IFARHU

IFARHU Scholarships Panama

The Institute for the Training and Development of Human Resources (IFARHU) is a key institution in Panama, responsible for managing national educational scholarships.
IFARHU offers various opportunities—from school-level scholarships to university scholarships—facilitating access to higher education for thousands of Panamanian students each year.

IFARHU Digital Scholarship

IFARHU is implementing the Digital Scholarship, an initiative that seeks to modernize the way students receive their benefits.
Beginning in mid-2025, scholarship payments will be made via the Clave Social card, gradually phasing out the use of checks.
This change will be carried out in coordination with the National Bank of Panama and will initially be implemented in areas such as Panamá Este, San Miguelito, Panamá Norte, Panamá Centro, and Panamá Oeste.
All IFARHU scholarship programs—including PASE-U, Concurso General, Puesto Distinguido, Discapacidad, Deportes, Académicos, and Culturales, among others—will switch to payment through the Clave Social card.
It is estimated that between March and June 2025, around 200,000 PASE-U beneficiaries and 32,000 recipients of Scholarships and Economic Assistance will receive their payments through this digital mechanism.

Types of IFARHU Scholarships

School Scholarships

These scholarships are aimed at primary and secondary students to help cover basic educational expenses.

University Scholarships

Designed for university students with good academic performance and financial need.

IFARHU Scholarship Contest

The IFARHU General Scholarship Contest is an annual call that offers outstanding students the opportunity to access scholarships at various educational levels.
This contest is highly anticipated by the Panamanian student community, as it represents a chance to finance their studies and achieve their academic goals.

IFARHU Scholarship Contest 2025

For 2025, IFARHU has announced that no new General Scholarship Contest will be opened. This decision is due to the need to clear pending payments for both current and new beneficiaries.
IFARHU Director Gabriel Cajiga explained that, with a significant debt and late payments from 2024, it is not prudent to open a new contest until existing commitments are fulfilled.

IFARHU Scholarship Contest 2025: When Does It Start?

Since IFARHU has decided not to open the General Scholarship Contest in 2025 until pending payments are settled, there is no established date for the start of this contest in 2025.
Those interested are advised to stay informed through IFARHU’s official channels for future calls and updates.

IFARHU General Scholarship Contest 2024

This annual contest grants scholarships to outstanding students. It is one of the most highly anticipated events for Panamanian students.

IFARHU Scholarship Payment Calendar 2024

The 2024 payment calendar is announced on IFARHU’s official website. Generally, payments are made quarterly:

• First payment: March
• Second payment: June
• Third payment: September
• Fourth payment: December

Make sure to check ifarhu.gob.pa for precise dates.

Requirements to Apply for IFARHU Scholarships

To participate in the IFARHU General Scholarship Contest 2024 and other IFARHU programs, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a Panamanian citizen.
• Have excellent academic grades.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Present identity documents and recent academic certificates.

For more details, visit ifarhuconcurso.gob.pa.

Required Documents to Apply for IFARHU University Scholarships

• Identification document (ID card or passport).
• Updated academic transcript.
• Proof of family income.
• Official IFARHU scholarship application form, available on IFARHU’s official website.

How Much Does the IFARHU Contest Scholarship Pay?

Amounts vary depending on the type of scholarship and academic level:

• School scholarships: from $90 to $450 per year.
• University scholarships: from $1,200 to $2,400 per year.

How to Check IFARHU Scholarship Results

The results of the IFARHU General Scholarship Contest are published on its official website. Be sure to check your status in a timely manner and follow the instructions provided by IFARHU to complete the process.

IFARHU in the Provinces

IFARHU has regional offices in various provinces of the country to efficiently serve students and their families. Below are some of the main offices:

IFARHU Ciudad de Panamá – Headquarters

• Phone: (507) 500-4700
• Website: IFARHU Panamá
• Address: Avenida Ramón Arias and Calle 1ra El Carmen, Unicorp Business Plaza Building
• Services:
  • Scholarships
  • Puesto Distinguido Scholarships
  • General Scholarship Contest
  • International Scholarships
  • Universal Scholarship
  • Educational loans

Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

IFARHU La Chorrera

The IFARHU office in La Chorrera provides services to students in the Panamá Oeste province, facilitating scholarship management and other educational programs.

• Phone: (507) 346-1688
• Website: IFARHU La Chorrera
• Address: Parque Libertador, Barrio La Seda
• Services:
  • Management of national scholarship programs
  • Educational Loan Department

IFARHU David

In David, Chiriquí province, IFARHU offers personalized service to the student community, supporting scholarship and educational loan management.

• Phone: (507) 728-4338
• Website: IFARHU David
• Address: Vía Interamericana, between MIDA and opposite MEDUCA
• Services:
  • Student center
  • Educational Loan Services
  • Guidance and assistance for all national scholarships

IFARHU Santiago

The regional office in Santiago, Veraguas province, is committed to the educational development of the region, offering information and assistance on IFARHU programs.

• Phone: (507) 935-1792
• Website: IFARHU Santiago
• Address: Barriada La Hilda, IFARHU Building, behind the Aristocles "Toco" Castillo stadium
• Services:
  • Student Center for students from remote areas
  • Educational Loan Department
  • Assistance for all types of scholarships

IFARHU San Miguelito

IFARHU has an office in San Miguelito to assist students in this area, making it easier to access the various scholarship and financial assistance programs.

• Phone: (507) 500-4800
• Website: IFARHU San Miguelito
• Address: Los Andes Shopping Center, second floor, local No. 7
• Services:
  • Management of national scholarship programs
  • Educational Loan Department

IFARHU Chitré

In Chitré, Herrera province, IFARHU provides orientation and scholarship management services to local students, supporting their academic development.

• Phone: (507) 913-2212
• Website: IFARHU Chitré
• Address: Calle Manuel María Correa, IFARHU Building, across from Parque Unión
• Services:
  • Student Center
  • Educational Loan Department
  • Assistance for all types of scholarships

IFARHU Las Tablas

The Las Tablas office in Los Santos province is dedicated to helping students obtain scholarships and other educational benefits offered by IFARHU.

• Phone: (507) 926-1376
• Website: IFARHU Las Tablas
• Address: Located in Las Palmitas, on the street behind the Santa Librada church
• Services:
  • Student Center
  • Educational Loan Department
  • Assistance for all types of scholarships

IFARHU Panamá Norte

For the Panamá Norte region, IFARHU has an office that provides guidance and support for scholarship management and educational programs.

• Phone: (507) 500-4800
• Website: IFARHU San Miguelito
• Address: La Doña Shopping Center, second floor, local No. 15
• Services:
  • Follow-up of national scholarships, Universal Scholarship
  • Scholarship procedures
  • Cash Department

For detailed information on the addresses and office hours of each regional branch, it is recommended to visit IFARHU’s official website or contact them directly through their communication channels.

In-Person Services at IFARHU

IFARHU has multiple offices in Panama for in-person services. The main ones are located in Ciudad de Panamá, Santiago, Chitré, and David.
Visit the closest office to clarify any questions or to submit additional documents.

IFARHU Contact

• Phone: (507) 500-4800
• Website: ifarhu.gob.pa

Take advantage of this comprehensive guide to successfully participate in the IFARHU General Scholarship Contest and maximize your chances of receiving an educational scholarship.