The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) offers education and training programs for qualified OFWs and their dependents.
These programs provide financial support for college degrees, vocational courses, computer training, and skills upgrading for seafarers. All of these benefits are intended for OWWA members including OFWs, seafarers and their dependents.
College Scholarships for OFW Dependents
1. Education for Development Scholarship Program
The Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) supports qualified OFW dependents taking a four- or five-year college course.
Scholars may receive up to ₱60,000 per school year until they complete their degree.
For incoming first-year students, OWWA selects the top 400 passers of the national examination administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Another 600 slots are available for qualified students who are already enrolled in college.
- Benefits: The grant can reduce the family’s yearly college expenses.
- Best for: High-performing students planning to complete a bachelor’s degree.
- Application tip: Prepare school records and proof of the OFW’s OWWA membership early.
- Useful note: The grant is worth up to ₱60,000. The actual amount may depend on program rules and approved expenses.
2. OFW-Dependents Scholarship Program
The OFW-Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP) provides ₱20,000 per school year to qualified OFW dependents.
It is open to dependents of OFWs who earn no more than US$600 (Php 37,000+) per month.
Students may be entering college, currently enrolled, or returning to school. The grant covers associate degrees and four- or five-year college courses.
- Benefits: The assistance can help cover tuition, school supplies, transportation, and other education costs.
- Best for: Families of OFWs who meet the monthly income limit.
- Application tip: Secure proof of the OFW’s monthly salary because income is a main qualification.
- Useful note: Returning students may also qualify. Applicants do not always have to be incoming first-year students.
3. Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program
The Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) supports deserving migrant workers and their immediate dependents.
The program is for students pursuing courses in priority science and technology fields.
Qualified scholars may receive ₱60,120 per year.
- Benefits: The grant supports courses that can lead to careers in science, technology, engineering, and related fields.
- Best for: OFWs or immediate family members interested in an approved science and technology course.
- Application tip: Confirm that the chosen degree is included in the current list of priority fields before enrolling.
- Useful note: Unlike EDSP and ODSP, CMWSP may directly support a qualified migrant worker, not only an OFW dependent.
More information about these three programs is available on OWWA’s official baccalaureate courses page.
Short-Term Training Programs
4. Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program
The Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) helps qualified OFWs and their dependents gain technical or vocational skills.
OWWA provides up to ₱14,500 per training course. Training may last from six months to two years.
The course must be offered by a school accredited by TESDA, MARINA, or another government training agency.
- Benefits: Participants can gain practical skills for employment, promotion, or a new source of income.
- Best for: OFWs and dependents who prefer job-focused training instead of a full college degree.
- Application tip: Check the school’s accreditation and ask whether the selected course is covered before paying any fees.
- Useful note: Available courses and training centers may differ by province or location.
5. Seafarers’ Upgrading Program
The Seafarers’ Upgrading Program (SUP) helps Filipino seafarers improve their professional skills and meet international maritime competency standards.
Qualified seafarers may receive up to ₱7,500 per upgrading course at an accredited maritime training center.
One recorded OWWA membership contribution covers the first grant. Another grant may be given after three additional recorded membership contributions.
- Benefits: The training can help seafarers renew or improve their qualifications and remain competitive for maritime jobs.
- Best for: Active seafarers who need an approved professional upgrading course.
- Application tip: Review the training center’s accreditation and the course’s relevance to the required maritime certificate.
- Useful note: Future grants depend on the seafarer’s recorded OWWA membership contributions.
6. Information Technology Training Program
The Information Technology Training Program (ITTP) is a five-day course for qualified OFWs and their dependents.
It covers internet use and basic training in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
OWWA personnel conduct the training in the Philippines and at selected overseas locations.
- Benefits: Participants learn digital skills useful for office work, school activities, online applications, and daily tasks.
- Best for: Beginners who want to become more confident when using computers and common office programs.
- Application tip: Ask the nearest OWWA or Migrant Workers Office about the next training schedule and available seats.
- Useful note: Since the course lasts only five days, it provides basic computer literacy rather than advanced IT certification.
Details about these programs are listed on OWWA’s official short-term courses page.
What Applicants Should Do Before Applying
Program requirements, application periods, and available slots may differ.
Applicants should:
- Confirm that the OFW’s OWWA membership is active.
- Prepare identification, proof of relationship, school records, and employment documents.
- Check whether the school, course, or training center is accredited.
- Submit documents within the announced application period.
- Keep copies of all forms, receipts, and OWWA notices.
- Avoid people who ask for unofficial processing or reservation fees.
Applicants may contact an OWWA Regional Welfare Office in the Philippines, visit the nearest Migrant Workers Office abroad, or call the OWWA Hotline at 1348.
