OWWA Opens 2026 Scholarships for OFW Dependents

Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia who want to support their children or qualified dependents through college may now apply for OWWA’s 2026 scholarship programs.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has opened applications for the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP), and OFW-Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP).

Applications started on September 7, 2026, but the deadlines depend on the program.

OWWA Opens 2026 Scholarships for OFW Dependents

September Deadlines KSA OFWs Should Check

For EDSP Category 1 and CMWSP, applications are open from:

September 7 to 17, 2026

For EDSP Category 2 and ODSP, applications are open from:

September 7 to 27, 2026

Saudi-based OFWs are advised to check the requirements early, especially if documents still need to be prepared or sent to family members in the Philippines.

Applications are submitted through the official OWWA Scholarship Portal:

https://scholarship.owwa.gov.ph/

EDSP Offers Up to ₱60,000 Per School Year

The Education for Development Scholarship Program is intended for qualified dependents of active OWWA members who want to take a four- or five-year college course in the Philippines.

The scholarship provides up to Php 60,000 per school year.

EDSP applicants are divided into two groups:

Category 1 is for incoming first-year college students.

Category 2 is for students already enrolled in their second to fifth year of college.

OWWA says scholarship slots are limited, so applicants still need to meet the program’s qualifications and selection requirements.

ODSP Provides Php 20,000 Per School Year

The OFW-Dependents Scholarship Program provides Php 20,000 per school year for qualified dependents of OFWs.

It may be used for eligible college or associate courses in the Philippines.

The program may be useful for OFW families in Saudi Arabia looking for added support with tuition and school expenses.

CMWSP Supports Priority Science and Technology Courses

The Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program is for qualified migrant workers or their immediate dependents who want to take priority courses in science and technology.

Qualified scholars may receive up to Php 60,000 per school year.

This program is also subject to OWWA’s eligibility and documentary requirements.

How Saudi OFWs Can Apply

Saudi-based OFWs do not need to wait until they return to the Philippines to begin checking the application process.

Applicants can review the requirements and submit applications through the official online scholarship portal.

Depending on the program, OWWA may require documents such as proof of relationship to the OFW member, school records, proof of enrollment and valid identification.

OFWs should follow the exact checklist shown in the portal because requirements may differ by scholarship category.

What KSA OFWs Should Know

The earliest deadline is September 17, 2026, for EDSP Category 1 and CMWSP.

EDSP Category 2 and ODSP applicants have until September 27, 2026.

For OFWs in Saudi Arabia, it may help to coordinate early with family members in the Philippines in case school records or other documents are needed.

Applicants with questions can contact OWWA through its official hotline and online communication channels.