Top 5 Ways to Go to College for Free

Parents often find themselves in a state of confusion and anxiety when they see a university’s tuition and miscellaneous fees. These huge figures seem daunting and the pressure of finding the right school starts to set in. Help relieve your parents of these financial worries by checking out any of these ways to go to college for free through college scholarships.

 

1. Aim for the top

Most universities award college scholarships to exceptional students who have garnered an average of at least 90%. If you are a product of Science High Schools, universities like the Lyceum of the Philippines University encourage you to apply for the Jose P. Laurel – Sotero H. Laurel Scholarship which covers full tuition fee, uniform, book allowances, and a monthly stipend.

 

2. Maximize the Study Now, Pay Later Program

The “Study Now Pay Later Act of 2017” program mandates all private higher education institutions to allow marginalized students get a degree and pay once they land a job upon graduation. This program also ensures that private institutions will do their share in nation-building by helping those who wish to attend a university but can’t afford to.

 

3. Research scholarship opportunities!

The Commission on Higher Education has launched the Student Financial Assistance Program (StuFAP) Administration System which aims to help students finance their education through scholarships or loans. Another CHED program is the Study Now Pay Later Program (SNPL), an educational loan intended to provide financial assistance to deserving students who are enrolled or to enroll in a degree program at any curriculum year level in private universities. Moreover, the Department of Science and Technology has a specific assistance program for science and engineering students. City-sponsored scholarships like the Quezon City Scholarship and Youth Development Program also offer generous cash grants to cover university tuition fees.  And since state colleges and universities are now tuition-free, you may opt to enroll in one nearest you. This includes the University of the Philippines and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

You can also get in touch with the offices of your local government units to know what college scholarships or student assistance programs you are eligible to apply for. Your local and district representatives are duly elected leaders. who have vowed to uphold the rights of the people so your right to education might just be one call away!

If you qualify at our country’s prestigious military, police or marine academy, you’re all set for a free degree. Students of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, Philippine Military Academy, and Philippine National Police Academy are government scholars who enjoy free tuition fee, board and lodging, and monthly stipends. If you want to heed our Motherland’s call of service and duty, you can do so free of charge.

If you’ve exhausted all types of government-funded opportunities, then it’s time to look somewhere else- try private institutions! Grants sponsored by PHINMA, Ayala Corporation, Metrobank and other private charitable foundations such as the Tzu Chi Foundation or World Vision may well be your golden ticket to college. Be sure to check out Edukasyon.ph’s scholarships page to see more details on how you can qualify for these grants.

 

4. Be a multi-hyphenate student

Navigating between the demands of competitive sports, life on the stage, and academics will prove to be a balancing act but it will surely be worth it. Most universities accept students who excel in sports such as basketball, track and field, football, swimming, and volleyball among others. Playing a musical instrument or delving in theater arts can also land you a much-coveted scholarship. For example, the UP Conservatory of Music and the UST College of Fine Arts are always on the lookout for up-and-coming talents every year. Studying abroad is an alternative option, too. A prestigious institution like the Parson’s School of Design through the John L. Tishman Scholarship awards $40,000 to students who show interest in, and a commitment to, sustainable development, design, and construction.

 

5. Set your sights on galaxies far, far away

Nordic countries are on the bucket lists of students who want to study abroad. Free tuition fees, high university rankings, and top of the line research facilities are sure to provide a worthwhile educational environment. According to MastersPortal, countries like Finland, Germany, and Norway welcome thousands of international students each year. There may be available college scholarships but don’t forget to check the living costs in these countries. This will help you get an overall feel for how you can plan financially.

 

Don’t stress your parents out. With the will to seek out opportunities and the courage to take on new challenges, surely one of these ways will lead you to a university life free from financial woes and worries.

 

References:

1. Tuition-Free Universities in Finland, N., & Lungu, M. (2018). Tuition-Free Universities in Finland, Norway and Germany in 2018 – MastersPortal.eu. Mastersportal.eu. Retrieved 11 February 2018, from https://www.mastersportal.eu/articles/1042/tuition-free-universities-in-finland-norway-and-germany-in-2018.html