In the Philippines, most scholarship programs prioritize certain courses, particularly those that are aligned with the government’s national development goals. Oftentimes, graduates of these courses find it easier to land jobs, due to high demand and greater employment opportunities.
Typically, these courses are determined by discussions among various agencies, such as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Migrant Workers, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Priority Courses for Aspiring Scholars
What courses are prioritized by today’s scholarship programs? Here is a list of priority courses for aspiring college scholars, based on CHED Memorandum Order No. 15, Series of 2026, and the DOST official website:
Architecture and Related Programs
- Architecture
- Environmental Planning
- Fine Arts
- Interior Design
- Landscape Architecture
Business and Management Education
- Accountancy
- Business Analytics
- Culinary Management
- Customs Administration
- Entrepreneurship
- Hospitality Management
- Logistics/Supply Chain Management
- Office Administration/Management
- Real Estate Management
- Tourism Management
Creative Industries
- Digital Marketing
- Fashion and Textile Technology
- Multimedia Arts
- Performing Arts
Engineering and Technology
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
- Agricultural Engineering
- Ceramic Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Engineering Technology
- Geodetic Engineering
- Geothermal Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Instrumentation and Control Engineering
- Manufacturing/Production Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Packaging Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Sanitary Engineering
Health Professions
- Doctor of Dental Medicine
- Doctor of Optometry
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- Medical Technology
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Occupational Therapy
- Pharmacy/Industrial Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Public Health
- Radiologic Technology
- Respiratory Therapy
- Speech Language Pathology
Information Technology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Science
- Cyber Security
- Entertainment and Multimedia Computing
- Game Development and Animation
- Information and Communications Technology
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Library and Information Science
Maritime Education
- Marine Transportation
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
- Multi- and Interdisciplinary
- Agribusiness
- AgroForestry
- Biomedical Engineering
- Climate Change
- Data Science and Analytics
- Disaster Risk Management
- Nuclear Energy
- Renewable/Sustainable and Green Building Technologies
- Space Science
Science and Mathematics
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biotechnology/Agricultural Biotechnology
- Chemistry/Agricultural Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- Human Genetics
- Marine Biology
- Mathematics/Applied Mathematics
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Physics/Applied Physics
- Statistics/Applied Statistics
Social Science and Humanities
- Community Development
- Community Nutrition
- Development Communication
- Guidance and Counseling
- Indigenous Peoples Studies/Education
- Peace Studies/Education
- Psychology
- Social Work
Teacher Education
- Culture and Arts
- Early Childhood Education
- Physical Education
- Secondary Education (Majors in Science and Mathematics)
- Special Needs Education
- Sports and Exercise Science
- Technical Vocational Teacher Education
- Technology and Livelihood Education
In summary, priority courses in most scholarship programs are geared towards architecture, business management, creative industries, engineering and technology, health professions, information technology, maritime education, science and mathematics, social science and humanities, multi- and interdisciplinary fields, and teacher education.
Aspiring college scholars have many options to choose from, based on their academic interests and inclination. Also, since these courses are high in demand, scholars can look forward to gaining employment after graduation.
Speaking of scholarships, one of the main requirements is to pass college entrance tests. What’s more, in the case of DOST and CHED Merit Scholarship Programs, applicants need to pass the DOST Qualifying Exam. Check out this guide for tips on passing college scholarship exams.