Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
How many awards scholarship grants there?
The number of awards under The Sunlad Simpex Educational Foundation and the co-sponsored programs depend on the level of funding the Foundation receives each year. In the past five years, 10-15 scholarship grants are given each year. What do the scholarship awards provide? The Sunlad Simpex Educational Foundation scholarships provide tuition and fees for university course work, assistance for books, computer, professional and extra-curricular activities with co-scholars. For more information, feel free to send an inquiry in the comments section.
What is the maximum funding one can get?
The Sunlad Simpex Educational Foundation scholarships are given initially for one year and are renewable for a second year depending on academic performance. Post-graduate enrichment and reviews for regulatory board examinations are granted occasionally for a maximum period of one academic year (ten months).
Are The Sunlad Simpex Educational Foundation scholarship grants awarded for study in another country?
No.
Can a person pursue a medical degree or law degree with a The Sunlad Simpex Educational Foundation grant?
The Sunlad Simpex Educational Foundation does not cover medical studies or law school. However, exceptions are granted upon proper screening and approval of the board.
Eligibility
What are the general eligibility requirements for The Sunlad Simpex Educational Foundation scholarship?
Minimum eligibility requirements include Filipino citizenship, a high school degree, good health, proficiency in English and Filipino, demonstrated leadership qualities, intention and willingness to pursue further studies and not be older than 30 years of age at the time of application for a grant for degree studies.
Do I need an offer of admission from a university prior to applying for The Sunlad Simpex Educational Foundation scholarship grant?
Yes. Admission to a program in a university is a prerequisite.
Application Timeline
When should I apply for The Sunlad Simpex Educational Foundation scholarship?
For the The Sunlad Simpex Educational Foundation scholarship grant, December to May each year. The Sunlad Simpex Educational Foundation scholarship application forms are available for download. All application requirements, including the application form, must be received by the foundation in printed form on or before the published deadline of each year.
What forms or tests do I need to apply for The Sunlad Simpex Educational Foundation scholarship?
Completed and signed application form, official copy of transcripts of records from all schools attended, certified true copies of high school degree diplomas, an essay relaying the student’s interest in attaining a college degree and a letter of recommendation.
Completing the Application
What do you want to see in my application?
Your application statement is your opportunity to explain why you want to study and receive a college degree. It must be clearly stated, should highlight areas of interest and academic preparation and should relate them in a closely reasoned, concisely presented format, taking into account career objectives, home-country program priorities, specialized experience, and other relevant considerations. You should be more specific in describing specialized objectives or research goals within your field of study and degree.
What exactly do you mean by leadership potential?
You should demonstrate the potential to achieve positions of significant responsibility. Your academic and personal experience should indicate a promise of becoming a prominent figure in your field.
What do you want to see in my statement?
The Statement of Purpose is your opportunity to explain to the committee why you want to study college and what makes you an applicant worthy of the grant. It must be clearly stated, should highlight areas of interest and academic preparation and should relate them in a closely reasoned, concisely presented format, taking into account career objectives, home-country program priorities, specialized experience, and other relevant considerations. The applicant should be more specific in describing specialized objectives or goals within the field of study.
- Explain why a college degree is of utmost importance for you.
- Explain how an undergraduate degree fits in with your long-term career goals.
- Any other reasons for wanting to study college with the scholarship grant.
- How many recommendation letters do I need? Which referees should I choose?
You need to provide at least one recommendation letter. Letters of reference play a very important part in scholarship application. Unrevealing letters can jeopardize your chances of success as much as negative ones can. References should be requested from professors who are able to provide a thorough assessment of academic performance and professional promise, or from people who have supervised you in school-relevant study and extra-curricular activities.
Shortlisting and Interviewing
What happens to my application after submission?
Your application is reviewed in-house. If you meet the basic requirements, it will be sent to the committee members for evaluation. The committee either recommends you for interview or not.
How many interview slots are there?
It depends on the number of applicants: more qualified applicants mean more applicants to interview.
Can I have an interview over the phone?
No. All candidates must be interviewed in person at the designated time and venue.
Who is on the selection panel?
The selection committee is composed of four to five Directors of the Foundation headed by the Foundation’s Director for Scholarships.
When are the interviews held?
Interviews are held towards the end of May each year. Luzon applicants are interviewed in Manila and Iloilo for Visayas.
How soon after the interview will I hear the outcome?
Decisions are released through postal mail towards the first week of June.
Receiving the Scholarship
Can I defer the scholarship to the following year?
No.
What happens after I am chosen as one of the final candidates?
You will be asked to complete a new set of application forms similar to the application forms. These forms will be submitted to the Foundation’s Address. The board will review your application and match you with your universities. A breakdown of per semester fees as given by the university is also required.
What about qualifying exams?
You will be required to take the college entrance exams of the university you wish to attend.
Other Funding
How can I find other funding in case I don’t get The Sunlad Simpex Educational Foundation scholarship?
Please visit our inquiries and comments section for information on other types of funding.
Any Other Questions?
If you have any questions about the awards that remain unanswered, please contact the The Sunlad Simpex Educational Foundation Office staff or the Educational Adviser in your school.