The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), a localized agency of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), is mandated under Republic Act No. 10801 (The OWWA Act) to provide social protection and welfare services to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Central to this mandate is the provision of educational integration through various scholarship programs designed for OFWs and their qualified dependents.

I. Primary Scholarship Programs

OWWA manages several distinct educational tracks, each governed by specific eligibility criteria and financial coverage limits.

1. Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)

The EDSP is a competitive scholarship grant offered to qualified beneficiaries of active OWWA members who intend to enroll in a four-year or five-year baccalaureate course in any college or university.

Financial Assistance: A maximum of PHP 60,000.00 per school year.
Selection Process: Selection is based on the results of the national qualifying examination administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Only the top-ranking examinees are considered for the slots.

2. OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP)

The ODSP is an educational assistance program for qualified dependents of active OWWA members whose monthly salary is USD 600.00 or below.

Financial Assistance: A maximum of PHP 20,000.00 per school year.
Scope: This is intended for baccalaureate or associate degrees in any college or university.

3. Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP)

ELAP is a specialized program for the survivors of deceased OFWs or those who are permanently disabled while working abroad.

Educational Component: One child (usually the eldest) is granted a scholarship.
- Elementary: PHP 5,000.00/year
- High School: PHP 8,000.00/year
- College: PHP 10,000.00/year
Livelihood Component: The surviving spouse receives a one-time livelihood grant of PHP 15,000.00.

4. Skills and Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)

SESP provides financial assistance for short-term vocational or technical courses (usually 1 year or less) for OFWs and their dependents.

Financial Assistance: A maximum of PHP 14,500.00 per course.
Provider: Training must be conducted in TESDA-accredited centers.

II. Eligibility Criteria

While specific programs have unique requirements, the general eligibility standards under Philippine law and OWWA regulations include:

A. For the OFW (The Member)

Membership Status: The OFW must be an active member of OWWA at the time of application.
Salary Cap (For ODSP): The OFW’s monthly salary must not exceed USD 600.00.
Family Relation: The scholar must be a legal dependent (child of a married OFW or sibling of an unmarried OFW).

B. For the Student (The Beneficiary)

Age Requirement: Generally, the applicant must be below 21 years of age.
Academic Standing: Must be a high school graduate or currently graduating (Grade 12) with a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 80% or its equivalent.
Prior Grants: The applicant must not have been a previous recipient of any OWWA scholarship or currently holding any other government-funded scholarship.

III. Documentary Requirements

Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive dossier to the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) having jurisdiction over their residence:

Proof of OWWA Membership: Official Receipt of OWWA contribution or an OWWA Membership Verification Sheet.
Proof of Relationship: PSA-authenticated Birth Certificate of the applicant and the OFW (to establish kinship).
Academic Records: Form 137 for high school graduates or a Certificate of Ratings/Transcript of Records for those with college units.
Health Certificate: Medical certificate issued by any government physician.
Certificate of Good Moral Character: Issued by the school principal or dean.
ID Pictures: Two (2) copies of 2x2 colored photos.
Affidavit of No Pending Application: A sworn statement that the applicant has not applied for other scholarships.

IV. Application Process

The application process is standardized across Regional Welfare Offices:

Online Pre-qualification: Most regions now require applicants to register through the OWWA Scholarship Portal.
Evaluation of Documents: Once the online application is filed, the RWO evaluates the submitted digital and physical copies for authenticity and compliance.
Qualifying Examination (EDSP only): Eligible EDSP applicants are issued a permit to take the DOST-administered examination.
Notice of Award: Successful candidates are issued a Notice of Award.
Scholarship Agreement: The scholar and the OFW (or legal guardian) must sign a Scholarship Contract, which stipulates the terms of the grant, including grade maintenance and the "Return Service" orientation.

V. Obligations and Termination

The scholarship grant is not absolute and is subject to the following conditions:

Grade Maintenance: Scholars must maintain a passing grade in all subjects. Failure in one or more subjects is grounds for immediate termination of the grant.
Course Shifts: Shifting to another course or transferring to another school is generally prohibited unless prior written approval is secured from the OWWA Administrator.
Termination: The scholarship may be terminated for grave misconduct, violation of school rules, or if the OFW member’s status is compromised by fraudulent activity.

Under current Philippine administrative policy, these programs are reviewed periodically to adjust for inflation and the evolving needs of the migrant worker sector. Beneficiaries are encouraged to coordinate directly with their respective Regional Welfare Offices for the specific opening dates of application windows, which typically align with the Philippine academic calendar.