Since its establishment in 1983, SM Foundation has grown into one of the Philippines’ most influential philanthropic organizations. It’s committed to uplifting communities through education, health, sustainable agriculture, and social development. One of its most impactful initiatives is the SM Foundation Scholarship for College Students. This program provides full tuition coverage, monthly allowances, and industry-level training. With benefits reaching over ₱200,000 worth of academic support, the scholarship continues to transform the lives of thousands of students nationwide.
For decades, the foundation has stayed true to its vision of making education accessible to hardworking yet financially challenged Filipino youth. As the program expanded, the scholarship became increasingly competitive, attracting applicants from various regions who hope to secure its generous benefits and long-term career opportunities within the SM Group. Because of this, many students often ask: Is this scholarship right for me? Do I qualify for the courses they support? What is the application process? What can I do to stand out from other students?
If you’ve been wondering how to join this prestigious program, this post will serve as your step-by-step guide. Here, you’ll understand the award’s value, application requirements. Likewise, you’ll learn how to apply and improving your chances of getting selected.
About the Host of the SM Foundation Scholarship for College Students
The SM Foundation Scholarship for College Students is managed by the SM Foundation, which serves as the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM Group. SM Foundation was established 1983, as part of the vision of Henry Sy, Sr., who believed that education is a powerful lever to uplift communities and break cycles of poverty.
Over the years, SM Foundation has supported thousands of young Filipinos through its scholarship programs. This includes college and technical-vocational education, helping them gain access to meaningful careers and personal development. The foundation also invests in holistic student development.
Similarly, scholars in the SM College Scholarship Program benefit from enrichment activities, leadership workshops, and a strong alumni network. These are all designed to prepare them both academically, and for life beyond graduation.
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Benefits of the SM Foundation Scholarship for College Students
The SM Foundation Scholarship for College Students delivers diverse benefits to its recipients. First, it provides full tuition coverage at SM Foundation’s partner universities, ensuring that your school fees won’t be a barrier to achieving your college degree. In addition to tuition, scholars receive a monthly allowance to help with living expenses. According to the SM Foundation, this allowance is designed to ease financial pressures so students can focus more on their studies and less on day-to-day costs.
Furthermore, during semester breaks and Christmas vacation, students can access paid part-time job opportunities within the SM Group, giving them real work experience while campus is out of session. When you graduate, the reward continues: the scholarship includes exclusive job offers inside the SM Group. This means that scholars can step directly into a career path with SM if they choose to.
Lastly, the scholarship also supports your personal and professional development. Thus, you’ll take part in workshops, team-building exercises, and regular enrichment events to strengthen your leadership, communication, and workplace readiness skills. Therefore, if you’re a Filipino, and you’ve been looking for scholarship opportunities with numerous perks, you can quickly enrol for the SM Foundation Scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria for the SM Foundation Scholarship
If you’re applying for the SM Foundation Scholarship for College Students, here are the key eligibility requirements you must meet:
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Areas Covered:
#1. Luzon
NCR, Albay, Bataan, Batangas,Benguet, Bulacan, Caghayan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Cavite, Isabela, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Sorsogon, Quezon, Rizal, Tarlac, Zambales
#2. Visayas
Capiz, Cebu, Iloilo, Leyte, Negros Occidental
#3. LlMindanao
Agusan del Norte, Davao del Sur, Misamis Asian, South Cotabato, Zamboanga del Sur
SM Foundation Scholarship Partner Schools
According to SM Foundation’s most recent published list, some of their partner colleges and universities are:
Eligible Courses
Based on SM Foundation’s current college scholarship program, these are the degree programs they support:
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Deadline
The online application for the 2026 SM Foundation College Scholarship will be open on February 1, 2026 and closes on March 31 of that same year.
How to Apply for the SM Foundation Scholarship for College Students?
Applying for the SM Foundation Scholarship for College Students in Philippines is a great way to start your career enhancement process. So, if you’re excited about this opportunity, here’s how you can practically apply.
#1. Access the Online Application Portal
When the application period opens, visit the SM Foundation Scholarship portal through their official website. Create an account if required or log in to an existing one.
#2. Complete the Application Form
Fill out the online form with accurate personal, educational, and family information. Be precise when entering details about your chosen school and course, as the scholarship only covers approved partner institutions and specific courses. Upload all required documents clearly, ensuring they are legible and correctly formatted.
#3. Submit the Application and Confirm
After filling out the form and uploading your documents, submit your application. Some applicants may need to click a confirmation button to finalize their submission. Meanwhile, if is important to save or screenshot the confirmation page for your records, as this proves that your application was successfully received.
#4. Take the Qualifying Examination
Shortlisted applicants are invited to take the SM Scholarship Qualifying Exam, which typically tests mathematics, English, and logical reasoning. This exam evaluates your academic readiness and helps SM Foundation identify candidates with strong potential for success in colle
#5. Interview and Home Visit
Applicants who pass the exam proceed to a panel interview where SM Foundation assesses motivation, character, communication skills, and financial need. Some candidates may also undergo a home visit to confirm household income and living conditions, ensuring transparency and fairness in the selection process.
#6. Official Notification
Finally, successful applicants receive an official acceptance notification. You will then attend an orientation, submit any remaining documents, and sign the scholarship contract. Completing these steps officially makes you an SM Scholar, granting you access to full benefits, including tuition coverage, monthly allowance, internships, and career opportunities through the SM Foundation Scholarship for College Students.
Does the Scholarship Offer Past Questions?
The SM Foundation Scholarship does not officially provide past examination questions to applicants. According to their guidelines and official materials, the scholarship process includes a qualifying exam and an interview, but SM Foundation does not release previous test papers for public use. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to prepare by reviewing general scholarship test topics, including mathematics, English, and logical reasoning, which are typically covered in the examination. Additionally, you teach out directly to the SM Foundation during the application period to ask if they provide any sample or practice test content to guide your preparation.
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Selection Procedures
After you submit your application for the SM Foundation Scholarship for College Students, the foundation begins with an initial screening to verify your academic records, family income, and eligibility for approved courses and partner schools. Once this is completed, only applicants who meet all requirements and submit accurate, complete documents are shortlisted for the next stage.
Next, shortlisted candidates are invited to take the scholarship qualifying examination, which evaluates skills in mathematics, English, and logical reasoning. Following the exam, applicants who perform well proceed to the interview stage, where SM Foundation carefully assesses motivation, character, communication skills, and financial need. In addition, some applicants may undergo a home visit to confirm household income and living conditions, ensuring fairness and transparency in awarding the scholarships.
Finally, the foundation conducts a thorough review of exam results, interview feedback, and home visit findings to make the final selection. Successful applicants receive official notification and are required to attend an orientation, submit any remaining documents, and sign the scholarship contract. Once these steps are completed, students officially become SM Scholars, gaining access to valuable benefits such as tuition coverage, monthly allowances, internships, and career opportunities through the SM Foundation Scholarship for College Students.
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How to Improve Your Chances of Getting the SM Foundation Scholarship?
Typically, the SM Foundation Scholarship for College Students is highly competitive, as thousands of deserving Filipino students apply every year. While selection is not easy, following the right steps and strategies can significantly increase your chances of being chosen. Here are practical tips to help you stand out during the application process
Kindly Check Out these International Scholarships
Check out various scholarship opportunities available for you to apply to study in any country of your choice. Whether you seek a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D., you will find a scholarship in any of the countries you choose. Learn more about available scholarships in each country by visiting the respective scholarship links below:
FAQs On SM Foundation Scholarship for College Students
What is the SM Foundation Scholarship for College Students?
The SM Foundation Scholarship for College Students is a government-partnered program funded by SM Foundation. They provide full tuition coverage, monthly allowances, and internship opportunities for deserving Filipino students pursuing specific degree courses in partner colleges and universities.
Who can apply for the SM Foundation Scholarship for College Students?
Applicants must be Filipino high school graduates with a general weighted average of 92% or higher, come from low-income households, and plan to enroll in approved courses and SM partner schools.
How much is the SM Foundation Scholarship worth?
The scholarship covers full tuition, provides a monthly allowance of ₱7,500. They program also includes paid internships and work opportunities, over the course of a college degree.
When is the application period for the SM Foundation Scholarship?
The application period typically opens on February 1 and closes on March 31 each year.
What documents are required to apply for the SM Foundation Scholarship?
You will need a Grade 12 report card, parents’ or guardians’ Income Tax Return (ITR) or Certificate of Non-Filing, birth certificate, 2×2 photo, and a sketch of your home indicating the nearest SM Mall.
What subjects are tested in the SM Scholarship qualifying exam?
The exam evaluates skills in mathematics, English, and logical reasoning, which helps the foundation identify students with strong academic potential and problem-solving ability.
Can students from all regions in the Philippines apply?
Yes, the scholarship is open to students from selected regions in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, provided they plan to enroll in SM Foundation-approved partner schools.
Is there a chance to get an internship or work opportunity through the SM Foundation Scholarship?
Yes, scholars are given paid internship opportunities within the SM Group during semester breaks, as well as part-time work during holidays, helping them gain professional experience and career exposure
How long does the SM Foundation Scholarship last?
The scholarship lasts for the duration of your college degree. However, you must maintain academic performance and comply with SM Foundation’s requirements, including submission of grades, enrollment documents, and participation in activities.
