OWWA EDSP & ODSP Scholarship Guide: Grade Requirements for OFW Dependents (2026 Rules)
A definitive guide to the OWWA Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP, ₱60,000/yr) and OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP, ₱20,000/yr), covering 85% GWA maintaining rules, qualifying exam ranking, active membership verification, and annual grade submission.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), an attached agency of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), provides substantial educational subsidies to qualified dependents of active Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). The two primary tertiary grants are the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) and the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP).
This guide explains the academic eligibility cutoffs, the 85.00% GWA maintaining rule for EDSP scholars, income ceilings for ODSP beneficiaries, annual grade submission procedures to OWWA Regional Welfare Offices (RWO), and how to verify your college General Weighted Average.
EDSP vs. ODSP: Core Differences at a Glance
While both scholarships assist OFW families, they cater to distinct academic and socioeconomic profiles:
| Feature | Education for Development (EDSP) | OFW Dependent Scholarship (ODSP) |
|---|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | Academically outstanding dependents of active OWWA OFW members (any income level). | Dependents of active OWWA OFWs with a monthly salary not exceeding $1,000 USD (or equivalent). |
| Financial Assistance | ₱60,000.00 / academic year (₱30,000 per semester) | ₱20,000.00 / academic year (₱10,000 per semester) |
| Selection Mechanism | National competitive qualifying examination administered in partnership with DOST-SEI (Top 400 national qualifiers). | Regional slot allocation based on income verification and documentary evaluation. |
| High School GWA Requirement | Graduating Grade 12 student belonging to the top 20% of the class with a GWA of at least 80.00%. | Senior high school graduate with a passing General Weighted Average. |
| College Maintaining Grade | 85.00% GWA or equivalent (2.25 / B) every semester with no failing grades. | Passing GWA (75.00% or 3.00) in all registered subjects. |
Detailed Academic Requirements & Grade Retention Rules
1. EDSP Maintaining Grade Guidelines
Because EDSP is a merit-based grant offering ₱60,000 per year, scholars must strictly observe the following academic standards:
- 85.00% Minimum Semester GWA: Your semestral weighted average must not drop below 85.00% (or equivalent 2.25 on a 1.0–5.0 scale, or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale).
- Zero Failing Grades: Incurring a single grade of 5.00, F, or 0.0 in any academic or non-academic course (including PATHFit and NSTP) results in scholarship termination.
- Regular Full-Time Load: Scholars must enroll in the full semester load prescribed by their college curriculum.
2. ODSP Maintaining Grade Guidelines
The ODSP focuses on financial support for lower-income OFW families. Grantees must maintain a passing average (no failing grades) in all registered subjects each term to secure annual grant releases.
Mandatory OFW Membership & Administrative Conditions
Beyond academic performance, scholars must ensure administrative compliance:
- Active OWWA Membership: The parent or sibling OFW principal must maintain an active, updated OWWA membership throughout the student's college degree program.
- Annual Submission of Grades: At the conclusion of every academic year, scholars must submit an official Transcript of Records (TOR) or Certified True Copy of Grades (TCG) bearing the registrar's dry seal to their designated OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO).
- Degree Duration Limit: The grant covers a maximum of four (4) or five (5) academic years corresponding to the official prescribed degree program duration.
Documentary Checklist for Annual Allowance Release
- Certified True Copy of Grades (TCG): For both 1st and 2nd semesters of the completed academic year.
- Certificate of Enrolment / Official Registration Form: For the incoming semester, confirming enrolled units.
- Valid Student ID & OWWA Scholar ID: Scanned copies of both identification cards.
- Proof of Active OWWA Membership: Official Receipt (OR) or OWWA Mobile App verification of active membership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What happens if an EDSP scholar receives an Incomplete (INC) grade?
Grades of INC must be completed within your university's official completion window. Allowance disbursements are placed on temporary hold until the removal grade is submitted to the OWWA Regional Office.
2. Can an OWWA scholar transfer to another university?
Yes. Transferees must notify their OWWA Regional Welfare Office in writing, submit an official Certificate of Transfer / Honorable Dismissal, and enroll in a CHED-recognized degree program.
3. Can OWWA scholarships be combined with the UniFAST Free Higher Education grant?
Yes. In state universities and colleges (SUCs) covered by Republic Act 10931, tuition is 100% free, and the full OWWA scholarship allowance (₱60,000 for EDSP / ₱20,000 for ODSP) is disbursed directly to the student for living and educational expenses.