If you’re planning to study in the Philippines and need financial support, the Educational Benefit System Unit (EBSU) international scholarship is one of the best local funding opportunities for deserving students.
From my experience researching and reviewing multiple city-based scholarships, EBSU stands out because it doesn’t just focus on academic excellence—it also prioritizes financial need and community impact, especially for students in Davao City.
The Educational Benefit System Unit (EBSU) scholarship is a powerful opportunity for students in Davao City who want to pursue higher education without financial burden. If you apply correctly and early, your chances increase significantly.
After analyzing many scholarship programs like Chevening Scholarship, Fulbright Program, and DAAD, here’s what makes EBSU different:
- It is need-based + merit-based
- Focuses on local community development
- Has limited slots, so competition is real
If you’re eligible, this is one of the easiest entry-level scholarships to secure compared to international programs.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the EBSU Scholarship 2026–2027, especially the STEP program, including requirements, application steps, deadline, and tips to increase your chances.
What is the EBSU Scholarship (STEP)?
The City Government of Davao manages EBSU to provide financial assistance to students who cannot afford higher education.
EBSU offers three major programs:
1. STEP (Scholarship on Tertiary Education Program)
- For undergraduate (college) students
- Provides semester-based financial grants
- Covers priority courses in private institutions
2. Medical Education Assistance (MED)
- For medicine students
- Can cover full or partial tuition + book allowance
3. Law Education Assistance (LAW)
- For law students
- Offers tuition support + allowances
From what I’ve seen, STEP is the most accessible and widely applied program, especially for first-year college students.
EBSU Scholarship 2027 (Latest Update)
The EBSU Scholarship for Academic Year 2027 is currently OPEN.
Students can apply through the official portal:
https://ebsu-escholar.davaocity.gov.ph
Based on recent updates:
- Around 600+ scholarship slots are available
- Includes STEP, MED, and LAW programs
- Applications opened in April 2026
Real Tip (Important):
From experience, many applicants miss out simply because they apply late. EBSU is competitive, so early application gives you a real advantage.
EBSU Scholarship Requirements (STEP)
Here are the updated eligibility criteria for STEP (based on recent cycles):
1. Citizenship & Residency
- Must be a natural-born Filipino citizen
- Preferably a resident of Davao City
2. Student Status
- Incoming freshman OR currently enrolled college student
- Must study in accredited private institutions
(STEP usually does NOT cover public/state universities)
3. Financial Requirement
- Household income ≤ PHP 400,000/year
- Must show proof of financial need
4. Academic Requirement
- Must have good academic standing
- Maintain grades during scholarship period
5. Other Conditions
- Cannot hold another full government scholarship
- Must submit complete and valid documents
In my observation, income documentation is the most critical part—many applications fail due to incomplete financial proof.
Priority Courses for EBSU STEP (2027)
EBSU prioritizes courses aligned with workforce demand.
1. Teacher Education
- Secondary Education (Math, Science, English, etc.)
2. IT & Technology
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Computer Engineering
3. Health Sciences
- Nursing
- Medical Technology
- Pharmacy
- Radiologic Technology
4. Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Community Development
Always confirm the latest list via the official portal because it may change each year.
EBSU Scholarship Deadline 2027
- Applications typically open: April – May
- Current cycle: Opened April
- Deadline: Check official portal (varies yearly)
https://ebsu-escholar.davaocity.gov.ph
Expert Tip:
Check the portal every 2–3 days. Based on past trends, deadlines can be extended—but not always announced widely.
How to Apply for EBSU STEP (Step-by-Step)
From reviewing actual application flows, here’s the simplified process:
Step 1: Register Online
Go to the official portal and create an account.
Step 2: Fill Application Form
Provide:
- Personal details
- Family income info
- Course and school details
- Academic records
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Typical documents include:
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of residency
- Certificate of indigency
- Income proof (BIR or affidavit)
- Academic records
- 2×2 photo
Step 4: Application Review
- Evaluation by EBSU staff
- Possible interview or verification
- Results via email/SMS
EBSU STEP Benefits (What You Get)
| Program | Coverage | Estimated Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| STEP | Undergraduate | ₱15,000 – ₱50,000 / semester |
| MED | Medicine | Up to ₱140,000 + allowance |
| LAW | Law | Up to ₱50,000 + allowance |
Note: STEP is not always full tuition, but it significantly reduces costs.