The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) continues to provide educational assistance through its Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP), supporting qualified Filipino students who want to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries. The latest scholarship cycle covers Academic Year 2027–2031 and offers financial assistance to qualified scholars under its different grant categories.
Benefits
Scholars under any of the three grants receive:
- A full scholarship for a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries
- Free matriculation and school fees, except dormitory costs
- A monthly stipend of Php 5,000
- A semestral book allowance of Php 2,000
- OJT support of Php 3,000
- Research, thesis, or special problem support of Php 7,000
- Graduation support of Php 1,500
Document Requirements
Applicants across all grants should prepare:
- The completed and signed FSP application form for their grant type
- An original or certified true copy of the PSA or Civil Registrar birth certificate
- A certified true copy of Report Card (Form 138 or 137)
- A certificate of good moral character from the school registrar
- Two recent 2×2 photos with a white background
- A barangay residence certificate
FCEG applicants must also submit the parent’s Fish-R registration. ICCs/IPs applicants need a Certificate of Confirmation from NCIP, while FILG applicants must show proof they belong to the top ten of their graduating class.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants for the BFAR Scholarship Program must meet the requirements corresponding to the scholarship category they are applying for. The program offers opportunities under the Fisherfolk Children Educational Grant (FCEG), Fisheries Industry Leaders Grant (FILG), and Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) Grant.
Fisherfolk Children Educational Grant (FCEG)
To qualify for the FCEG, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Must be a natural-born Filipino citizen.
- Must be a senior high school graduate or graduating student whose parent or guardian is a registered fisherfolk under the Fish-R/Mangingisdang Juan registration.
- Must be 25 years old or younger at the time of the examination and must not have earned any college units.
- Applicants who completed high school under the old curriculum must have a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 80%.
- For graduating senior high school students under the K-12 curriculum, the average from the three most recent semesters must be at least 80% or its equivalent, regardless of academic track.
- Must have good moral character, as certified by the school head or principal.
- The applicant or their parent/guardian must have been physically residing in the municipality within the region where the scholarship slot is assigned for at least six months.
- The applicant’s parent or guardian must be a registered municipal fisherfolk, certified by the Municipal Agricultural Officer (MAO) or the appropriate BFAR Regional Office.
Fisheries Industry Leaders Grant (FILG)
Applicants for the FILG must satisfy these requirements:
- Must be a natural-born Filipino citizen.
- Must be a high school graduate or graduating student.
- Must be 25 years old or younger at the time of the examination and must not have earned any college units.
- Must belong to the top 10 students of the graduating class, with certification from the school head or principal.
- Applicants who completed high school under the old curriculum must have a GWA of at least 80%.
- Graduating senior high school students must have a GWA of at least 80% or its equivalent based on their three most recent semesters, regardless of track.
- Must be of good moral character, as certified by the school head or principal.
- The applicant or their parent/guardian must have been physically residing in the municipality within the region where the scholarship slot is allocated for at least six months.
Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) Grant
Applicants under the ICCs/IPs category must meet the following qualifications:
- Must be a natural-born Filipino citizen.
- Must be an ALS, high school, or senior high school graduate or graduating student.
- Must be 25 years old or younger at the time of the examination. Unlike the other categories, applicants may qualify whether or not they have previously earned college units.
- Must be a recognized member of an ethno-linguistic group in the community, as certified by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
- ALS and high school graduates must have a GWA of at least 80%.
- Graduating students under the K-12 curriculum must have a Grade 11 GWA of at least 80% or its equivalent.
- Must demonstrate good moral character, certified by the school head or principal and the community resident leader.
- The applicant or their parent/guardian must have physically resided in the municipality or ICC area within the region for at least six months, where the scholarship slot is allocated.
- The applicant’s parent or guardian must belong to a tribe officially recognized by the NCIP.
- Must be a member of the “Pamulalakaw” clan, which is responsible for waters and water resources, with certification from the Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) and community leader.
Procedure How to Apply
Applying takes two steps. First, complete the correct application form for your grant and attach your 2×2 photo. Second, submit the form with all documents to a nearby DA-BFAR office or your Municipal Agriculture Office. An online application is also available. Note that the qualifying exam starts at 8:00 AM—bring two No. 2 pencils, a valid ID, and your admission slip.
Application Form
Forms for FCEG, FILG, and ICCs/IPs can be downloaded and printed before submission. Each grant uses a separate annexed form.
Application Deadline
Application Status: The application period for the AY 2027–2031 Fisheries Scholarship Program has already closed. The National Qualifying Examination is scheduled for October 10, 2026, according to current BFAR regional announcements.