GSIS opens 400 college scholarship slots

MANILA, Philippines — The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has opened the application process for its scholarship program for college students. 

The agency said applications for the enhanced GSIS Scholarship Program (GSP) for academic year 2019-2020 will be accepted until June 24. 

“We understand the financial challenges of sending a child to college. Thus, we have made available 400 scholarship slots for children or dependents of low-income GSIS members and permanent total disability pensioners below 60 years of age,” said GSIS president and general manager Jesus Clint Aranas.

“The pension fund will shoulder the tuition and miscellaneous fees up to P40,000 per academic year and P3,000 allowance per month of each scholar,” he added. 

GSIS said active members who are permanent employees, have at least three years in government service, have a salary grade of 24 or below (or its equivalent job level) and have paid premium contributions for the last six months may nominate their child or dependent.

Single or married active members who are childless may nominate one of their dependents who rely on them for support.  

Permanent total disability pensioners below 60 years only may also nominate their children. 

Nominees must be incoming freshmen who have been accepted in any four- or five-year course or in priority courses in schools recognized by the Commission on Higher Education. 

Aranas said 40 of the 400 slots will be allotted to dependents of persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and solo or single parents.

“We have put this in place because we want to be more inclusive and add meaning to our assistance efforts,” he added.

GSIS said it has awarded a total of 3,682 scholarship grants since it began the program in 1998. 

Monetary incentives will also be awarded to scholars who will graduate with honors. 

The GSP application forms, requirements, and scholarship terms and conditions are available online at www.gsis.gov.ph.