The CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program (CHED-MSRSP) is now accepting applications for the 1st Semester of Academic Year 2026–2027.
This scholarship program supports deserving Filipino students who want to pursue a Doctor of Medicine degree in partner Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). In return, scholars are required to render mandatory return service in underserved and geographically isolated areas after completing their degree.
This guide provides the important details you need to know, including qualifications, requirements, benefits, deadline, and the online application process.
Table of Contents
Qualifications
To qualify for the CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program (CHED-MSRSP), applicants must meet the following qualifications:
Citizenship and Residence
Applicants must be:
- A Filipino citizen;
- Residing in the Philippines; and
- Not more than 51 years old at the time of application.
Educational Background
Applicants of CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program (CHED-MSRSP) must be any of the following:
- A graduating student of an appropriate undergraduate program identified as a prerequisite for a Doctor of Medicine degree;
- A graduate of an appropriate undergraduate program identified as a prerequisite for a Doctor of Medicine degree;
- A direct entrant to the Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine Program (INTARMED) who has satisfactorily completed the first two years of the program;
- An incoming second-year medical student; or
- A medical student in a higher year level of the Doctor of Medicine Program.
For ongoing medical students, they must have complied with the academic requirements and retention policies of their school in the past terms before the scholarship application.
Admission Requirements
Applicants of CHED Medical Scholarship must:
- Be accepted or enrolled in a Doctor of Medicine Program at a partner HEI;
- For incoming first-year students, pass the entrance examination and other admission requirements of the SUC or PHEI where they intend to enroll;
- Obtain the required National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) score mandated by CHED and required by the partner HEI.
Return Service Requirement
Applicants must be willing to comply with the mandatory return service obligation under the program.
The return service obligation is generally one year of service for every scholarship year availed, upon completion of the Doctor of Medicine degree.
Requirements
Applicants for CHED Medical Scholarship are advised to prepare the required documents before accomplishing the online application form.
The minimum documentary requirements include the following:
Basic Requirements
- Proof of Filipino citizenship;
- Certificate of Good Moral Character;
- Additional documents for priority groups, if applicable;
- Certification of Acceptance from the partner HEI for incoming first-year students;
- Certified true copy of Registration Form from the most recent semester of the previous academic year for second-year students and above;
- Certified true copy of Bachelor’s Degree Transcript of Records for first-year students;
- Affidavit of No Existing Scholarship Grant;
- Scholar’s Commitment to Render Return Service Obligation;
- Proof of family income.
Proof of Filipino Citizenship
Applicants may submit any government-issued document showing proof of citizenship, including but not limited to:
- Certified true copy of birth certificate;
- PhilSys ID.
Proof of Family Income
Applicants of CHED Medical Scholarship must submit the required income document based on their family circumstance.
| Individual Circumstance | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Both parents / guardians earning | Income Tax Return or Certificate of Tax Exemption of both parents or guardians issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue |
| One parent not earning, unemployed, or homemaker | ITR or Certificate of Tax Exemption of the earning parent; Certificate of Tax Exemption or Certificate of Non-Filing of ITR of the non-earning parent from BIR; and a sworn affidavit attesting to unemployment or homemaker status |
| Single surviving parent | ITR or Certificate of Tax Exemption of the surviving parent from BIR; PSA-issued Death Certificate of the deceased parent |
| Parent is an Overseas Filipino Worker | ITR or Certificate of Tax Exemption of the parent in the Philippines; proof of OFW status, such as Overseas Employment Certificate, OFW ID, and overseas employment contract |
Important Reminder
Before submitting the application form, applicants must make sure that:
- All documents are complete;
- All documents are valid;
- All uploaded files are clear and readable;
- All information provided is accurate.
Incomplete, invalid, or incorrect documents may result in the disqualification of the application.
No additional, replacement, or follow-up submissions shall be accepted after the form has been submitted.
Benefits
Successful applicants of the CHED Medical Scholarship Program may receive financial privileges to help cover medical education expenses.
The scholarship benefits may include:
- Tuition and other school fees;
- Stipend, subsidies, and allowances;
- One-time board/licensure examination review and application fees;
- Health insurance;
- Accident insurance.
Financial Assistance and Allowances
Below is the MSRS benefit package indicated for the program.
| Benefit | SUCs | Private HEIs |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Other School Fees | Actual | Actual TOSF but not exceeding Php 100,000.00 |
| Stipend for 1st to 4th Year | Php 88,500.00 per semester | Php 88,500.00 per semester |
| Stipend for 5th Year | Php 66,000.00 per semester | Php 66,000.00 per semester |
| One-time Board/Licensure Examination Review and Application Fees | Up to Php 16,000.00 | Up to Php 16,000.00 |
These benefits are intended to help medical students with major education-related costs while pursuing their Doctor of Medicine degree.
Internship Program / 5th Year Medicine
For the 5th year or internship period, MSRS scholars may receive:
- Php 66,000.00 stipend per semester;
- Up to Php 16,000.00 one-time board/licensure examination review and application fees.
Insurance Programs
MSRS scholars may also be covered by insurance benefits under the program.
| Type | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Amount prescribed by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, to be paid directly to PHIC |
| Accident Insurance | Amount prescribed by the Government Service Insurance System, to be paid directly to GSIS |
The rates of the benefit package may be subject to yearly assessment based on the current inflation rate, availability of funds, and other program considerations.
Partner Universities for CHED Medical Scholarship
The CHED Medical Scholarship Program is implemented through:
- State Universities and Colleges offering Doctor of Medicine programs;
- Partner Private Higher Education Institutions offering Doctor of Medicine programs.
Applicants must be accepted or enrolled in a partner HEI to qualify for the program.
| Region | Name of HEI | HEI Type |
|---|---|---|
| I | Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) | SUC |
| Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) | SUC | |
| University of Northern Philippines (UNP) | SUC | |
| II | Cagayan State University (CSU) | SUC |
| Isabela State University (ISU) | SUC | |
| III | Bulacan State University (BulSU) | SUC |
| Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) | SUC | |
| Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) | SUC | |
| IV | Batangas State University (BatSU) | SUC |
| Cavite State University (CvSU) | SUC | |
| Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) | SUC | |
| MIMAROPA | Palawan State University (PSU) | SUC |
| V | Bicol University (BU) | SUC |
| VI | West Visayas State University (WVSU) | SUC |
| VII | Bohol Island State University (BISU) | SUC |
| Cebu Normal University – Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (CNU-VSMMC) | SUC | |
| VIII | Samar State University – Samar Island Institute of Medicine (SSU-SSIM) | SUC |
| University of the Philippines School of Health Sciences (UPSHS) | SUC | |
| IX | Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) | SUC |
| X | University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) | SUC |
| Bukidnon State University (BukSU) | SUC | |
| XI | University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) | SUC |
| XII | Mindanao State University (MSU) General Santos City | SUC |
| Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) | SUC | |
| University of Southern Mindanao (USM) | SUC | |
| NCR | University of the Philippines (UP) Manila | SUC |
| CAR | Saint Louis University | Private |
| Caraga | Caraga State University (CSU) | SUC |
| BARMM-X | Mindanao State University (MSU) Marawi City | SUC |
| NIR | University of St. La Salle (USLS) – Bacolod | Private |
Applicants may also coordinate with their chosen medical school or CHED Regional Office for confirmation.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submission of applications of CHED Medical Scholarship is:
July 13, 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their application before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues with document preparation, file uploads, or online form access.
Application and Selection Process
Here’s how to apply for the CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program:
Step 1: Access the Application Portal
Visit the MSRS Online Application Portal:
Step 2: Read the Instructions
Before filling out the form, read the following carefully:
- Program overview;
- Important notice;
- Data privacy notice;
- Application reminders.
Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
Prepare the required documents before starting the form, including:
- Proof of citizenship;
- Certificate of Good Moral Character;
- School documents;
- Income documents;
- Other applicable documents.
Step 4: Fill Out the Online Application Form
- Complete all required fields in the application form.
- Make sure that all personal details are accurate.
Step 5: Upload the Required Documents
Upload the required files in the application form.
Applicants must make sure that:
- Files are readable;
- Documents are complete;
- Uploaded files match the required document;
- No incorrect file is submitted.
Step 6: Review Before Submission
Before submitting the form, review:
- Personal information;
- Contact details;
- School information;
- Uploaded documents;
- Required fields.
Incorrect or incomplete submissions may result in disqualification.
Step 7: Submit the Application
Submit the application form once all details and documents have been reviewed.
Applications will be evaluated based on eligibility, complete documents, and prioritization criteria.
Prioritization of Applicants
Priority may be given to deserving applicants from the following groups:
- Those residing in a municipality without government physicians;
- Those residing in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas;
- Those from calamity-prone and conflict areas;
- Those belonging to an ethnic group or indigenous population/community;
- Dependents of community health volunteers;
- Those residing in low-income class municipalities with high poverty incidence;
- Those whose combined annual family income is less than Php 450,000.00.
The prioritization system is used to rank eligible applicants. It does not serve as an additional eligibility requirement beyond the qualifications of the program.
About CHED and CHED Medical Scholarship
CHED is the government agency that manages higher education in the Philippines. They make sure that college and graduate programs are good and accessible.
The CHED Medical Scholarship helps students who are studying to become doctors by covering their school costs. This includes tuition, books, and other expenses. After finishing their studies, scholarship recipients must work in areas that need more doctors.
Final Thoughts
The CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program is a valuable opportunity for aspiring doctors who need support in pursuing medical education.
Aside from helping students with the cost of medical school, the program also aims to improve access to healthcare in underserved communities through the return service obligation.
If you are an incoming or ongoing Doctor of Medicine student and you meet the qualifications, prepare your documents early and submit your application before the deadline.
You can also explore more international scholarships and other scholarship programs by organizations here.
Reference
- Commission on Higher Education. (2026). CHED Memorandum Order No. 10, series of 2026: Guidelines for the Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program. https://cms-cdn.e.gov.ph/CHED/pdf/2026-CMO-10_Guidelines-for-the-Medical-Scholarship-and-Return-Service-(MSRS)-Program.pdf
- Commission on Higher Education. (2026, May 21). Memorandum from the Office of the Chairperson No. 180, series of 2026: Call for submission of applications for the Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program for the first semester for Academic Year 2026–2027. https://cms-cdn.e.gov.ph/CHED/pdf/2026-MOC-180_Call-for-Submission-of-Applications-for-the-Medical-Scholarship-and-Return-Service-(MSRS)-Program-for-the-First-Semester-for-Academic-Year-(AY)-2026-2027.pdf
- Commission on Higher Education. (2026). Call for applications: MSRS Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program, Academic Year 2026–2027 [Facebook photo]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1603305981835369&set=a.230031555829492
- Commission on Higher Education. (n.d.). Student Financial Assistance Programs. https://ched.gov.ph/stufaps
Disclaimer
This article is for general information and guidance only. Scholarship details, eligibility requirements, benefits, deadlines, application procedures, and partner HEIs may change depending on official announcements and CHED guidelines.
Applicants are advised to visit the official CHED website, access the official application portal, or coordinate with the appropriate CHED Regional Office or partner HEI for the most accurate and updated information.
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