BPMSP Higher Education Track 2026 Application Guide

The BPMSP Higher Education Track supports academically excellent Filipino students pursuing college education by providing financial assistance to qualified incoming first-year students enrolled in eligible Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

This guide covers the BPMSP Higher Education Track qualifications, requirements, benefits, priority courses, partner schools, application process, deadline, and other important details to help students prepare for their scholarship application.

Qualifications:

To qualify for the BPMSP Higher Education Track, applicants must meet the program’s citizenship, academic, financial, and enrollment requirements. 

The scholarship is intended for eligible first-year college students who plan to enroll in a CHED-designated priority program at an accredited Higher Education Institution (HEI).

I. General Eligibility

Applicants for the BPMSP Higher Education Track must:

• Be a Filipino citizen.
• Be an incoming first-year college student.
• Belong to the Top 5 of the graduating class or have a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 95% (or its equivalent).
• Have not earned any college units.
• Have not completed a bachelor’s degree.
• Have parents or a legal guardian with a combined annual gross income not exceeding ₱2,000,000.

II. Additional Eligible Applicants

The following individuals may also apply for the BPMSP Higher Education Track, subject to the program’s additional requirements:

• Senior High School Technical Professional (TechPro) graduates.
• TESDA National Certificate (NC) I, II, III, or IV holders.
• Employed individuals who have never attended college.
• Graduates before School Year 2015–2016, provided they meet the additional eligibility requirements.

III. Who Cannot Apply?

Applicants are not eligible for the BPMSP Higher Education Track if they:

• Are foreign citizens or dual citizens.
• Are already enrolled in college.
• Have already completed a college degree.
• Are repeating their first year in college.
• Are transferees or shiftees with credited college units.
• Are currently receiving another national government scholarship.
• Submit incomplete, falsified, fake, or tampered application documents.
• Have pending or existing disciplinary cases.

Notes: 

• Applicants should carefully review the official BPMSP Higher Education Track guidelines and prepare all required documents before submitting their application. 
• Meeting the basic qualifications does not automatically guarantee scholarship approval, as applications are still subject to evaluation and the availability of scholarship slots.

If you do not qualify for the BPMSP Higher Education Track, you may also explore the BPMSP Technical Vocational Education and Training Track if you meet its eligibility requirements.

Requirements:

Applicants for the BPMSP Higher Education Track must submit complete and accurate documentary requirements to verify their eligibility. Preparing all required documents in advance can help ensure a faster and smoother application process.

I. General Requirements

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

• Accomplished Online Application Form
• PSA Birth Certificate
• SF9 or Form 138 (Senior High School Report Card)
• Proof of Income of parents or legal guardian

II. Additional BPMSP Higher Education Track Requirements

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, the following documents may also be required:

• Admission Slip or Proof of Admission to an eligible Higher Education Institution (HEI)
• Parent or Legal Guardian Consent (Annex L)
• Top 5 Certification from the school (if applicable)
• Certified True Copy of the Fourth Year High School Report Card (Form 138) for applicants who graduated on or before School Year 2015–2016

III. Accepted Proof of Income Documents

Applicants may submit any one of the following as proof of income:

• BIR Certificate of Tax Exemption or BIR Non-Filer Certificate
• DSWD/4Ps Certificate or certification issued by the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office
• Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) or BIR Form 2316
• OFW or Seafarer Employment Contract or other valid proof of income

Important Notes:

• Ensure that all submitted documents are complete, accurate, and clearly readable.
• Proof of income must reflect the financial status of the applicant’s parents or legal guardian.
• CHED may require additional supporting documents from applicants who belong to Special Equity Groups (SEGs) during the evaluation process.
• Incomplete, inaccurate, or falsified documents may result in the disqualification of the application.
• Applicants are encouraged to prepare all requirements early to avoid delays in their BPMSP Higher Education Track application.

Benefits:

The BPMSP Higher Education Track provides financial assistance to help qualified scholars complete their college education. Scholars may continue receiving these benefits until graduation, provided they meet the scholarship’s retention requirements and remain enrolled in an eligible program.

Benefit	Coverage
Tuition and Other School Fees	Up to ₱45,000 per academic year for scholars enrolled in private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) only.
Stipend and Allowance	Up to ₱45,000 per academic year to help cover books, transportation, school supplies, and other educational expenses.
Academic Excellence Incentive	₱18,000 per semester awarded to the Top 15 BPMSP scholars in each region based on academic performance.
Duration of Benefits	Scholarship benefits may continue until graduation, provided scholars meet the academic, retention, and program requirements of the BPMSP Higher Education Track.

Important Notes:

• Scholarship benefits are subject to the availability of government funds and CHED approval.
• Tuition assistance applies only to scholars enrolled in private HEIs.
• Scholars must continuously satisfy the scholarship’s retention requirements to remain eligible for financial assistance.
• CHED may update the amount, coverage, or release of benefits based on the approved program guidelines and available funding.

Academic Excellence Incentive:

The BPMSP Higher Education Track recognizes outstanding scholars through an Academic Excellence Incentive. This additional financial reward is given to scholars who demonstrate exceptional academic performance while maintaining the scholarship’s requirements.

Academic Excellence Incentive Details	Information
Purpose	Provides an additional incentive to recognize outstanding BPMSP Higher Education Track scholars.
Amount	₱18,000 per semester
Number of Awardees	Awarded to the Top 15 BPMSP scholars in every region.
Selection Basis	Scholars are ranked based on their latest General Weighted Average (GWA).
Tie-Breaking Rules	If two or more scholars have the same GWA, priority is given to:1. Scholars belonging to Special Equity Groups (SEGs).2. Scholars from households with lower annual income.

Note: The Academic Excellence Incentive is subject to the availability of funds and the approval of CHED. The selection and release of the incentive follow the official guidelines of the BPMSP Higher Education Track.

Priority Students:

The BPMSP Higher Education Track gives priority to applicants who:

• Belong to the Top 5 of their graduating class.
• Have a high General Weighted Average (GWA).
• Come from lower-income families.
• Belong to Special Equity Groups (SEGs).
• Qualify under the regional allocation of scholarship slots.

Note: Meeting these priority criteria does not guarantee scholarship approval. Final selection depends on the applicant’s evaluation results, the availability of scholarship slots, and CHED’s regional allocation.

Priority Courses:

The BPMSP Higher Education Track prioritizes degree programs that support national development goals and address the country’s need for skilled professionals in key industries. Applicants must choose a program aligned with the approved priority fields to qualify for the scholarship.

Priority fields under the BPMSP Higher Education Track may include:

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

You may visit the official BPMS portal to view the complete list of priority programs.

Important Note:

• The list of priority courses may be updated based on official BPMSP guidelines and CHED announcements.
• Applicants should check the official BPMS portal for the complete and updated list of eligible priority programs before selecting their course.

Partner School:

Applicants for the BPMSP Higher Education Track must enroll in an eligible CHED-recognized Higher Education Institution (HEI) that offers an approved priority program under the scholarship.

Eligible partner schools must:

• Offer CHED priority programs.
• Have Center of Excellence (COE) or Center of Development (COD) designation; or
• Hold Level III or Level IV accreditation; or
• Be approved by the CHED Commission En Banc.
• Have a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with CHED as a Delivering Higher Education Institution (DHEI).

Applicants should refer to the official BPMS portal for the latest list of eligible Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and approved priority programs under the BPMSP Higher Education Track.

Important Notes:

• Verify that your chosen school and degree program are included in the official BPMSP list before submitting your application.
• The list of eligible schools and programs may change based on the latest CHED and BPMSP guidelines.

Selection and Ranking Process:

The BPMSP Higher Education Track uses a ranking system to evaluate and prioritize qualified applicants. The final ranking is based on academic performance, household income, and additional points for eligible applicants belonging to Special Equity Groups (SEGs).

I. BPMSP Higher Education Track Ranking Formula

• Final Score =
  • 70% Academic Score
  • 30% Income Score
  • +10 points (if applicable for qualified Special Equity Group (SEG) applicants)

II. How the Ranking Works

• Academic Score (70%)
  • Based on the applicant’s General Weighted Average (GWA).
  • Applicants with higher GWAs receive higher academic scores.
• Income Score (30%)
  • Based on the combined annual household income of the applicant’s parents or legal guardian.
  • Applicants from lower-income households receive higher income scores.

III. Special Equity Groups (SEGs)

• Qualified applicants belonging to a Special Equity Group receive an additional 10 points. Examples include:
  • Indigenous Peoples (IPs)
  • Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
  • Solo Parents
  • First-generation college students
  • Persons living in poverty

IV. Tie-Breaking Priorities

If two or more applicants receive the same final score, priority is given in the following order:

1. Applicants residing in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDCAs).
2. Applicants with a parent or legal guardian with a disability.
3. Applicants with leadership achievements or outstanding performance awards.

Note: The final selection of BPMSP Higher Education Track scholars is subject to CHED’s evaluation process, scholarship slot allocation, and the availability of funds.

Application Deadline:

The BPMSP Higher Education Track accepts applications only during the official application period announced by CHED. Applicants are encouraged to submit their requirements as early as possible since the application period may close once all available scholarship slots have been filled.

Item	Details
Application Period	Until June 30, 2026 or until all scholarship slots are filled, whichever comes first.
Current Status	CLOSED
Can I Still Apply?	No. The application period for this cycle has already ended.
What’s Next?	Wait for CHED’s announcement regarding the next application cycle and prepare your requirements in advance.

Note: The application schedule for the BPMSP Higher Education Track may change each year. Always check the latest announcements from CHED before applying.

How to Apply:

To apply for the BPMSP Higher Education Track, applicants must complete their application through the official Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMS) Portal. Make sure all information and supporting documents are complete and accurate before submitting your application.

Step 1: Create a BPMS Account

• Visit the official BPMS portal and register using a valid personal email address.
• Use an email account that you can access regularly.
• Avoid using a school-issued email address that may become inactive after graduation.

Step 2: Verify Your Email Address

• After registering, check your email inbox for the verification message from BPMS.
• Click the verification link to activate your account.
• If you do not receive the email, check your Spam or Junk folder before requesting another verification email.

Step 3: Complete Your Personal Profile

• Log in to your account and provide your personal information.
• Match the information on your PSA Birth Certificate and other official documents.
• Ensure that your:
  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Contact details

Step 4: Complete Your Household Profile

• Provide your household and family income information.
• Ensure that the information matches your submitted proof of income.
• You will need to enter:
  • Parents’ or legal guardians’ details
  • Combined annual gross income
  • Other required household information

Step 5: Enter Your Academic Information

• Provide your Senior High School academic records.
• The information should match your SF9 (Form 138) and other academic documents.
• This includes your:
  • School information
  • General Weighted Average (GWA)
  • Class ranking (if applicable)

Step 6: Select Your School and Priority Program

• Choose your preferred Higher Education Institution (HEI) and degree program.
• Before submitting your application, verify that both your school and degree program are included in the official BPMS priority list.
• For the BPMSP Higher Education Track, applicants must:
  • Select a CHED-recognized Higher Education Institution (HEI).
  • Choose a CHED-designated priority program offered by the selected institution.

Step 7: Upload the Required Documents

• Upload all required documents through the BPMS portal.
• Incomplete or unreadable documents may delay the evaluation of your application.
• Before uploading, make sure that:
  • All files are complete.
  • Documents are clear and readable.
  • The correct file is uploaded for each requirement.

Step 8: Review Your Application

• Carefully review all the information you entered before submitting your application.
• Correct any errors before proceeding to the next step.
• Check the following:
  • Personal information
  • Contact details
  • Household information
  • Academic records
  • Selected school and program
  • Uploaded documents

Step 9: Submit Your Application

• Once you have confirmed that all information is complete and accurate, submit your application through the BPMS portal.
• After submission, you may no longer be able to edit your application, so make sure everything is correct before clicking the Submit button.

Step 10: Wait for Evaluation and Results

• After the application period closes, CHED and the concerned Regional Office will evaluate all submitted applications.
• During the evaluation process, CHED may:
  • Verify your eligibility.
  • Validate your submitted documents.
  • Request additional information or supporting documents if necessary.
• Applicants will receive updates through the:
  • BPMS Portal
  • Registered email address
  • Official CHED communication channels

Step 11: Accept the Scholarship and Complete Post-Selection Requirements

• Applicants who successfully pass the evaluation may receive a Notice of Award.
• Qualified applicants must:
  • Accept the scholarship within the prescribed period.
  • Submit any additional documents requested by CHED.
  • Sign the Scholarship Agreement and other required forms.
  • Follow all instructions provided by CHED before the scholarship benefits are released.

Important Notes:

• Submit your application before the official deadline, as late applications are generally not accepted.
• Ensure that all information and supporting documents are truthful, complete, and accurate, as false or misleading information may result in disqualification.
• Keep a copy of your submitted documents and regularly check your email and the BPMS portal for updates regarding your application status.
• Always refer to the official BPMS and CHED announcements for the latest application procedures and requirements.

Scholar Responsibilities:

Scholars under the BPMSP Higher Education Track are expected to comply with the program’s academic and scholarship requirements throughout their studies. Fulfilling these responsibilities helps ensure the continued receipt of scholarship benefits until graduation.

BPMSP Higher Education Track Scholar Responsibilities

Scholars must:

• Maintain satisfactory academic performance and comply with the scholarship’s retention requirements.
• Enroll in the required academic load every semester or term, unless otherwise approved by CHED.
• Maintain good moral character and uphold the policies of both the school and the scholarship program.
• Submit all required reports and supporting documents within the prescribed deadlines.
• Notify CHED immediately of any changes in enrollment status, degree program, school, or other relevant information.
• Comply with all scholarship conditions and complete the program requirements until graduation to remain eligible for the scholarship benefits.

Note: Failure to comply with the responsibilities and retention requirements of the BPMSP Higher Education Track may result in the suspension or termination of scholarship benefits, subject to CHED’s rules and guidelines.

Return Service Agreement:

The BPMSP Higher Education Track requires scholars to comply with a Return Service Agreement (RSA) after completing their degree. This agreement ensures that scholars use the knowledge and skills gained through the scholarship to contribute to the country’s development.

Under the Return Service Agreement, scholars are expected to render service in the Philippines, particularly in priority sectors and industries where skilled professionals are needed. The duration and specific terms of the return service are outlined in the official Scholarship Agreement and must be fulfilled as part of the scholar’s obligations.

Important Notes:

• The Return Service Agreement is a mandatory requirement for all BPMSP scholars.
• Scholars are expected to complete their return service in accordance with the terms and conditions set by CHED.
• Failure to comply with the Return Service Agreement may result in penalties or other actions as provided in the official scholarship guidelines.
• Applicants should carefully read and understand the Scholarship Agreement before accepting the scholarship award.

Grounds for Termination:

Scholars under the BPMSP Higher Education Track must comply with all scholarship rules and retention requirements throughout the duration of the program. Failure to meet these obligations may result in the suspension or termination of scholarship benefits.

Grounds for Termination

A scholar’s BPMSP Higher Education Track grant may be terminated for any of the following reasons:

• Receiving another national government scholarship while enrolled in the program.
• Failure to maintain the required academic performance or scholarship retention requirements.
• Unauthorized transfer to another school or shifting to a non-approved degree program without CHED approval.
• Taking a leave of absence beyond the period allowed under the scholarship guidelines.
• Submitting false, misleading, or fraudulent information or documents during the application or scholarship period.
• Violating the terms and conditions of the Scholarship Agreement or other CHED policies.

Note: CHED may review each case based on the official BPMSP Higher Education Track guidelines before making a final decision regarding the suspension or termination of scholarship benefits.

About BPMSP Higher Education Track:

The BPMSP Higher Education Track is one of the scholarship components under the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP), which is implemented by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). 

The program provides financial assistance to academically deserving Filipino students who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in CHED-designated priority degree programs at eligible Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

Through the BPMSP Higher Education Track, CHED aims to expand access to quality higher education while recognizing students with outstanding academic achievement and financial need. 

By supporting scholars throughout their college education, the program seeks to develop competent, highly skilled, and socially responsible graduates who can contribute to the country’s workforce, economic growth, and long-term national development.

Final Thought:

The BPMSP Higher Education Track offers deserving Filipino students the opportunity to pursue higher education through financial assistance and academic support. 

Since the scholarship’s qualifications, priority programs, benefits, and application schedules may change from year to year, applicants are encouraged to prepare their requirements early and regularly monitor official CHED and BPMS announcements for the latest updates.

If the application period is currently closed, don’t be discouraged. You may use this time to gather the necessary documents and prepare for the next application cycle. 

You could also browse our other scholarship programs to discover government, private, and local scholarships that may match your qualifications and help support your college education while waiting for the BPMSP Higher Education Track to reopen.

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/
5. Commission on Higher Education, Department of Education, & Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. (2026). Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, s. 2026. https://caraga.ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/JMC-No.-1-s.-2026-CHED-DEPED-TESDA.pdf