De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) has opened applications for its 2025-2026 scholarships and grants. Scholarship applications opened on Dec. 2, 2024 for undergraduate students, and Jan. 15 for Grade 11 students. Both will remain open until March 28.
Undergraduate applicants must have applied for admission between Oct. 15, 2024 and Jan. 17, 2025 to qualify for the scholarship. Test date coverage took place on Jan. 25 and will have its second batch on Feb. 22.
DLS-CSB has been known for its commitment to inclusive education through innovative educational programs as well as scholarship programs. The College offers a variety of scholarship programs—not limited to academics and athletics—with each having a specific set of requirements and application procedures.
In an interview with The Benildean, Mr. Royce Hernandez, Benilde’s Director of Center for Admissions (CA), expounded on the scholarships that Benilde offers. There are three types of scholarships: academic scholarships, merit scholarships, and financial grants.
The academic scholarships are for students with exemplary academic performance from grades 7 to 11 from all types of schools. On the other hand, the merit scholarships are for those excelling in the creative, athletic, and journalism fields. Lastly, financial grants are for working students, differently abled, and those enrolling on certain degree programs.
DLS-CSB scholarships are primarily available to first-year college and grade 11 student applicants, with priority given to new students. Transferees, however, may apply for specific grants, such as the Blessed Arnould Study Assistance Program (BASAP) and the School for Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) grants under the financial grants.
Although the priority is new students, Mr. Hernandez emphasized that there are exemptions and some upper class can be eligible to apply for a scholarship. Applicants must apply to only one scholarship program, though internal referrals are possible to ensure students are in a suitable scholarship program.
The benefits of these programs vary on what type of scholarship it is, offering full or partial coverage of tuition, allowances, etc. “We have opportunities for OJT abroad, we have that kind of support extended to them,” Mr. Hernandez said in an interview with The Benildean.
He also expressed enthusiasm to develop more scholarship opportunities, “Part of the recovery [from K to 12 implementation and pandemic] is improving the plan and direction. We hope to get back to, again, pre-K to 12, that we even had new scholarship opportunities for [the] upper class,” he said.
Mr. Hernandez also shared that the selection process adheres to strict policies to ensure fairness and integrity. The selection committee—composed of key offices—evaluates applications based on timely submission, completeness of requirements, and program-specific criteria, such as interviews or academic performance standards.
He explained that they evaluate applicants based on their potential, and how Benilde can contribute to their personal development as their goal is to ensure the scholarship benefits them and aligns with their growth.
Unlike other schools, Benilde’s scholarships typically last until the student graduates, provided they meet the program’s conditions. “For us, when we award you a scholarship, our understanding is until you’re done.” He also emphasized that conditions to maintain the scholarship vary as it depends on what the scholarship program is.
When asked what happens if students fail to meet the given conditions, he answered, “We have built-in precautionary measures. Again, as much as possible, we would want to save the scholarship because that's our commitment to the scholars.”
The College partners with external organizations like Bukas.ph and organizes events such as the Benilde Fun Run 2024 to raise funds for scholarships.
“We are always on the lookout for donors, manufacturers, sponsors, you know, the external funds,” Mr. Hernandez also shared the Lasallian mission in regards to accessible education. “Being part of De La Salle Philippines, we have this common understanding, as much as possible, 20% of our student population should be scholars.”
The application period may be extended due to the opening of slots, although Mr. Hernandez reminded to always have a backup plan. The long application period aims to give applicants ample time to prepare, ensuring they have the best chance of success.
“They're not numbers but they're the living example of how Saint La Salle and Saint Benilde would want education to be, go back to the roots,” he emphasized.
To learn more about Benilde’s scholarship programs and how to apply, visit the official DLS-CSB website or follow its Facebook page for updates and announcements.
