The scholarship application deadline was OCTOBER 31, 2024 for the first semester of next school year. Please monitor our Facebook Page and website for updates on awardees (expected this Spring). The next application cycle will open in Summer of 2025.

ABOUT US

In 1983, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and staff created the Foundation as a way for former volunteers and staff to stay connected to the Philippines and to each other in a worthy cause. Learn more about us here.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The PCAFPD scholarship program provides opportunities for Filipinos to further their education and contribute to the development of the Philippines. Former Peace Corps Volunteers are the primary funders of the program as a way to support Philippine development.

The Foundation seeks applicants who have the potential to be leaders in their communities and demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the quality of life for all Filipinos. Your application should demonstrate this capacity and commitment. The sections below cover scholarship benefits, eligibility criteria, and scholar obligations. If you still have questions, please check out our FAQs page that also includes a recorded application webinar from August 2024.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants would receive the following benefits:

  • Full Tuition & Other School Fees.
  • Allowance for Books & Educational Supplies.
  • Living Allowance per Semester. Applicants for graduate school must demonstrate their need for assistance with living expenses in order to be considered for this benefit.
  • Reimbursement for other education-related activities (with prior approval).
  • Undergraduate applicants will receive a laptop computer provided by the Foundation. Graduate students do not receive this benefit but can avail of up to PhP 10,000 to support their thesis. For receiving thesis funding graduate students must submit a funding proposal to the Vice President of Philippines Operations.

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply for the undergraduate scholarship?

  • Citizens of the Republic of the Philippines.
  • Current Grade 12 Senior High school students, high school graduates not currently enrolled and college students in need of several years of funding. For Grade 12 students and SHS graduates, it is your responsibility to pass the school’s entrance exam and be admitted to the course you stated in this application form by May 31st of the year you plan to enroll.
  • Have a record of strong academic performance, leadership, and community service experiences.
  • Demonstrate financial need.  Priority is given to applicants from low-income households, generally those below the poverty line.
  • Be committed to serving your community and country, following your graduation from college. This scholarship is not intended for people planning to work overseas.
  • Applicants proposing fields of study with high potential to contribute to Philippine development will be given priority in the selection process.
    • The following courses we do not currently support: No medical related courses such as nursing, medical technology, graduate study in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and in addition, law.

Who can apply for the graduate scholarship?

  • Citizens of the Republic of the Philippines.
  • Have completed an undergraduate degree.
  • Have at least one (1) year of professional work experience.
  • Have a record of strong academic performance, leadership, and community service experiences.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Be committed to serving your community and/or country, in the Philippines, following completion of your masters degree.
  • Pass any qualifying tests for the school or program to which you are applying before the scholarship is granted.  You may apply for the scholarship before taking the exam, but it is your responsibility to register for and pass the exam.

Please note the following:

  • This scholarship is not intended for people planning to work overseas. Scholars are expected to contribute to their communities and country by working in the Philippines after graduation.
  • Applicants proposing fields of study with high potential to contribute to Philippine development will be given priority.
  • Priority may be given to applicants who demonstrate:
    • A strong academic history.
    • The greatest financial need.
    • A commitment to contributing to Philippine development.

Scholarship Obligations

To keep your scholarship, you must:

  • Maintain a full load of courses (unless approved for part-time attendance).
  • Complete their degree within the duration prescribed by the college/university. Students who are approved for part time studies should complete their studies no more than one and a half times of the duration of the degree. For example, a part-time student should complete a 2-year degree within three years.
  • Submit a transcript of grades at the end of each semester.
  • Earn passing grades.
  • Submit an essay at the end of each semester describing and reflecting on your experiences during the semester.
  • Maintain regular communication with PCAFPD/Manila team.
  • Notify the Foundation immediately if you receive another scholarship.  If you have another source of funding to support your education, the Foundation may choose to adjust your scholarship accordingly.  This will allow us to use our scarce resources to fund other deserving students. 
  • Request prior approval for changing from one course of study to another or to another school if you would like your scholarship to transfer with you (this must be done no later than the first semester of the second year of the course). Such changes are not generally appropriate in graduate school and may cause you to lose credit for completed work.  In this case, the Foundation may choose to terminate your scholarship. 
  • Participate in PCAFPD networks of scholars and selected activities (e.g. mentoring program, scholar meetings, alumni association, etc.)