The Hawak Kamay Scholarship is now open to aspiring college students in the Philippines who want a quality education with reduced financial burden. Offered under PHINMA Education, this scholarship program is designed to support students who are willing to pursue higher education but face financial limitations.
This article explains everything you need to know about the Hawak Kamay Scholarship, what it is, who can apply, what benefits it offers, required documents, partner schools, and the correct application process. The information below is based solely on publicly available and verifiable sources, presented in a clear, professional format.
What is the Hawak Kamay Scholarship?
The Hawak Kamay Scholarship is a financial assistance program designed to help Filipino students attend college by reducing tuition and other school-related expenses. The phrase Hawak Kamay means ‘holding hands’ and, therefore, symbolizes PHINMA Education’s commitment to guiding students throughout their academic journey, from the moment they begin their studies until graduation.
Unlike purely merit-based scholarships, this program focuses on accessibility; therefore, it recognizes that academic potential exists even when financial resources are limited. The scholarship is primarily intended for students who want to study at PHINMA Education institutions.
About PHINMA Education
PHINMA Education is one of the largest private education networks in the Philippines. It operates multiple colleges and universities nationwide, with a mission to provide affordable and quality education to underserved communities.
Through programs like the Hawak Kamay Scholarship, PHINMA aims to increase college participation, reduce dropout rates, and help students complete their degrees with less financial pressure.
Also Read: Ched Scholarship 2025-2026 open for college students
Hawak Kamay Scholarship Benefits
Qualified Hawak Kamay scholars may receive the following benefits, depending on campus evaluation and availability:
- Tuition fee discounts ranging from 25% to 75% significantly reduce overall college expenses
- Coverage is valid until graduation, provided the student complies with institutional policies and enrollment requirements
- No highly competitive entrance examinations in many PHINMA campuses, allowing a more accessible screening process
- Flexibility in course selection, as the scholarship generally applies to most undergraduate programs offered by the institution
- Reduced financial pressure on students and families, enabling scholars to focus more on academic performance and skill development
Who Can Apply?
The Hawak Kamay Scholarship is open to students who meet the general criteria below. Exact requirements may vary slightly by campus.
- Filipino citizens
- Incoming first-year college students or qualified transferees
- Students planning to enroll in a participating PHINMA Education institution
- Applicants who can demonstrate financial need, when required
One notable advantage of this scholarship is that it usually does not impose a strict grade requirement, making it accessible to students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Required Documents
Applicants are advised to prepare the following documents. Some campuses may request additional paperwork.
- Certificate of Indigency
- Form 137 or Transcript of Records
- Certificate of Good Moral Character
- PSA or NSO Birth Certificate
- Proof of family income, if required
Participating PHINMA Schools
The Hawak Kamay Scholarship is available at selected PHINMA Education campuses, including but not limited to:
- Araullo University
- PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College
- University of Iloilo
- University of Pangasinan
- PHINMA Saint Jude College
- PHINMA Rizal College of Laguna
- PHINMA Union College of Laguna
- Southwestern University
Availability and scholarship slots may differ per campus, so applicants should always confirm directly with their chosen school.
Courses Covered
The Hawak Kamay Scholarship generally applies to most undergraduate programs offered by PHINMA Education institutions. These may include:
- Business and Management programs
- Accountancy and related fields
- Engineering and technology courses
- Education and liberal arts
- Health and allied sciences
- Information technology and computer studies
Final eligibility depends on the specific offerings of each campus.
How to Apply for the Hawak Kamay Scholarship
Here’s a list of the application links for each school:
Southwestern University (SWU) PHINMA – https://share.hsforms.com/1yV0wJai7RzKqaRUPQUCGVwdu1n5.
Araullo University PHINMA – https://share.hsforms.com/1hQH_9BVlR8uBQdP3ePfyGgdu1n5
Cagayan de Oro College PHINMA – https://share.hsforms.com/1EKoSlvV6TrCSg4VjsNFevAdu1n5
PHINMA University of Iloilo – https://share.hsforms.com/1PTCIhi5eSUmO6o8-2rVR8Adu1n5
University of Pangasinan PHINMA – https://share.hsforms.com/1ZRQW_f6-QNi_Tmt7qG_9dAdu1n5
PHINMA Saint Jude College Manila – https://share.hsforms.com/1ZRQW_f6-QNi_Tmt7qG_9dAdu1n5
PHINMA Rizal College of Laguna – https://share.hsforms.com/1OFwNF_U8Sq-4f33AmnRVlAdu1n5
Union College of Laguna PHINMA – https://share.hsforms.com/1bszNn3AEQSi2yU6o6cr6gwdu1n5
Southwestern University (SWU) – https://share.hsforms.com/1CWKWUrw4RCyF4TsjCNSQ3Qdu1n5
PHINMA Union College of Laguna (UCL) – https://share.hsforms.com/1ZrpDZdmHQIKVXdSs3qSJ9gdu1n5.
PHINMA Saint Jude College Dasmariñas Cavite –https://share.hsforms.com/1A3heMZXdQ2qIfrQ4sz2gAQdu1n5.
Application Period
The Hawak Kamay Scholarship usually opens several months before the start of the academic year. Application dates vary by campus and school calendar.
Since deadlines are not always announced at the same time, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible and regularly check official PHINMA campus announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Hawak Kamay Scholarship?
It is a tuition assistance program under PHINMA Education that helps Filipino students enroll in college by offering partial to substantial tuition discounts.
2. Who can apply for the Hawak Kamay Scholarship?
Incoming freshmen and qualified transferees who plan to study at a PHINMA Education institution.
3. Does the scholarship require a high grade?
In most cases, no strict grade is required, though students must follow basic academic and enrollment rules.
4. Can I apply if I am already in college?
Yes. Some campuses allow transferees to apply, subject to evaluation.
5. Is the scholarship available outside PHINMA schools?
No. The Hawak Kamay Scholarship is exclusive to PHINMA Education institutions.
Conclusion
The Hawak Kamay Scholarship is not just about reducing tuition fees. It represents PHINMA Education’s long-term commitment to helping Filipino students complete their college education despite financial challenges.
For students who want an affordable, credible, and supportive path to higher education, this scholarship offers a practical solution. By understanding the requirements, preparing documents early, and applying through official channels, applicants can significantly improve their chances of success.