The European Union CopPhil Scholarship program is currently accepting applications, offering Filipino government professionals with an undergraduate degree in geospatial disciplines the chance to pursue advanced studies in Earth Observation (EO) and Remote Sensing (RS) at leading European institutions.
The scholarship is open to Filipino professionals working for government agencies on assignments related to digital earth disciplines. Applicants should have an interest in expanding their knowledge of Earth Observation and Remote Sensing and must be willing to study in Europe.
To apply, candidates need to enroll in a course on Earth Observation or Remote Sensing at a university in the European Union. Pre-selected EU universities are available for reference, but applicants may choose other EU institutions as well. Applications for pre-selected universities must be submitted by Jan. 19, 2025, while the overall application deadline is Feb. 28, 2025.
The scholarship covers a study period from September 2025 to July 2027, with a financial package of up to €33,500 (approximately ₱2,072,712).
Applicants from government agencies dealing with Earth Observation and Remote Sensing are encouraged to apply, regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status.
Part of the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy
The EU CopPhil Scholarship program is part of the EU-funded Copernicus program, a flagship initiative of the European Union’s Global Gateway Strategy. The European Union, the Philippine Space Agency, and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) collaborate to advance space and Earth Observation initiatives in the Philippines.
The €10 million (₱624 million) EU Copernicus Philippines program aims to adopt advanced technology to help local public administration, institutions, and companies prevent natural disasters, protect the environment, and manage natural resources. Its key components include:
Establishing a Copernicus data center in the Philippines.
Piloting services showcasing Earth Observation applications such as ground motion monitoring, land cover and crop mapping, and marine environment monitoring.
Strengthening local capacities and promoting education in Earth Observation.
Practical applications in the Philippines
Copernicus services have proven valuable in the Philippines. In July, satellites from Europe were activated to map an oil spill caused by the sinking of MT Terra Nova during Super Typhoon Carina, highlighting the practical benefits of Earth Observation technologies.
The EU CopPhil Scholarship aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, focusing on global priorities such as green economy transitions, education, research, and digital infrastructure.
Interested applicants can visit the program website for more details.