Scholarships closing this month:
PCAFPD Scholarship 2027: Now accepting online applications
Qualified Filipino students may receive full funding to cover tuition and fees, a books allowance, a living allowance, and a laptop computer through the Philippine Council of the American Foundation for Philippine Development (PCAFPD) Scholarship Program, providing comprehensive support to Filipinos with the potential to be leaders in their communities.
The program covers both undergraduate applicants and, for PCAFPD alumni, advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) applicants.
The PCAFPD Scholarship Program is administered by the Peace Corps Alumni Foundation for Philippine Development (PCAFPD), created in 1983 by Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and staff as a way to stay connected to the Philippines and to each other in a worthy cause. Former Peace Corps Volunteers are the primary funders of the program, as a way to support Philippine development.
The scholarship application deadline is September 30, 2026 for the upcoming school year. Announcement of awardees is expected in 2027.
If you are a Grade 12 student, high school graduate, first-year college student, or PCAFPD alumni pursuing an advanced degree, here is what you need to know about the PCAFPD Scholarship 2027, including the benefits, qualifications, requirements, and how to apply.
Apply Also: TESDA Scholarships are now open
What is the PCAFPD Scholarship Program?
The PCAFPD Scholarship Program provides opportunities for Filipinos to further their education and contribute to the development of the Philippines. 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.
The program covers two types of applicants:
- Undergraduate scholars: current Grade 12 students, high school graduates not currently enrolled, and first-year college students
- Advanced degree scholars: PCAFPD alumni pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. degree
What are the PCAFPD Scholarship Benefits?
Successful applicants receive the following:
- Funding to fully cover tuition and fees associated with their chosen course of study, including graduation fees
- Allowance for books and educational supplies
- Living allowance per semester (graduate applicants must demonstrate need for this benefit to be considered)
- Reimbursement for other education-related activities, with prior approval
- Undergraduate scholars additionally receive a laptop computer provided by the Foundation
- Graduate scholars, instead of a laptop, may avail of up to ₱10,000 to support their thesis, upon submission of a funding proposal to the Vice President of Philippines Operations
Apply Also: Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Scholarship requirements
Who can apply for the PCAFPD Undergraduate Scholarship?
- Be a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines.
- Be a current Grade 12 Senior High School student, a high school graduate not currently enrolled, or a first-year college student. Grade 12 students and SHS graduates are responsible for passing their school’s entrance exam and being admitted to their stated course by May 31 of the year they 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 their community and country in the Philippines following graduation. The scholarship is not intended for those planning to work overseas.
- Propose a field of study with high potential to contribute to Philippine development, which is given priority in selection.
Note: Current college students who have completed more than two semesters at any college/university are not eligible to apply, regardless of course load during those semesters.
Courses not currently supported: Medical-related courses such as nursing, medical technology, graduate study in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and law. Theology is acceptable, provided the applicant does not intend to join the clergy or become a nun.
Who can apply for the PCAFPD Advanced Degree Scholarship?
According to PCAFPD’s published eligibility criteria, an advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) applicant must:
- Be a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines.
- Be a PCAFPD alumnus – PCAFPD must have previously supported either their undergraduate or graduate education.
- 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 their community and/or country in the Philippines following completion of their Master’s degree.
- Pass any qualifying tests required by the school or program they are applying to before the scholarship is granted. Applicants may apply before taking the exam but are responsible for registering for and passing it.
The scholarship is not intended for those planning to work overseas after graduation. Priority may be given to applicants demonstrating a strong academic history, the greatest financial need, and a commitment to contributing to Philippine development.
PCAFPD Undergraduate Scholarship Requirements
Applicants should gather all materials before starting the application. Required documents include:
Grades
- Grade 12 students: submit Grade 11 report card
- SHS graduates not enrolled in college, and 1st/2nd year college students: submit Senior High School transcript of records or Grade 12 report card
- First-year college students: submit latest college grades
Essays: All applicants must submit three essays, each 200–400 words, written in English:
- Topic 1: What course you want to study and how your education will prepare you to contribute to your country’s development
- Topic 2: Personal hardships or barriers overcome, or an event that shaped your character
- Topic 3: At least two examples of volunteer experience as a leader or participant, and what you learned about leadership and service
Short Answers (only for applicants currently in college and/or with an existing scholarship, each no more than 200 words, in English):
- Short Answer #1 (required only for those currently in college): Explain how you supported your college education up until now, and why you need additional support at this time.
- Short Answer #2 (required only for those with an existing scholarship): Explain why you need the PCAFPD scholarship.
Income Certification
- Latest Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Income Tax Return (ITR) of the applicant’s parents/guardians, or the applicant’s own ITR if already working
- If no ITR is available: a Certificate of Indigence from the Barangay, or an Affidavit of Non-filing of Income Tax Return
Two Recommendation Forms describing the applicant’s community service experience, leadership potential, and overall suitability, from:
- One academic official (teacher, principal, registrar, or other senior academic administrative representative)
- One of the following: Barangay captain, religious leader, Peace Corps Volunteer, or civic leader not related to the applicant
Recommenders are encouraged to complete PCAFPD’s official recommendation form template digitally. Handwritten letters will not be accepted.
Important: Incomplete applications will not be processed.
How to Apply for the PCAFPD Scholarship
- Check your eligibility using PCAFPD’s online eligibility checker.
- Gather all required documents listed above before starting the application.
- Complete the online application form, converting all files to PDF and ensuring each is below 5MB.
- Submit your complete application on or before the deadline.
Apply here: rpcvphilippines.org/applications
Eligibility Checker: rpcvphilippines.org/applications/applications-scholarship-eligibility-check
PCAFPD Scholarship Timeline
| Application Period | Dates |
|---|---|
| Application Process Begins | June 1 |
| Final due date for all application materials (undergraduate and advanced degree) | September 30 |
| Review of applications by Philippine Board members and volunteers | November |
| Transmittal of complete application forms to Washington, DC | December |
| Final review by Board of Directors in the USA | January |
| Scholarship awards posted online; award notices sent | March |
| Deadline for scholarship acceptance | April 1 |
| Orientation of new scholars | April–May |
Swipe left or right to view the complete table on mobile devices.
Scholarship Obligations
To keep their scholarship, scholars must:
- Maintain a full load of courses, unless approved for part-time attendance
- Complete their degree within the duration prescribed by their college/university (part-time students must complete their degree within no more than one and a half times the standard duration)
- Submit a transcript of grades at the end of each semester
- Earn passing grades
- Submit an essay at the end of each semester reflecting on their experiences
- Maintain regular communication with the PCAFPD/Manila team
- Notify the Foundation immediately if they receive another scholarship
- Request prior approval before changing course of study or school, no later than the first semester of the second year
- Participate in PCAFPD networks of scholars and selected activities (e.g., mentoring program, scholar meetings, alumni association)
If i have any questions, how to ask?
For questions not covered in FAQ below, applicants may contact: pcafpd@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the PCAFPD scholarship?
Current Grade 12 Senior High School students, high school graduates not currently enrolled in college, and first-year college students who are Filipino citizens, do not intend to pursue a medical course, law, or the clergy, and do not plan to work abroad after graduation are eligible for the undergraduate scholarship.
Can current college students apply for the undergraduate scholarship?
Yes, but only first-year college students are eligible. Current college students must also answer the required short answer explaining how they’ve supported their education so far and why they need additional support.
What is included in the scholarship award?
Successful applicants receive full tuition and school fees (including graduation fees), a books and educational supplies allowance, a living allowance per semester, reimbursement for approved education-related activities, and a laptop computer for undergraduate scholars.
Is there an income requirement to be eligible?
There is no strict income requirement to be considered, but financial need is assessed when determining who receives an award. Applicants whose chances of attending college without a scholarship are low are encouraged to apply.
What courses are NOT eligible for the PCAFPD scholarship?
Medical-related courses (nursing, medical technology, dentistry, veterinary medicine), graduate study in medicine, and law are not currently supported. Theology is acceptable as long as the applicant does not intend to join the clergy or become a nun.
Can I apply if I already have another scholarship?
Yes. Applicants with an existing scholarship must complete an additional short answer explaining why they need the PCAFPD scholarship. Current PCAFPD scholars who receive an additional scholarship must notify and receive approval from PCAFPD before accepting it.
Can I apply for a Master’s or Ph.D. scholarship if I’ve already graduated?
Yes, but only if the applicant is a PCAFPD alumnus whose undergraduate or graduate education was previously supported by the Foundation. PCAFPD does not support graduate study in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or law.
When will I be notified if I’m awarded the scholarship?
Scholarship awards are announced on PCAFPD’s official website in March of the following year, with award notices also sent directly to successful applicants.
Do I need to pass college entrance exams before applying?
No. Applicants are not required to pass entrance exams before applying, but are encouraged to register for and take them as soon as possible, as application to their chosen college remains their own responsibility.
Source: Peace Corps Alumni Foundation for Philippine Development (PCAFPD)
