Are you a Senior High School graduate looking for financial help for college? The CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) might be for you to continue your education by providing scholarship assistance.
This program is open to incoming first-year college students who want to achieve their academic goals and build a better future. Through this scholarship, students can focus on their studies and continue their journey in higher education with less financial burden.
Table of Contents
Qualifications
To apply for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP), students must meet the following qualifications:
- Must be a Filipino citizen;
- Must be a graduate of a Senior High School in the Philippines with a minimum General Average (GA) or General Weighted Average (GWA) of 93% or its equivalent;
- Must have parents or legal guardians with a combined annual gross income not exceeding ₱500,000;
- Must obtain admission in any of the following Higher Education Institutions:
- State Universities and Colleges (SUCs);
- Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) with Institutional Recognition (IR); or
- CHED-recognized Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs);
- Must enroll in a CHED-identified priority program offered by:
- PHEIs with Government Recognition;
- SUCs with Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC); or
- LUCs with COPC.
Requirements
To apply for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP), applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
Basic Requirements
- Accomplished Online Application Form.
- Copy of Birth Certificate issued by PSA or NSO.
- Certified True Copy of Form 138 (Report Card/SF9), signed by the school registrar or authorized representative.
Financial Documents
Submit any one (1) of the following:
- Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents or guardians.
- Certificate of Tax Exemption/Non-Filer from the BIR.
- Proof of income or latest contract (for children of OFWs or Seafarers).
- Social Case Study Report from the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD/MSWD).
Additional Requirements (If Applicable)
- PWD ID or certification from PDAO.
- Solo Parent ID.
- Senior Citizen ID.
- Certification for Underprivileged and Homeless Citizens.
- Social Case Study Report for students covered under the Magna Carta of the Poor or First-Generation Students.
- Indigenous Peoples Certification from NCIP.
- Notarized Certificate of Guardianship from the legal guardian.
Benefits
CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) provides financial assistance to help students complete their college education. The scholarship covers tuition and other school fees, stipend, and book/connectivity allowance.
Private Higher Education Institutions (PESFA)
| Program | Period | Tuition and Other School Fees (TOSF) | Stipend | Book/Connectivity Allowance | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full PESFA | Annual | ₱40,000 | ₱70,000 | ₱10,000 | ₱120,000 |
| Semestral | ₱20,000 | ₱35,000 | ₱5,000 | ₱60,000 | |
| Half PESFA | Annual | ₱20,000 | ₱35,000 | ₱5,000 | ₱60,000 |
| Semestral | ₱10,000 | ₱17,500 | ₱2,500 | ₱30,000 |
State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) / Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs)
| Program | Period | Tuition and Other School Fees (TOSF) | Stipend | Book/Connectivity Allowance | Total |
| Full SSP | Annual | Free Higher Education | ₱70,000 | ₱10,000 | ₱80,000 |
| Semestral | Free Higher Education | ₱35,000 | ₱5,000 | ₱40,000 | |
| Half SSP | Annual | Free Higher Education | ₱35,000 | ₱5,000 | ₱40,000 |
| Semestral | Free Higher Education | ₱17,500 | ₱2,500 | ₱20,000 |
Priority Courses
The CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) gives priority to students taking courses that are important for the country’s development. Below are the priority courses covered by the scholarship:
First Priority
- Educational Psychology (refers to the degree programs: BS Psychology and AB Psychology)
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech-Language Pathology
1. Science and Mathematics Education
- Applied Physics / Physics
- Applied Mathematics / Mathematics
- Applied Statistics / Statistics
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- Human Biology
- Marine Biology
- Marine Science
- Meteorology
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- Volcano and Seismology Related Fields
2. Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Cyber Security
- Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (Game Development and Animation)
- Information Technology
- Library and Information Science
3. Engineering and Technology
- Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
- Ceramic Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering / Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Food Engineering
- Geodetic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing / Production Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Robotics Engineering
- Sanitary Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Aircraft Maintenance Technology
- Aviation Related Programs
- Engineering Technology
- Industrial Technology
- Mechatronics Engineering Technology
4. Architecture and Related Programs
- Architecture
- Fine Arts
- Interior Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Environmental Planning
5. Business and Management
- Accountancy
- Business Analytics
- Hospitality Management / Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Tourism Management / Tourism
6. Health Profession Education
- Doctor of Dental Medicine
- Doctor of Optometry
- Medical Technology / Medical Laboratory Science
- Midwifery
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Public Health
- Occupational Therapy
- Nursing
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Respiratory Therapy
- Radiologic Technology
- Speech Language Pathology
7. Maritime Education
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
8. Social Sciences
- Community Development
- Human Services (Guidance and Counselling)
- Indigenous Peoples Studies / Education
- Peace Studies / Education
- Psychology
- Social Work
9. Teacher Education
- Secondary Education (Science and Mathematics Majors)
- Culture and Arts
- Early Childhood Education
- Special Needs Education
- Sports and Exercise Science
10. Multi and Interdisciplinary Cluster
- Agribusiness
- Agro-Forestry
- Data Science and Analytics
- Disaster Risk Management
- Climate Change
- Renewable / Sustainable Energy
Partner Schools
Applicants who wish to apply for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) should be enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, any school or university and program recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), including:
- State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)
- Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs)
- Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs)
Application Deadline
Students who want to apply for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) should submit their applications within the official application period. Make sure to complete and submit all required documents before the deadline.
| Schedule | Date |
| Application Starts | June 22, 2026 |
| Application Ends | July 31, 2026 |
For CHED Caraga and Ilocos, the application period is from June 22, 2026 to July 31, 2026 only. Applicants from other regions are advised to check the official announcement of their respective CHED Regional Office.
How to Apply
Applying for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) is simple if you follow the steps below. Make sure all your documents are complete and accurate before submitting your application.
Step 1: Prepare the Requirements
Gather all the documents needed for the scholarship application. Including your;
- Personal information,
- School records,
- Financial documents,
- and other requirements if applicable.
Note: Keep both digital and printed copies of all your documents for future use.
Step 2: Scan Your Documents
Scan all required documents clearly. Make sure that all information and signatures can be easily read.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Fill out the online application form with complete and correct information. Double-check your details, especially your name, email address, contact number, and other important information.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Submit your completed application form together with all scanned documents online to your assigned CHED Regional Office.
Step 5: Wait for the Results
After submitting your application, wait for updates and announcements from CHED. Regularly check your email and other contact information for messages regarding the status of your application.
Step 6: Stay Updated
All applicants will be notified of the results via email, SMS, or through announcements on the CHEDRO’s Facebook page. Stay vigilant for these updates.
If you have concerns or need to check contact information, visit the CHEDRO’s Facebook page or use the contact details provided. Be aware that ranking and results might take time due to the high volume of applications.
Rest assured, all applicants will receive notifications, whether they qualify or not. If you are waitlisted, it means your application is still under consideration, depending on available slots or if other applicants are disqualified.
CHED Regional Offices (CHEDROs) for Application Submission “Click Each CHED Regions” to file your application for the Ched scholarship program (CMSP).
About CHED and the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP)
CHED, or the Commission on Higher Education, is the organization that manages and supports colleges and universities in the Philippines. They work to make sure that higher education is of good quality and available to more people.
One of their important programs is the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP). This scholarship helps students who are smart but face financial challenges. It is especially for:
- People who are poor or homeless
- People with disabilities
- Single parents and their children
The CMSP is for students who are starting college and want to study in approved courses at private colleges, state universities, or local universities.
The scholarship can provide full or partial support for tuition fees and may include a monthly allowance to help with living costs. This program aims to make college education more affordable and accessible for those who need it most.
Final Thought
The CHED Merit Scholarship can make a big difference in achieving your educational goals. By following the application steps and staying attentive to any updates, you can take full advantage of this opportunity. Good luck, and remember, every step you take brings you closer to your academic dreams.
Reference
- CHED Merit Scholarship Program Webpage: Commission on Higher Education. (n.d.). CHED merit scholarship program. Commission on Higher Education. Retrieved August 2, 2024, from https://ched.gov.ph/merit-scholarship/
- Call for Application for the CHED Merit Scholarship Programs (2024): Commission on Higher Education. (2024). Call for application for the CHED merit scholarship programs. Commission on Higher Education. Retrieved August 2, 2024, from https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/MOC_2024_CALL_FOR_APPLICATION_FOR_THE_CHED_MERIT_SCHOLARSHIP_PROGRAMS.pdf
- Policies and Guidelines for CHED Scholarship Programs (CMO-8-s.-2019): Commission on Higher Education. (2019). Policies and guidelines for CHED scholarship programs (CMO-8-s.-2019). Commission on Higher Education. Retrieved August 2, 2024, from https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/CMO-8-s.-2019-Policies-and-Guidelines-for-CHED-Scholarship-Programs-CSPs.pdf
- Commission on Higher Education. (n.d.). Merit Scholarship. Retrieved from https://ched.gov.ph/merit-scholarship/
- Commission on Higher Education. (2023). CHED Memorandum Order No. 7, series of 2023 – List of identified priority programs for CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) for Academic Years (AY) 2023-2024 to 2027-2028. https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/CMO-8-s.-2019-Policies-and-Guidelines-for-CHED-Scholarship-Programs-CSPs.pdf
Disclaimer:
The information provided about CHED scholarships is for general guidance and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the details and eligibility requirements for each scholarship program may change. For the most up-to-date information and specific application procedures, please visit the official CHED website or contact the appropriate CHED regional office. Additional references for the information provided are attached above.
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