What is the main goal of the DFA Scholarship Program? 

The DFA Scholarship Program provides scholarship opportunities for the personal and career development of all deserving Department employees. These opportunities contribute to strengthening and professionalizing the foreign service. The Department selects scholarships relevant to the requirements of the service and its annual priorities, in line with the DFA Strategic Plan. 

Who can apply for these scholarships?

Generally, the following personnel can apply:

• Regular/Permanent personnel who have completed at least one (1) year residency at the Home Office or have at least two (2) years remaining in their tour of duty at a Foreign Service Post.

• New Foreign Service Officers who have completed the FSI Cadetship Program and the 6-month on-the-job training.

• Contractual personnel with at least two (2) years of service to the Department may apply for short-term non-degree programs, provided no regular DFA or FSI employee applied.

• Applicants must have obtained at least "very satisfactory" Individual Performance Commitment and Review Form (IPCRF) ratings for the two (2) consecutive rating periods before the application.

• Personnel currently in the Home Office are given priority.

Can a dependent of DFA employee/s avail of this scholarship?

No. The scholarship program is specifically for the personal and career development of DFA and FSI employees.

Are DFA personnel assigned to Foreign Service Posts eligible to apply?

Yes, personnel assigned at Foreign Service Posts (both officers and staff who are regular employees) can apply for scholarships, provided that they have at least two (2) years remaining in their tour of duty.

Can government employees from other agencies apply for these scholarships?

The scholarship program is specifically for personnel of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Foreign Service Institute (FSI). 

For training programs available to other government personnel, information can often be found on the official websites of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) at ched.gov.ph and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) at tesda.gov.ph. 

What kind of scholarships are offered?

The program includes various types of learning opportunities, both in the Philippines and abroad:

• Scholarships: Structured courses or activities for learning and building skills or competencies.

• Fellowship grants: Specifically for post-graduate and research candidates.

• Degree courses: These are academic programs that result in a graduate or post-graduate degree.

• Non-degree courses: This category includes vocational courses, training, workshops, lectures, language courses, and familiarization trips on specific subjects or technical skills.

• Blended Learning: A learning method combining online educational materials and interaction with traditional classroom methods.

• Long-term scholarships: Lasting for more than six months.

• Short-term scholarships: For six months or less.

• Training grants: These grants support development and enhancement of skills in specific areas of study.

Check out the latest offerings here.

What part does the FSI's Scholarship Program Section play in DFA Scholarship Program?

The FSI's Scholarship Program Section fulfills key administrative functions for the DFA Scholarship Program, including providing secretariat support to the DFA Scholarship Committee. It serves as a primary contact for inquiries about the scholarship programs.

Its responsibilities involve informing all DFA offices about new scholarship opportunities and distributing application invitations. If a chosen nominee withdraws and a replacement is needed, the section re-issues invitations. Scholars also submit their Re-Entry Action Plan updates to this section and HRMO. 

What are the basic requirements to apply?

Applicants need to submit the following to the FSI Director-General:

🔴  An endorsement letter or memorandum from their Head of Office/Post (cc: HRMO).

🔴  The duly accomplished application form provided by the scholarship donor or sponsor.

🔴  An updated curriculum vitae (CV).

🔴  A one-page statement of purpose.

🔴  A Study Plan.

Who decides who gets the scholarship?

The DFA Scholarship Committee handles the evaluation of applications from DFA and FSI personnel. They endorse qualified individuals to the institution or organization funding the scholarship.

What are the obligations of an awarded scholar?

Awarded scholars have obligations both before and after the training program:

• Prior to the training program: Execute a Scholarship Service Contract (SSC) and prepare a Re-Entry Action Plan (REAP).

• After the training program: Submit a Post-training Report, a copy of the certificate of attendance/completion, any thesis or research paper submitted as part of the scholarship. They must also implement their REAP. Updates on REAP implementation must also be provided to FSI and HRMO.

What happens if I am selected for a scholarship?

If you are awarded a scholarship, you will need to sign a Scholarship Service Contract. Scholars are considered on official time and their service is continuous. The Department will also pay your salary, allowances, and other entitlements according to relevant laws and rules.

What if I need to withdraw my application or scholarship?

• Before selection: You can withdraw your application before the Committee meets to select nominees.

• After selection as a nominee: If you withdraw after being chosen by the Committee as the nominee of the Department for a Scholarship program, you will be disqualified from applying for other scholarships for one year.

• After acceptance by the donor: If you withdraw after the scholarship donor or sponsor has accepted you, the disqualification period is two years.

• During the program: If you withdraw while the program is ongoing and don't complete it, you'll be disqualified for three years. The Committee may use its discretion in determining the disqualification period based on the reasons for withdrawal.

What is the service obligation after completing a scholarship?

Scholars are required to fulfill a service obligation to the Department. The duration depends on the length of the scholarship and whether it was undertaken on official time: 

Scholars may pursue a program on official time or on a study-while-working term at the Home Office/Post, maintaining a minimum of 40 working hours a week.

What happens if a scholar does not fulfill their obligations?

If a scholar fails to meet the conditions of their Scholarship Service Contract due to their own fault, willful neglect, resignation, voluntary retirement, or other reasons within their control, the scholar will be required to refund the total amount the DFA spent on the scholarship. This includes items such as basic salary, allowances, benefits received during the scholarship, and other scholarship expenses. A proportionate refund may be allowed if the scholar has completed at least 75% of the required service obligation. 

Beyond financial reimbursement, the scholar could face administrative liabilities. To secure these obligations, scholars must sign an Affidavit of Undertaking and a Special Power of Attorney, which permit the Department to deduct the owed amounts from their Terminal Leave Benefits or Provident Fund. 

Who can I contact for more information?

For further information, you can contact the following offices:

Scholarship Programs Section (Secretariat)

Carlos P. Romulo School of Diplomacy

Foreign Service Institute 

Email: scholarship@fsi.gov.ph

••●••

Learning and Development Section

Human Resources Management Office (HRMO)

Department of Foreign Affairs

Email: hrmo.scholarships@dfa.gov.ph

Important Note: This FAQ provides a general overview. For complete details and specific requirements, please refer to Department Order No. 2022-015. Click on the PDF below: