CIE British School expands scholarship access for Filipino students

    Photo courtesy of CIE 

CEBU CITY — More Filipino students could gain access to an international education without leaving the country as CIE British School continues to offer its Filipino National Grant, providing qualified scholars with tuition assistance of up to P70,000 to P90,000 annually.

The scholarship is available to Filipino citizens holding a Philippine passport who meet the school’s admission requirements, including passing its entrance examination and interview.

Since the program was launched in 2011, 4,619 students from CIE’s Cebu and Makati campuses have received financial support through the grant, according to Quennie S. Bronce, vice president for marketing and communications.

Bronce said there is no fixed limit on the number of students who may receive the grant, as long as applicants satisfy the school’s admission criteria.

The program is designed to help address the financial challenges that often prevent Filipino families from considering international education for their children. Through the grant, CIE said students can enroll in a globally recognized curriculum while remaining in the Philippines.

Prof. Nelia Cruz Sarcol, president and chief executive officer of CIE Global Colleges, said the initiative is intended to broaden opportunities for Filipino learners and further strengthen Cebu’s position as a center for international education.

Sarcol said the school believes Filipino students should have opportunities to obtain an education that can prepare them for opportunities beyond the country.

Grant recipients are not required to maintain a particular grade-point average to retain the scholarship. However, they must not incur failing grades while in the program.

Established in 1983, CIE British School provides a Cambridge International curriculum covering the early years through Cambridge Advanced or A Levels.

The school said its educational approach focuses on developing critical thinking, creativity, leadership, and collaboration, with students prepared for university studies and careers in an increasingly interconnected world.

CIE operates campuses in Cebu, Makati, and Tacloban. It identifies itself as the Philippines’ first Cambridge International School and is a member of the Council of British International Schools and the European Council of International Schools, which promote international standards in education.

The school said the Filipino National Grant is not simply a tuition subsidy but part of its broader effort to make international education more accessible to Filipino students across different economic backgrounds. | Carmel Pedroza