Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program 2026 Application Guide

The Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program helps high-performing Filipino students continue their studies through financial support for college.

This guide will help you understand the qualifications, requirements, benefits, deadline, and application process for the Higher Education Track of the scholarship.

Qualifications

To qualify for the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program, applicants must meet the required academic, citizenship, income, and enrollment qualifications.

The Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program is a merit-based scholarship for high-performing Senior High School graduates who want to pursue college or technical-vocational education in priority fields.

Currently, applications are open for the Higher Education Track.

Higher Education Track

To qualify for the Higher Education Track, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

• Must be a Filipino citizen entering first-year college
• Completed Grade 12 and ranked within the Top 5 of the graduating class, or has a minimum GWA of 95% (or equivalent)
• Graduated under the Basic Education Curriculum or Senior High School with at least a 95% GWA (or equivalent)
• Parents or guardians must have a combined annual income of not more than PHP 2,000,000
• Must be enrolled in CHED-designated priority courses in eligible Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
• Must not have taken any college units or previously earned a tertiary degree

TVET Diploma Track

The TVET Diploma Track is for students who want to pursue technical-vocational diploma programs under TESDA.

Applicants for the TVET Diploma Track must meet the following qualifications:

• Must be a Filipino citizen entering first-year in a TVET program
• Achieved a minimum GWA of 90% (or its equivalent) in Senior High School
• Parents or guardians must have a combined annual income not exceeding PHP 2,000,000
• Must not possess a technical-vocational diploma or a TESDA National Certificate (NC) Level III or higher
• Must be enrolled in TESDA-designated priority programs in accredited Technical-Vocational Institutions (TVIs)
• Must not have completed any college units or obtained a tertiary degree

Note: As of the current application period, the open track is the Higher Education Track.

Requirements

To apply for the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program, applicants must prepare clear, readable, and complete documents.

All uploaded files must be easy to read. Blurry, incomplete, or incorrect documents may affect the application.

For Higher Education Track Applicants

Applicants under the Higher Education Track must prepare the following documents:

• PSA Birth Certificate
• SF9 or Form 138, also known as the Senior High School Report Card
• Proof of income of parents or legal guardians
• Enrollment Form
• Completed and signed Parent or Legal Guardian Certification, also known as Annex L

For proof of income, applicants may submit any one of the following:

• BIR Certificate of Tax Exemption or Non-Filer
• DSWD or C-MSWD Certificate for 4Ps beneficiaries
• Latest Income Tax Return of parents or legal guardians
• OFW contract, seafarer contract, or other proof of income

For graduates on or before School Year 2015–2016, applicants must also submit:

• Certified True Copy of Fourth Year High School Report Card or Form 138

For TVET Diploma Track Applicants

Applicants under the TVET Diploma Track must prepare the following documents:

• PSA Birth Certificate
• SF9 or Form 138, also known as the Senior High School Report Card
• Proof of income of parents or legal guardians
• Proof of admission to a TESDA-registered TVI Diploma Program
• Completed and signed Parent or Legal Guardian Certification, also known as Annex L

For proof of income, applicants may submit any one of the following:

• BIR Certificate of Tax Exemption or Non-Filer
• DSWD or C-MSWD Certificate for 4Ps beneficiaries
• Latest Income Tax Return of parents or legal guardians
• OFW contract, seafarer contract, or other proof of income

For proof of admission to a TESDA-registered TVI Diploma Program, applicants may submit any one of the following:

• Certificate of Acceptance from the TVI
• Training Agreement
• Enrollment Confirmation issued by a TESDA-registered TVI

For graduates on or before School Year 2015–2016, applicants must also submit:

• Certified True Copy of Fourth Year High School Report Card or Form 138

Benefits

The Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to qualified students depending on the type and location of their school.

This benefit helps scholars pay for tuition and other education-related expenses while they continue their studies.

Benefits for Students in Private Universities within Metro Manila

Students enrolled in private universities within Metro Manila may receive up to ₱208,000 per year.

Benefit Type	Amount
Tuition subsidy	₱75,000 per semester
Stipend	₱25,000
Book and internet allowance	₱4,000
Total possible benefit	Up to ₱208,000 per year

Benefits for Students in Private Universities outside Metro Manila

Students enrolled in private universities outside Metro Manila may receive up to ₱98,000 per year.

Benefit Type	Amount
Tuition subsidy	₱40,000
Stipend and book allowance	₱58,000
Total possible benefit	Up to ₱98,000 per year

Benefits for Students in SUCs within Metro Manila

Students enrolled in State Universities and Colleges within Metro Manila may receive ₱29,000 per semester.

Benefit Type	Amount
Stipend	₱25,000
Book and Internet Allowance	₱4,000
Total benefit	₱29,000 per semester

Take note that the final benefit amount may depend on the official guidelines, school type, and scholarship track.

Priority Students

The program gives priority to the Top 5 students of every Senior High School graduating class across the country.

Selection is done per region to give students from different areas a fair chance to qualify.

This means that students from both cities and provinces may be considered, as long as they meet the qualifications and submit the required documents.

Priority Courses

The Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program supports priority courses that help address important workforce needs in the country.

Priority programs may vary depending on the application cycle, region, and official guidelines.

Higher Education Track

For the Higher Education Track, priority fields may include:

• Healthcare
• Engineering
• Education
• Agriculture and Fisheries
• Digital Technology
• Financial Services
• Creative Industries
• Science and Mathematics

TVET Diploma Track

For the TVET Diploma Track, priority fields may include:

• Agriculture
• Information and Communication Technology
• Healthcare
• Advanced Manufacturing and Semiconductor

Applicants should check the official BPMS portal for the updated list of eligible schools and priority programs.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program application for the Higher Education Track is:

June 30, 2026, or until slots are filled.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible because the application period may close once all available slots have been filled.

Application Process

To apply for the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program, applicants must complete their application through the official BPMS portal.

Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Create an Account

Go to the official BPMS portal and register using a working personal email address.

Use an email that you can access regularly. Avoid using a school email that may expire after graduation.

Step 2: Verify Your Email

• After registration, check your email inbox for the verification link.
• If you do not see it, check your spam or junk folder. You need to verify your email before you can continue with the application.

Step 3: Complete Your Personal Profile

• Fill out your personal information correctly.
• Make sure your name, birthday, and other details match your PSA Birth Certificate and school records.

Step 4: Complete Your Household Profile

• Provide the required household and income details.
• Be ready to enter the combined annual gross income of your parents or legal guardians. The income limit for eligibility is ₱2,000,000 per year.

Step 5: Enter Your Academic Information

• Input your Senior High School details, including your General Weighted Average or class ranking.
• Make sure the information matches your SF9 or Form 138.

Step 6: Choose Your Institution and Priority Program

• Select your chosen school and priority program in the BPMS portal.
• For the Higher Education Track, choose a CHED-recognized Higher Education Institution and a priority course.
• For the TVET Diploma Track, choose a TESDA-registered training institution and a priority diploma program when the track becomes available.

Step 7: Upload the Required Documents

• Upload all required documents clearly and completely.
• Before uploading, check if each file is readable and correct. Blurry or incomplete documents may cause delays or problems with your application.

Step 8: Review Your Application

• Review every part of your application before submission.
• Check your name, contact number, email, school, program, grades, and uploaded documents.

Step 9: Submit Your Application

• Once everything is complete and correct, submit your application through the BPMS portal.
• After submission, you may no longer be able to edit your details, so make sure everything is final before clicking submit.

Step 10: Wait for Evaluation and Notification

• CHED or the concerned regional office will evaluate applications and verify submitted documents.
• Applicants may receive updates through the BPMS portal, registered email, or official communication channels.

Step 11: Complete Post-Selection Requirements

• If you qualify, you may receive a Notice of Award.

You must follow the instructions given by CHED or the concerned office, including signing the return slip and submitting any additional enrollment-related documents within the required timeline.

Return Service Agreement

The Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program includes a return service agreement.

A return service agreement means that scholars may be required to work in the Philippines after graduation.

The purpose of this agreement is to help ensure that scholars use their skills to support the country, especially in priority fields and hard-to-fill occupations.

Full details of the return service requirement may be provided by CHED through official program guidelines and announcements.

About CHED and the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program

The Commission on Higher Education, also known as CHED, is the government agency that oversees colleges, universities, and higher education programs in the Philippines.

CHED helps improve access to quality higher education and supports students through scholarships, grants, and financial assistance programs.

The Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program is a government-funded scholarship program for high-performing Filipino students. It supports qualified students who want to pursue priority college degree programs or TESDA priority diploma programs.

The program aims to support national development by helping students prepare for careers in fields that are important to the country’s workforce needs.

Final Thoughts

The Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program is a helpful opportunity for qualified incoming college students who want to continue their studies with financial support.

If you meet the qualifications, prepare your documents early and apply through the official BPMS portal before the deadline.

Make sure to read the instructions carefully, submit only correct and complete documents, and regularly check official CHED announcements for updates.

You can also explore more international scholarships and other scholarship programs by organizations here.

Reference

1. Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program. (2026). BPMS official portal. https://bpms.ched.gov.ph/
2. GMA News Online. (2026, May 21). Looking for a scholarship? Here’s how to apply for CHED’s Bagong Pilipinas scholarship. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/988463/college-scholarship-bagong-pilipinas-ched/story/
3. Philippine Information Agency. (2025). Bagong Pilipinas scholarship offered for top incoming college students. https://pia.gov.ph/news/bagong-pilipinas-scholarship-offered-for-top-incoming-college-students/
4. Commission on Higher Education (CHED). (2016). Facebook.Com. https://www.facebook.com/PhCHED.gov/posts/call-for-applications-the-bagong-pilipinas-merit-scholarship-program-bpmsp-is-no/1558485186317449/

Disclaimer

Scholarship.com.ph is not affiliated with CHED, TESDA, BPMS, or any government agency.

This article is for informational purposes only. Application details, requirements, benefits, deadlines, and guidelines may change without prior notice.

Applicants are strongly advised to visit the official BPMS portal and follow official CHED announcements for the most accurate and updated information.