral Certificate (college-issued)
• PSA Birth Certificate (if not submitted before)
• Proof of Income

💡 Tip: Keep copies of your class cards handy, some scholarships need semester-by-semester proof. For extra guidance, you can check a scholarship Application Guide and Requirements written by students for Current First college studentst, showing step-by-step how to handle each requirement.

Incoming 2nd Year College

• Transcript of Records (1st year complete)
• Certificate of Enrollment for 2nd year
• Good Moral Certificate
• Proof of Income
• PSA Birth Certificate

💡 Tip: Double-check your grades against retention requirements, missing one subject can cost your slot. You can also visit a student-written scholarship requirements for Incoming Second Year College Students in the Philippines to see examples and advice for second-year applicants

Current 2nd Year College

• Updated Certificate of Enrollment
• Transcript / grades from 1st year and current semester
• Good Moral Certificate
• Proof of Income

💡 Tip: Submit semester grades early; some scholarship offices follow a strict “first-come, first-served” rule. For more detailed guidance, you can refer to a Current Second-Year College, offering helpful strategies for renewals. 

Incoming 3rd Year College

• Transcript of Records (2 years complete)
• Certificate of Enrollment
• Good Moral Certificate
• Proof of Income
• PSA Birth Certificate

💡 Tip: Highlight leadership, volunteer work, or awards if the scholarship asks for an essay. For ideas and extra guidance, you can visit a student-created scholarship guide for Incoming 3rd year to see examples and advice for third-year applicants.

Current 3rd Year College

• Updated Certificate of Enrollment
• Transcript/grades
• Good Moral Certificate
• Proof of Income

💡 Tip: Start searching for thesis- or research-related scholarships now; some open as early as the 3rd year. You can also refer to a scholarship guide prepared for those currently in their 3rd year, which provides timelines and tips for upper-year applications.

Incoming 4th Year College

• Transcript of Records (3 years complete)
• Certificate of Enrollment (final year)
• Good Moral Certificate
• Proof of Income
• PSA Birth Certificate

💡 Tip: Some scholarships offer graduation incentives. Check early and plan accordingly. If interested, you can explore a scholarship guide written only for those incoming 4th year students, providing practical advice for final-year preparation.

Current 4th Year College

• Updated Certificate of Enrollment
• Transcript/grades
• Good Moral Certificate
• Proof of Income
• Clearance from school (sometimes required for those graduating)

💡 Tip: Deadlines may overlap with thesis or OJT schedules. Set reminders at least a month ahead. For guidance on organizing requirements efficiently, you can Check the requirements guide for graduating students in their 4th year in college , which shares tips and checklists for graduating students.

Where and How to Get the Scholarship Requirements?

Before you start your application, make sure you have the right documents ready. These requirements are often the first things schools and scholarship providers check, so preparing them early will save you time, effort, and stress.

In this section, we’ll walk you through each requirement step by step:

• Where to get it
• Why it’s needed
• Tips to make the process easier
• Personal experience or real-life reminder

Think of this as your practical checklist + guide, not just what papers you need, but also how to handle them smartly.

Birth Certificate (PSA)

Where to Get:

• Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) office
• PSA online delivery services

How to Get:

• Fill out the application form online to book an appointment or in person at a PSA Serbilis/SM Business Center.
• Pay the processing fee and wait for release. Double-check all details to avoid mistakes.

Why It’s Needed:

• Primary proof of your identity and age. Almost all scholarships require it to confirm you are who you claim to be.

💡Tip: Request 2–3 copies at the same time. Some scholarship applications need both original and photocopy, so having extras avoids last-minute stress.

Certificate of Good Moral Character

Where to Get:

• Adviser, 
• Guidance office, or 
• Registrar of the school you last attended

How to Get:

• Ask in person or submit a formal request through the guidance office or registrar.
• If you’re transferring or enrolling in a new school, request it before leaving your current school so you can use it for scholarships or new enrollment.

Why It’s Needed:

• Shows that you maintained good conduct as a student. Scholarship providers and schools value character, not just grades.

💡Tip: Request 2–3 copies immediately. Some offices may take days to release them, so having extras avoids last-minute stress.

Report Card / Academic Records (Form 137, Form 138, or TOR)

Where to Get:

• School registrar or 
• Your class adviser

How to Get:

• Form 137 – Your permanent academic record. Usually requested from the registrar. Required when enrolling in a new school or applying for certain scholarships.
• Form 138 – Your report card for the current or last school year. Can be requested from your adviser or registrar.
• TOR (Transcript of Records) – For college students. Request from the registrar’s office. Usually sealed and signed, required for scholarship applications and transfers.
• Submit your request in person or through your school’s official process. Allow a few days for processing, especially if you need official or sealed copies.

Why It’s Needed:

• Shows your academic performance and eligibility for scholarships. Form 137 proves your complete school record, Form 138 shows recent grades, and TOR summarizes your college performance.

💡Tip: Always request at least two copies of each. One for submission, one backup. Some scholarships require the original sealed copy, so having extras avoids last-minute stress.

Certificate of Enrollment (COE) / Certificate of Registration (COR) / Notice of Admission (NOA)

Where to Get:

• School registrar, 
• Admissions office, or
• Via your Email that was sent to you by the school.

How to Get:

• Certificate of Enrollment (COE) – Request from your school’s registrar once your enrollment is confirmed. It shows you are officially enrolled for the current school year.
• Certificate of Registration (COR) – Similar to COE, but often used in colleges/universities to confirm the specific courses or subjects you’ve registered for in a semester. Request this from the registrar once registration is complete.
• Notice of Admission (NOA) – For incoming students, this is issued by the school after passing entrance exams or being accepted. Some scholarships require this to verify admission.
• Submit your request in person, via email, or through your school’s online portal if available. Check each scholarship’s format requirement (original, certified copy, or scanned copy).

Why It’s Needed:

• Confirms your acceptance and enrollment status. Scholarships need to verify that you are officially admitted and registered in your chosen courses.

💡Tip: Keep digital and printed copies of COE, COR, and NOA. Some scholarships require originals, others accept scanned versions. Having both ensures you’re always ready without delays.

Recommendation Letter

Where to Get:

• Teachers, 
• professors, 
• school advisers, 
• community leaders, or 
• Anyone who knows your skills and character well.

How to Get:

• Politely ask your chosen recommender in person or via email.
• Explain clearly what the scholarship is for and provide any forms or guidelines required.
• Give them enough time, at least 2–3 weeks, before your deadline.
• Include a summary of your achievements, activities, or strengths to make it easier for them to write a strong letter.

Why It’s Needed:

• Shows scholarship providers an external perspective on your character, work ethic, and potential. It proves you are more than just grades; you are responsible, motivated, and capable.

💡Tip:

• Request 2–3 letters if possible.
• Keep digital copies for future applications.
• Always follow up politely a week before your deadline to ensure it’s submitted on time.

Valid ID

Where to Get:

• School ID – your school’s registrar or student affairs office
• Government IDs – Barangay Hall (Barangay ID), PhilSys registration center (Philippine ID), Passport Office (Passport), LTO (Driver’s License), or any.

How to Get:

• School ID – Usually issued at the start of the school year. Request from the registrar or student affairs office.
• Philippine ID (PhilSys) – Register online or at a local PhilSys center. Bring your birth certificate and other supporting documents.
• Barangay ID – Apply at your Barangay Hall. Bring proof of residency.
• Passport or Driver’s License – Apply via DFA (passport) or LTO (driver’s license). Follow the respective application procedures.

Why It’s Needed:

• Confirms your identity to the school and scholarship providers. Most applications require a valid ID to verify your personal information.

💡Tip:

• Bring the original and photocopies when submitting applications.
• Keep digital scans saved on your phone or cloud for fast submission.

ID Photos (1×1 / 2×2)

Where to Get:

• Any photo studio or school photo service.

How to Get:

• Go to a studio and request the required size (1×1 or 2×2). Some scholarships may specify a white background.
• Bring extra copies, most scholarships ask for at least 2–3 photos, sometimes more.
• If your school provides a photo service during enrollment, you can also get official school photos there.

Why It’s Needed:

• Confirms your identity visually. Most scholarships use it to match your application with your actual appearance.

💡Tip: Keep both physical and digital copies. Some programs accept uploaded photos, while others need originals attached to forms. Having both prevents last-minute panic.

Barangay Clearance

Where to Get:

• Your local Barangay Hall

How to Get:

• Visit your Barangay Hall and approach the Barangay Secretary or the office responsible for clearances.
• Fill out the application form, provide a valid ID, and state the purpose (e.g., scholarship application).
• Pay any minimal processing fee if required. Some barangays waive the fee for students.
• Wait for release processing time can range from a few minutes to a day, depending on the barangay.

Why It’s Needed:

• Confirms your good standing in your community and residency. Schools and scholarship programs require this to ensure applicants are local or law-abiding citizens.

💡Tip: Always request 2–3 copies if possible. Some scholarships require originals, while others accept photocopies. Having extras saves you from repeating the process.

Certificate of Residency

Where to Get:

• Your local Barangay Hall

How to Get:

• Go to the Barangay Hall and request a Certificate of Residency.
• Fill out the application form, provide a valid ID, and indicate that it’s for scholarship purposes.
• Some barangays may require additional proof of residence, like a parent/guardian ID or utility bills.
• Wait for processing it usually takes a few hours to a day d,epending on the barangay.

Why It’s Needed:

• Confirms that you reside in a specific location. Scholarship providers often require proof of residency to verify eligibility, especially for local or city-based scholarships.

💡Tip: Request 2–3 copies at once. Some scholarships need the original, while others accept photocopies. Extra copies save time for future applications.

4Ps ID / Listahanan Certificate

Where to Get:

• Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Office
• For regional/local certificates, visit your DSWD Field Office

How to Get:

• Go to your local DSWD office and request the 4Ps ID or Listahanan Certificate.
• Provide necessary details such as your full name, birth date, and household information.
• Specify that the certificate is for scholarship application purposes.
• Processing times vary; some offices issue it on the same day, while others may take a few days.

Why It’s Needed:

• Verifies that your family is under a government social program. Scholarships may consider this as proof of financial need or eligibility for priority support.

💡Tip: Always request an official copy and, if possible, a photocopy for backup. Some scholarships need the original, so having both avoids delays.

Indigenous ID / Certificate of Indigenous People

Where to Get:

• National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Office
• Local NCIP Field Office or Barangay Hall (if they facilitate ID issuance)

How to Get:

• Visit the nearest NCIP office and submit a request for your Indigenous ID or certificate.
• Provide valid identification documents and proof of belonging to the indigenous community (barangay certification, ancestral documents, or community verification).
• The office may conduct a verification process before issuing the certificate or ID.

Why It’s Needed:

• Confirms your indigenous status, which some scholarships use for priority consideration or special quota allocation.
• Helps scholarship providers understand your cultural and community background.

💡Tip:

• Bring all supporting documents and extra photocopies.
• Verify in advance if your scholarship requires the original certificate or a notarized copy, so you won’t have last-minute surprises.

Certificates of Achievement / Extra-Curriculars

Where to Get:

• School registrar, student affairs office, or organization/club adviser
• Competition or seminar organizers (if issued outside school)

How to Get:

• Request certificates from your adviser, club coordinator, or event organizer.
• For school achievements, submit a formal request to your registrar or guidance office.
• For external competitions or seminars, contact the issuing organization. Some may provide digital copies via email.

Why It’s Needed:

• Shows your involvement beyond academics. Scholarships value leadership, initiative, and community participation; these certificates serve as proof of your contributions.

💡Tip:

• Keep both the original and a photocopy of each certificate.
• Organize them in a portfolio folder or scan them for digital submission.
• Update this collection every year so you don’t have to scramble when a scholarship requires proof of achievements.

Proof of Income / Financial Documents

Where to Get:

• Barangay Hall (Certificate of Indigency or Low Income)
• Municipal/City Hall (Business Permits, Certificates)
• Bureau of Internal Revenue (ITR, Tax Exemption Certificates)
• Employer of parent/guardian (Certificate of Employment, Payslips)
• Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) for OFWs

How to Get:

• Formally Employed Parents/Guardians: Request a Certificate of Employment with Compensation or the latest payslip from their employer. If applicable, submit ITR from BIR.
• Self-Employed / Informal Workers: Secure a Barangay Certificate of Livelihood, Sworn Statement of Estimated Monthly Income, or DTI/Business Permit if applicable.
• Unemployed / No Regular Work: Ask for Certificate of Indigency or Sworn Statement of No Source of Income from Barangay or DSWD.
• OFW / Working Abroad: Collect valid employment contract, proof of remittances or foreign income, and BIR Tax Exemption Certificate.
• Always check each scholarship’s requirement list, some want originals, others accept notarized copies or scanned documents.

Why It’s Needed:

• Confirms your family’s financial situation to determine eligibility for need-based scholarships.
• Ensures that scholarships are awarded to students who genuinely need financial support.

💡Tip:

• Prepare multiple copies and scan all documents. Some scholarships need both an original and a photocopy, while others accept scanned uploads.
• Double-check the validity dates; some certificates are valid for only a few months.

Essay / Personal Statement

Where to Get / Prepare:

• Prepare it yourself; some scholarships may provide prompts or guidelines on their official website.

How to Get / Write:

• Read the scholarship’s instructions carefully, note word count, format, and specific questions.
• Brainstorm your achievements, goals, community involvement, and experiences that show why you deserve the scholarship.
• Draft your essay and revise multiple times. Ask a teacher, adviser, or mentor to proofread for clarity and grammar.
• Format according to requirements (typed, signed, or scanned PDF if required).

Why It’s Needed:

• Shows your personality, motivation, and commitment. Scholarship committees want to see not just grades but also your character, goals, and potential impact.

💡Tip: Save multiple versions and a PDF copy. Always keep your essay ready some scholarships accept applications year-round, and having a polished version saves last-minute panic.

Entrance Exam Results

Where to Get / Prepare:

• From the school or testing center where you took the entrance exam (ex: UPCAT, DOST, school-specific entrance tests).

How to Get / Submit:

• Request the official results or certificate from the school’s testing office or admissions department.
• Some schools provide a digital copy or PDF through email, while others issue a physical certificate.
• Always check if the scholarship requires original, certified true copy, or scanned copy.

Why It’s Needed:

• Verifies your eligibility based on merit or entrance exam performance. Some scholarships require a minimum score to qualify.

💡Tip: Keep both digital and printed copies ready. Some scholarships allow scanned submissions, but having the original avoids unnecessary delays.

Medical / Health Certificate

Where to Get:

• Licensed doctor, 
• hospital, or 
• Your school clinic (for health/medical-related courses).

How to Get:

• Schedule an appointment with a licensed physician or visit the school clinic if they offer medical clearance.
• Some scholarships may require a specific format or wording (ex: “fit to study”), so check the scholarship’s instructions carefully.
• Request the certificate after your medical check-up. Some offices may take a day or two to prepare the official document.

Why It’s Needed:

• Confirms your physical and mental fitness for the course, especially for health or medical-related programs like Nursing, Pharmacy, or Medical Technology.

💡Tip: Always check the validity period of the certificate. Some schools require it to be issued within 3–6 months of application. Bring extra copies for backup.

Application / Scholarship Form

Where to Get:

• Directly from the scholarship provider, this could be the school, local government unit, private organization, or online portal.

How to Get:

• Check the official scholarship announcement or website for the downloadable form.
• Some schools or programs provide physical forms at their registrar’s or scholarship office.
• Fill out the form carefully, following all instructions. Double-check for signatures, dates, and attachments required.

Why It’s Needed:

• The application form collects your personal, academic, and financial information in a standardized format. Scholarships use it as the main reference to evaluate your eligibility.

💡Tip: Always keep a scanned digital copy of the filled form before submission. Some scholarships require multiple copies, and having one ready saves last-minute stress.

Friendly Advice

Managing scholarship applications, school requirements, and personal life can feel overwhelming at times. That’s normal, it shows you care about your goals and want to do well.

• Be kind to yourself: You don’t have to be perfect. Every effort counts.
• Your effort matters: Even completing one requirement today, like requesting a certificate, is progress.
• Preparation = Confidence: Keeping all documents organized and ready makes applications smoother.
• Celebrate small wins: Finished your essay or got a copy of your birth certificate? That’s a win, acknowledge it.
• Real Talk: Some days won’t go as planned. Missed a deadline or had to wait longer than expected? That’s okay. Every successful applicant has faced these challenges. Consistency is what counts.

📥 Downloadable Tools (Optional, But Helpful)

• 📄 Scholarship Requirements Checklist
• 📄 Sample Affidavit Templates (Income, Guardianship, etc.)
• 📄 Application Tracker Sheet
• 📄 Scholarship Opening Months Kit (optional, to track CHED, DOST, LGU, and private programs all year)
• And more related scholarship resources

✨ Subscribe to get these free scholarship requirements resources sent straight to your email.

Sources:

1. PhilScholar Official Website
   1. Scholarship guide for incoming first-year college students
   2. Scholarship guide for current first-year college students
   3. Scholarship guide for incoming second-year college students
   4. Scholarship guide for current second-year college students
   5. Scholarship guide for incoming third-year college students
   6. Scholarship guide for current third-year college students
   7. Scholarship guide for incoming fourth-year college students
   8. Scholarship guide for current fourth-year college students