Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

  • Each year, the Filipino Canadian National Scholarship Program follows the same timeline:

    • Applications open: On the day of the annual Golden Balangay Awards, typically in September. For reference, the 2024 cycle launched on September 7, 2024.

    • Applications close: December 15.

    • Awards ceremony: Scholarships are awarded at the annual Pinoys on Parliament conference in Ottawa, typically in February. In 2025, scholarships will be awarded between February 21 and 23.

    Disbursement: Scholarships are disbursed in early September, subject to fulfilling all prerequisites.

  • The program aims to open doors to post secondary studies, provide financial support, encourage students to explore diverse career paths, and connect students with professionals through events such as the Golden Balangay Awards and Kabangka’s Pinoys on Parliament.

  • It depends on the category. Kindly verify the requirements for your scholarship of interest.

  • No. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. International students are encouraged to explore other opportunities such as the Golden Balangay Awards and Kabangka’s Leadership and Learning, Mentorship Program, and Pinoys on Parliament.

  • The scholarship is awarded for the following school year. If you are not attending a post secondary institution at the time of disbursement, you are not eligible to receive the scholarship.

Application Process

  • Visit our official website at filcannationalscholarship.ca and click the Apply Now button when applications portal open.

  • Applicants must first satisfy the basic eligibility, then meet the requirements for the scholarship or scholarships they are applying to. Please review the requirements listed for each category on the website.

  • Yes, provided you are enrolled in at least three courses, subject to approval by the selection committee.

  • You may apply for up to two scholarships but can only be awarded one.

  • Yes, but you must still demonstrate financial need.

  • Yes. Information sessions are held during the application window to clarify the process and answer questions. For reference, in 2024 there were sessions on Tuesday, November 4 at 7:00 p.m. ET and Thursday, November 7 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Please check the website for current dates.

Selection and Notification

  • Each scholarship is reviewed by a dedicated selection committee composed of judges who evaluate applications using a rubric developed by the FCNSP Steering Committee. Judges use their professional judgment, drawing on their knowledge, experience, and the submitted materials, to assign scores against the rubric. Judges are accomplished Filipino-Canadians in their respective fields and are typically assigned to scholarship categories that align with their areas of expertise.

  • Recipients are announced at Pinoys on Parliament. For reference, the 2025 announcements will take place between February 21 and 23.

  • You are encouraged to apply again next year and to get involved in Golden Balangay and Kabangka programs such as Leadership and Learning, the Mentorship Program, and Pinoys on Parliament to build skills and networks.

Awards Details and Usage

  • Each scholarship is valued at a minimum of $1,000.

  • Funds are disbursed upon meeting prerequisites such as proof of enrolment and tuition paymen


  • Recipients may be asked to participate in promotional materials such as written or video testimonials and, where accessible, attend events like networking socials.

  • All documentation is required before disbursement. In exceptional circumstances during the academic year, please contact the program team.

  • Most scholarships are not renewable unless specified. You may apply again in future years if eligible.

Additional Information

Who can I contact if I have questions about my application?
Please email info@filcannationalscholarship.com.

Note on dates and processes:
Exact dates, links, and session details are posted on the website each cycle.
Please check the Scholarships page and official communications for updates.