PCAFPD Scholarship Program: Empowering Filipinos Through Education
Education builds people. Education also builds nations. In the Philippines, many students face financial struggles that keep them from reaching their dreams. Scholarships open doors and give them the chance to move forward.
The Philippine Central Alumni Foundation for Peace Corps Development (PCAFPD) scholarship program stands as one of those doors. It gives Filipino students the opportunity to study, graduate, and make a difference in their communities. Former Peace Corps Volunteers fund the program. They see it as their way of giving back and helping the Philippines grow.
This scholarship is not only about money. It is about leadership, service, and nation-building.
The Vision
PCAFPD believes education fuels national progress. By supporting students, the Foundation ensures that poverty does not block talent and ambition. Instead of losing future leaders, the program develops them into changemakers.
Former Peace Corps Volunteers lived and worked in the Philippines. They know the challenges of local communities. Through this program, they continue to serve by investing in young Filipinos. When a student graduates, the benefits spread. Families improve, communities grow, and the country becomes stronger.
Who Can Apply
PCAFPD looks for more than good grades. The Foundation seeks students who:
- Show leadership potential.
- Commit to community service.
- Believe in contributing to Philippine development.
Applicants should highlight both academic success and real community involvement. Volunteer work, leadership roles, or local initiatives all strengthen an application. PCAFPD wants future leaders who will stay and serve in the country.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship removes barriers so students can focus on their education. Benefits include:
- Full Tuition and Fees – Coverage of all school fees, including graduation costs.
- Educational Support – Allowance for books and school supplies.
- Living Allowance – Support for food, transport, and housing (graduate students must show need).
- Reimbursements – Coverage for research, fieldwork, or other approved academic activities.
- Technology and Research Aid – A free laptop for undergraduates. Graduate students can request up to PhP 10,000 for thesis support.
Eligibility
For Undergraduate Applicants
- Must be a Filipino citizen.
- Must be a current Grade 12 student, SHS graduate (not yet enrolled), or a first-year college student.
- Must pass entrance exams of chosen schools by May 31.
- Must show academic strength, leadership, and community involvement.
- Must show financial need, with priority given to low-income families.
- Must commit to serving the Philippines after graduation.
- Must select a course with strong potential to help national development.
Note: Medical-related courses (nursing, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine) and law are not covered.
For Graduate Applicants (Master’s or Ph.D.)
- Must be a Filipino citizen.
- Must be a PCAFPD alumnus.
- Must have at least one year of professional work experience.
- Must show academic strength, leadership, and service.
- Must show financial need.
- Must commit to working in the Philippines after graduation.
- Must pass program entrance exams before final approval.
Applicants focusing on courses that address community and national needs receive priority.
Scholar Obligations
A scholarship means both privilege and responsibility. Scholars must:
- Carry a full course load unless approved for part-time.
- Finish studies within the required time (or 1.5 times longer for part-time).
- Submit grades every semester.
- Pass all subjects.
- Submit a reflective essay each semester.
- Stay in contact with the PCAFPD Manila team.
- Inform the Foundation about other scholarships or funding.
- Request approval for course or school changes.
- Join PCAFPD networks, meetings, and mentoring programs.
Graduate students should avoid program changes as these may end their scholarship.
Why It Matters
This scholarship is more than financial aid. It creates leaders, builds communities and strengthens the Philippines.
Every PCAFPD scholar becomes part of a bigger vision: a future where education leads to change. Scholars launch local projects, uplift communities, and inspire others to chase their dreams.
Final Thoughts
Many Filipinos dream of higher education but cannot afford it. The PCAFPD scholarship turns that dream into reality. It empowers students to overcome challenges and to lead change.
If you want to serve your community, commit to the Philippines, and pursue higher education, this program could be your path. Check the Foundation’s FAQs and recorded webinars for details and deadlines.