The SM Foundation College Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to deserving Filipino students who want to pursue a college degree but face financial difficulties. Established in 1993, the program supports qualified incoming college freshmen through educational assistance and opportunities for career development.
The scholarship was established under the vision of the late SM founder Henry Sy Sr., who believed that education could help improve the economic conditions of Filipino families. Through the initiative, students from low-income households can access college education and work toward better employment opportunities after graduation.
Benefits
Students accepted into the SM Foundation College Scholarship Program may receive several forms of assistance throughout their college education.
The scholarship benefits include:
- Free college tuition
- Monthly financial allowance
- Opportunities to work with SM during Christmas and summer breaks
- Potential employment opportunities within the SM Group after graduation
- Participation in enrichment activities and development programs
- These benefits are intended to help scholars manage their educational expenses while preparing for future careers.
Courses Offered
The following is the list of all the courses or degree programs that are covered by the SM Scholarship.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering / Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting Information Systems
- Bachelor of Science in Internal Auditing
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Financial Management
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Management Accounting
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
- Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Majors in Biology, Chemistry, General Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, English
Qualifications
The scholarship is intended for incoming college students who meet the academic and financial qualifications.
Based on the published eligibility criteria, applicants must:
- Be Grade 12 graduates from public or private schools in covered areas.
- Have a General Weighted Average of at least 92% or its equivalent in the first semester of Grade 12.
- Belong to a household with an annual income not exceeding ₱150,000.
- Private school applicants must have a DepEd voucher and must have completed Grade 10 in a public high school.
- What Are the Application Requirements?
- Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Accomplished online application form
- Latest parent or guardian Income Tax Return, Certificate of Non-Filing of Income, or Certificate of Indigency
- Latest Grade 12 report card
- Birth certificate
- Recent 2×2 ID picture
- Sketch of the applicant’s home showing the nearest SM Mall
How to Apply for the SM Foundation Scholarship
Interested students can visit the official SM Foundation website to access the College Scholarship Program application portal.
Applicants must complete the online form and upload the required documents. Qualified candidates may undergo an application assessment, online examination, interview, and virtual home visit before final selection.
Successful applicants will receive instructions regarding school and degree program confirmation, orientation, and contract signing.
Note: Applicants should check the official SM Foundation College Scholarship page for updated qualifications, application schedules, and requirements.
Courses Offered
The following is the list of all the courses or degree programs that are covered by the SM Scholarship.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering / Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting Information Systems
- Bachelor of Science in Internal Auditing
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Financial Management
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Management Accounting
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
- Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Majors in Biology, Chemistry, General Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, English
Requirements
Interested must be Grade 12 graduates from public and private schools in the areas covered. Applicants from private schools must have a DepEd voucher and must be Grade 10 finishers from public high schools;Additionally, applicants must have a General Weighted Average grade of at least 92% or its equivalent for Grade 12 – 1st semester; and
Their total household income of at most PHP 150,000 per year.
Areas Covered by the SM Foundation Scholarship
The scholarship program covers selected provinces and cities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Check the list below to see whether your area is included.
Luzon
- National Capital Region (NCR)
- Albay
- Bataan
- Batangas
- Benguet
- Bulacan
- Cagayan
- Camarines Norte
- Camarines Sur
- Cavite
- Isabela
- Laguna
- Nueva Ecija
- Palawan
- Pampanga
- Pangasinan
- Sorsogon
- Quezon
- Rizal
- Tarlac
- Zambales
Visayas
- Capiz
- Cebu
- Iloilo
- Leyte
- Negros Occidental
Mindanao
- Agusan del Norte
- Davao del Sur
- Misamis Oriental
- South Cotabato
- Zamboanga del Sur
Requirements
Below is the list of all the documentary requirements that each applicant must prepare, provide and secure to process their application.
They shall have an accomplished online application form
Additionally, they shall provide or attach the following with their online application:
A Parent’s or Guardian’s Latest Income Tax Return / Certification of Non-Filing of Income / Certificate of Indigency
A latest Grade 12 report card
Birth Certificate
2×2 ID picture
A sketch of the home to the nearest SM Mall
How to Process SM Scholarship Online
Here is a step-by-step guide for the SMFI College Scholarship Program.
Step 1: Apply online by using this link www.sm-foundation.org to access SM Foundation’s online application portal or website.
Step 2: Then, upload all the required documents using the link from Step 1.
Step 3: After that, wait to be assessed and evaluated. After you have submitted all the required documents, SM Foundation will assess your application.
Step 4: Wait patiently. After a couple of days, you will receive an email notification to let you know whether you are qualified to take the exam or if your application has been denied.
Step 5: If you are qualified, take the online exam. You will be receiving the details of the exam including the schedule through email. Additionally, the examination result will also be sent via email.
Step 6: After you have taken the exam, get ready for an interview. If you will pass the exam including the schedule, you will be interviewed by the SM Foundation via Google Meet. Additionally, details of the interview and results will be sent via email.
Step 7: Aside from that, prepare for a random virtual home visit. If you pass the interview, you also have to prepare for a virtual home visit by SM Foundation via Google Meet.
Step 8: After that, confirm your School and Degree program. If you pass the exam and the interview, you will be required to confirm your school and degree program via email.
Step 9: Lastly, you have to attend the orientation and contract signing and you have to wait for the email notification about the details of the orientation and contract signing.
Application Period
Applications will be open from January 1 to 31, 2027. Interested students are encouraged to prepare all the required documents in advance to ensure a smooth application process and avoid missing the deadline.