Education for OFW Families Abroad 2026 — Schools, CHED & Scholarships
Education is a top priority for OFW families. Whether your children are studying in your host country or back in the Philippines, understanding international school options, CHED equivalency requirements, and available scholarships helps ensure the best educational outcomes.
Education Options
Children in Host Country
- Public schools: Free in many countries (Singapore, Japan, Korea) — check eligibility for dependent visa holders
- International schools: Philippine, American, British curriculum — fees: USD 5,000-30,000/year
- Philippine schools abroad: Some Gulf countries have Filipino community schools (lower fees)
Children in Philippines
- DepEd schools: Free public education (K-12)
- Private schools: PHP 30,000-300,000/year depending on school
- OWWA scholarships: PHP 10,000-20,000/year for dependents of OWWA members
CHED Equivalency
If your child studied abroad and wants to continue education in the Philippines, you need CHED (Commission on Higher Education) equivalency:
- Submit foreign school credentials to CHED for evaluation
- Processing: 2-4 weeks
- Fee: PHP 2,000-5,000
- Required for college enrollment in Philippine universities
Scholarships for OFW Dependents
- OWWA EDSP: PHP 10,000-20,000/year (see OWWA guide)
- DOLE/DMW Scholarships: For children of distressed OFWs
- CHED Scholarships: Merit-based programmes at state universities
- Iskolar ng Bayan: Top entrance exam performers at UP system