Qualification Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a reputable college or university.
- Permanent appointment status at the time of application.
- Minimum of two years government work experience.
- At least Satisfactory performance rating for last two rating periods.
- Not older than 45 years old at last birthday.
- Good health status.
- No pending administrative case.
- Has not earned a master's degree previously.
- Has not availed foreign/local government scholarship in past two years.
- Employees with masteral units but no degree may complete original or pursue another masteral course.
Application Procedure
- Application forms available for free at any CSC Regional, Provincial, or Field Office.
- Forms can be reproduced and no fees charged.
- Applications submitted only to CSC Regional/Provincial/Field offices; Central Office does not process applications.
- Accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.
Award of Grant
- Scholarship awarded after passing both written examination and interview.
Disqualification of Scholars
- Acceptance of temporary status appointment before or after enrollment causes disqualification.
- Formal administrative charges before enrollment disqualify the applicant unless for a light offense.
- If charges filed after enrollment, study continues unless offense is grave with strong evidence.
- Dismissed scholars must refund all expenses and salaries received during study.
Responsibilities of the Scholar
- Choose a field of study relevant to agency needs.
- Sign scholarship contract with CSC and agency.
- Complete all academic requirements within one year, including thesis or project.
Role of the Civil Service Commission
- Evaluate candidate qualifications.
- Administer written examination and rank candidates.
- Directly pay fees to school including tuition and relevant expenses up to P22,500 limit.
- Not cover fees for instructional materials or data analysis services.
- Pay book allowance (P3,000) and thesis/research assistance (P2,500) directly to scholar.
- Monitor scholar’s course completion.
- Hold recognition programs for graduates.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- No deferment of grant except for up to six months extension granted by CSC Regional Director under exceptional circumstances.
- Scholars must serve their agency for at least two years for every year or portion thereof exceeding six months of scholarship granted.
- Submit certified academic records at end of each term.
Support by Agency
- Agency head authorizes study on official time at discretion.
- Must relieve scholars of work duties and continue paying salary and benefits.
- Shoulder essential expenses including transportation costs and relocation allowances per applicable rules.
- May provide additional financial support beyond CSC grant.
- Scholars may postpone enrollment or study while reporting to office under conditions.
- Scholars with incomplete grades allowed to continue; those with failing grades must refund expenses.
- Scholars discontinuing for reasons other than serious illness barred from future LSP participation.
- Study on official time scholars not required to record arrival/departure times.
This comprehensive framework ensures the Local Scholarship Program is managed effectively, balancing scholarship benefits with service obligations and accountability requirements.