SM Foundation College Scholarship 2026: GWA Requirements, Allowances & Partner Schools (Official Guide)
A comprehensive guide to the SM Foundation College Scholarship Program (AY 2026–2027), detailing the 92% GWA cutoff, ₱250,000 household income limit, full tuition subsidies, monthly allowances, partner universities, and maintaining grade rules.
The SM Foundation College Scholarship Program, established by the late Henry Sy, Sr., is one of the premier private educational assistance programs in the Philippines. Providing 100% full tuition coverage, monthly living allowances, semestral job opportunities, and post-graduation employment within the SM Group of Companies, the scholarship supports thousands of deserving public high school graduates across the nation.
This guide explains the 92.00% Grade 12 GWA entry benchmark, priority degree programs (STEM, Accountancy, and Education), accredited partner universities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and semester grade retention policies.
SM Foundation Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the annual SM Foundation College Scholarship application cycle via the official SM Scholarship Portal, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
| Requirement Category | Exact Standard (AY 2026–2027) | Special Notes & Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Background | Graduating Grade 12 student from a public senior high school OR private school with a DepEd Voucher | Private high school applicants must have completed Grade 10 in a public secondary school. |
| Academic Standing (GWA) | 92.00% or higher | Evaluated using the General Weighted Average from the 1st Semester of Grade 12. |
| Annual Household Income | ₱250,000.00 or lower | Verified through the latest BIR Income Tax Return (ITR) or Barangay Certificate of Indigency. |
| Geographical Coverage | Residing within designated covered cities and provinces with SM presence | Covers NCR, major Luzon provinces, Western/Central/Eastern Visayas, and Northern/Southern Mindanao. |
Priority Degree Programs Covered by SM Foundation
The scholarship is specifically tailored to industry-critical degree programs:
- Computer Studies & Information Technology: BS Computer Science (BSCS), BS Information Technology (BSIT), BS Information Systems.
- Engineering Disciplines: BS Civil Engineering, BS Electrical Engineering, BS Mechanical Engineering, BS Computer Engineering, BS Electronics Engineering.
- Accountancy & Business: BS Accountancy (BSA), BS Management Accounting (BSMA), BS Accounting Information Systems (BSAIS), BS Internal Auditing.
- Teacher Education: Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd), Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) with specializations in Science, Mathematics, or English.
Scholarship Benefits Package (2026)
| Benefit Item | Coverage / Amount | Schedule & Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Full Tuition & Miscellaneous Fees | 100% Coverage | Billed directly to partner universities per semester or term. |
| Monthly Living Allowance | Standard Monthly Stipend | Disbursed directly to the scholar's Landbank / ATM cash card. |
| Vacation Part-Time Jobs | Paid Semestral Employment | Opportunities to work in SM Retail stores and affiliates during Christmas and summer breaks. |
| Job Offers Upon Graduation | Exclusive Career Placement | Priority hiring and management training positions across the SM Group of Companies. |
Accredited Partner Universities by Region
Scholars must enroll in an officially accredited SM Foundation partner institution:
- National Capital Region (NCR): University of the Philippines (Diliman), Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Asia Pacific College (APC), National University (Manila, MOA, Fairview), Far Eastern University (FEU & FEU Tech), Philippine Normal University (PNU), Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), and Jose Rizal University.
- Luzon: UP Los Baños, Batangas State University, Saint Louis University (Baguio), Holy Angel University (Pampanga), University of Pangasinan, and University of Perpetual Help.
- Visayas & Mindanao: University of San Carlos (USC), University of St. La Salle (Bacolod), Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan, Ateneo de Davao University, and Mindanao State University (MSU-IIT).
Maintaining Grade Rules for SM Scholars
To retain active scholarship benefits each semester, grantees must adhere to the foundation's academic guidelines:
- 85.00% Semester GWA: Must maintain a General Weighted Average of at least 85.00% or equivalent (approx. 2.00 to 2.25 on a 1.0–5.0 scale, or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale). Calculate your standing using our free Philippine GWA Calculator.
- No Failing Grades: Incurring a grade of 5.00, F, or 0.0 in any academic subject triggers scholarship review and possible termination. Non-academic subjects like PATHFit must also be passed.
- Continuous Full-Time Enrollment: Dropping subjects or underloading without written approval from the SM Foundation Scholarship Committee is prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can private high school graduates apply for the SM Scholarship?
Yes, provided they graduated with the assistance of a DepEd Senior High School Voucher and completed their Junior High School (Grade 10) in a public high school.
2. Can I combine the SM Scholarship with the DOST or CHED Scholarship?
The SM Foundation permits holding partial institutional tuition waivers, but national government cash subsidies like the DOST Scholarship and CHED Merit Scholarship may have cross-grant restrictions. In SUCs, scholars enjoy free tuition under RA 10931 and receive the full SM monthly living allowance.
3. How do I compute my Grade 12 1st semester GWA for the application?
Add all final grades on your 1st semester Grade 12 report card and divide by the total number of subjects. An average of 92.00% or better is required for eligibility.