CHED-SIKAP Grant Application Guide: Masters and Doctorate Programs for AY 2025

CHED-SIKAP Grant AY 2025 provides financial assistance to students pursuing Master’s and Doctorate programs.

This guide details the application process and required documents. (Stay tuned for the Re-oping date)

Qualifications for CHED-SIKAP Grant

To qualify for the CHED-SIKAP Grant, applicants must meet specific criteria based on whether they are pursuing full-time or part-time graduate studies.

Eligibility Requirements for Full-Time Study

1. Citizenship
   • Applicants must be Filipino citizens.
2. Institutional Affiliation
   • Applicants must enroll in a graduate program at one of the following institutions: Autonomous or deregulated institutions.
   • State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) recognized as Level III or higher.
   • Centers of Excellence (COE) or Centers of Development (COD).
   • Programs accredited as Level III or higher or equivalent undergraduate programs.
   • Mindanao State University (MSU) and its affiliated units, or the University of the Philippines (UP) and its affiliated units.
3. Employment Status
   • For teaching or non-teaching personnel: Must be currently employed by or have left any of the following within the past 12 months:
     • An institution recognized by CHED.
     • An institution recognized by the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE).
     • Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) with Institutional Recognition (IR) from CHED.
   • Employed applicants: Must have an approved study leave for the entire scholarship duration or a certification of reduced work responsibilities from their Human Resource Office and attested by the institution’s president.
   • Former employees: Must have been separated from service within the last 12 months.
     • The separation must not have been due to disciplinary actions or dismissal, as verified by a certification from the former employer’s Human Resource Office.
4. Health and Age
   • Must be in good health and capable of completing graduate studies, as verified by a medical certificate.
   • Applicants must be 50 years old or younger at the time of application (i.e., will not turn 51 within 6 months of the application date).

Please take Note: This is for informational purposes. Applicants are advised to review the official CMO (Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order) issued by CHED for complete and up-to-date details, here on the website for more details, or via the CMOs.

Eligibility Requirements for Part-Time Study

1. Citizenship
   • Must be a Filipino citizen.
2. Institution
   • The graduate program must be undertaken at one of the following Delivering Higher Education Institutions (DHEIs): Autonomous/Deregulated Institutions.
   • State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) designated as Level III or higher.
   • Centers of Excellence (COE) or Centers of Development (COD).
   • Programs accredited as Level III or higher or equivalent undergraduate programs.
   • Mindanao State University (MSU) and its branches, or the University of the Philippines (UP) and its branches.
3. Employment Status
   • Applicants must be Teaching or Non-Teaching Personnel, including those in basic or technical education, who are pursuing graduate studies on a part-time basis. They should be: Regular or temporary employees or under contract at any of the following HEIs:
   • An institution recognized by CHED.
   • An institution recognized by the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE).
   • Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) with Institutional Recognition (IR) from CHED.
4. Performance Requirements
   • Full-time faculty or HEI personnel with regular or tenured positions and a minimum performance rating of “Very satisfactory” over the past three years.
   • Temporary or probationary positions, with a minimum performance rating of “Very Satisfactory” for the past year.
   • Contractual or Contract of Service Personnel with: Full-time equivalent workload, with a “Very Satisfactory” performance rating over the past year.
   • Part-time Contractual Faculty with: An existing contract and at least three cumulative academic years of service, with a “Very Satisfactory” rating.
5. Research Alignment
   • For applicants in regular or contract positions, the proposed thesis or dissertation must align with the research agenda of the SHEI or DHEI, as confirmed by the HEI President or equivalent.
6. Permit to Study
   • Must obtain a study permit from the SHEI President or equivalent, endorsed by the Faculty and Staff Development Committee or equivalent.
7. Health
   • Must be in good health and capable of completing graduate work, as verified by a medical certificate.
8. Age
   • Regular or contract personnel must be 50 years old or younger within 6 months from the application date (i.e., will not turn 51 within 6 months of applying).

Note: This guide is for informational purposes only. For complete and up-to-date details, please review the official read here on the website for more details or via the CMOs.

Requirements

To apply for the CHED-SIKAP Grant, applicants need to prepare and submit the following documents.

Documentary Requirements for Full-Time Study

1. Application Form (must follow CHED template)
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) (must follow CHED template)
3. Certificate of Employment (must follow CHED template)
4. Certificate of Eligibility and Undertaking (must follow CHED template)
5. Release Form or Certification from the Human Resource Office or equivalent, confirmed by the President or equivalent for full-time study
6. Previous Employer Certification indicating that the separation was not due to fault (for those previously employed)
7. Proof of Training, Publications, or Research Presentations
8. Recommendation Forms (from a former professor, peer, and immediate supervisor)*
9. Birth Certificate or Passport (to prove citizenship)
10. Medical Certificate
11. Proof of Admission to the DHEI or qualifying program
12. Transcript of Records (for all undergraduate and graduate degrees)
13. Draft Re-entry Action Plan
14. Valid Government ID Copy
15. Supporting Documents for details included in the CV and Application Form
16. Clearance from CHED or relevant grant-issuing office/agency for any previous scholarships or grants (if applicable)

All documents should use the CHED template. here on the website for more details, or via the CMOs.

Documentary Requirements for Part-Time Study

1. Application Form (following CHED template)
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) (following CHED template)
3. Certificate of Eligibility and Undertaking (following CHED template)
4. Certification from Human Resource Office or equivalent, endorsed by the HEI President or equivalent, including:
   • Employment details and service duration
   • Performance ratings for:
     • Full-Time Faculty or HEI personnel with plantilla/tenured items over the past 3 years
     • Full-Time Faculty with temporary appointments over the past 1 year
     • Full-Time Contractual or Contract of Service Faculty over the past 1 year
     • Part-Time Contractual or Contract of Service Faculty over the past 3 academic years
   • Endorsement and study permit
   • Approval from the Faculty and Staff Development Committee or equivalent
5. Certification from SHEI/DHEI confirming alignment of the proposed thesis/dissertation with the institution’s research agenda, attested by the HEI President or equivalent (if applicable)
6. Status of Study and Study Plan (attested by the DHEI)
7. Recommendation Forms (from former professor, peer, and immediate supervisor)
8. Birth Certificate or Passport (as proof of citizenship)
9. Medical Certificate
10. Proof of Admission to the DHEI
11. Transcript of Records (for all undergraduate and graduate degrees)
12. Draft Re-entry Action Plan (using CHED template)*
13. Copy of Valid Government ID
14. Supporting Documents for details in CV and Application Form (e.g., proof of training, publications, or research presentations)
15. Clearance from CHED or relevant grant-issuing office/agency regarding any previous scholarships or grants (if applicable)

Documents should use the CHED template.

Read here on the website for more details or via the CMOs.

Benefits

The CHED-SIKAP Grant provides financial support for educators to pursue advanced degrees.

Scholarship Privileges for Full-Time Study

Successful applicants approved for the SIKAP Grant will receive the following benefits for the term when their application is approved by CHED and upon compliance with the scholarship terms:

1. Actual Cost of Tuition and Other School Fees
2. Monthly Living Allowance
3. Yearly Book and Resource Allowance
4. Yearly Transportation and Communication Assistance
5. Thesis/Dissertation Allowance

Please read here for more details to be guided.

Scholarship Privileges for Part-Time Study

For Full-Time Faculty or HEI Personnel

Privileges for SIKAP Grant Scholars:

1. Actual Tuition and Other Fees: Billed by the DHEI to CHED.
2. Student Subsidy: Released per academic term, subject to compliance with documentary requirements.
3. Mentor’s Fee: This fee is available for scholars who complete their degree within the original study plan. The DHEI will certify the assigned mentor and handle the disbursement.

SIKAP Grant for Part-Time Study Package A

For Full-Time Contractual or Contract of Service Faculty or HEI Personnel:

1. Actual Tuition and Other Fees: Billed by the DHEI to CHED.
2. Educational Subsidy: Based on the term of application.
3. New Application: Required for each academic year to avail of Package B, subject to eligibility and policy conditions.

SIKAP Grant for Part-Time Study Package B

For Part-Time Contractual or Contract of Service Faculty:

1. Actual Tuition and Other Fees: Billed by the DHEI to CHED.
2. Educational Subsidy: Based on the term of application.
3. New Application: Required for each academic year to avail of Package C, subject to eligibility and policy conditions.

Additional Incentives

For Full-Time Contractual or Contract of Service Faculty and Part-Time Faculty:

1. Incentives are available on a reimbursement basis, provided the SIKAP Grant for Part-Time Study has yet to be availed within the same term.
2. Research Publication: Incentive for publications made during the study period.
3. Eligibility: Additional incentives are available once, subject to compliance documents and policy conditions.

For more details and guidance, please read here.

Selection Criteria

Criteria	Full Points	Bonus Points
A. Program is Vertically Aligned to her/his teaching discipline or discipline of practice/work	50
B. Professional Experience	30
C. Potential Outcomes	20
Total	100
Academic Honors or Professional Award		+10

Please do read the CMO for detailed information.

Application Deadline

Applications for the CHED-SIKAP Grant are currently closed. The application period may reopen in the next academic year (AY) 2025. Please check the CHED website for updates and detailed information.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for the scholarship and ensure your submission is complete and timely for AY. 2025 if the program will re-open.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

• Review the eligibility requirements to ensure you meet the criteria.

Step 2: Generate Application Number

• Obtain your unique application number through the designated system here.

Step 3: Prepare Documentary Requirements

• For Full-Time Study: Complete the required documents as listed here.
• For Part-Time Study: Complete the necessary documents as listed here.

Step 4: Submit Application

• For the DHEI Model: Submit your complete application package to your Delivering Higher Education Institution (DHEI).
• For Individual Model: Submit your complete application package to the CHED Regional Office (CHED RO) as per the provided instructions.

Preliminary Process

1. Call for Applications: The Commission will announce the application period.
2. Document Submission: Submit all required documents, including certificates and proof of qualifications, by the deadline.

DHEI Model

1. Seek Admission: Apply and gain admission to your chosen DHEI.
2. Application Form: Fill out the application form, submit your curriculum vitae, and upload the required documents via the online portal.
3. DHEI Review: The DHEI will check your application for completeness and endorse it to the CHED RO.

Evaluation of Applications

1. Screening: The CHED RO will review and verify your documents.
2. Evaluation: Applications will be assessed based on eligibility criteria and ranked according to selection criteria.
3. Decision: The CHED Regional Director will make the final decision on your application.

Final Steps

1. Acceptance: Successful applicants must formally accept the grant and confirm enrollment in their approved graduate program through written acknowledgment to the CHED RO by the specified deadline.

For comprehensive guidelines, please visit or read CHED’s publication.

About CHED and the CHED-SIKAP Grant

CHED is responsible for overseeing and enhancing the country’s higher education system. CHED’s mission is to ensure that higher education is accessible and high-quality for all students.

The CHED-SIKAP Grant (Scholarships for Instructors’ Knowledge Advancement Prograp) Grant is designed to assist college teachers and staff pursue advanced degrees. This grant covers tuition fees, living expenses, books, and transportation costs. Its primary aim is to help educators improve their skills and knowledge.

Contact Information

For inquiries, you can reach any of the following.

CHED Regional Office	Email Address	Contact Details
I	sikapgrant.r1@ched.gov.ph	(072) 682-9623 ext. 2012
II	sikapgrant.r2@ched.gov.ph	0917-794-0009
III	sikapgrant.r3@ched.gov.ph	0919-996-1572
IV	sikapgrant.r4@ched.gov.ph	(078) 304-2105
V	sikapgrant.r5@ched.gov.ph	0955-974-1414
VI	sikapgrant.r6@ched.gov.ph	(02) 8332-3943
VII	sikapgrant.r7@ched.gov.ph	(02) 8332-4734
VIII	sikapgrant.r8@ched.gov.ph	(052) 431-0567
IX	sikapgrant.r9@ched.gov.ph	0906-834-4393
X	sikapgrant.r10@ched.gov.ph	(02) 8441-1224
XI	sikapgrant.r11@ched.gov.ph	(02) 8441-0985
XII	sikapgrant.r12@ched.gov.ph	(02) 8441-0453
CAR	sikapgrant.car@ched.gov.ph	(074) 422-4052
MIMAROPA	sikapgrant.mimaropa@ched.gov.ph	0927-409-3974
CARAGA	sikapgrant.caraga@ched.gov.ph	(083) 228-1130

Note: Applicants from the BARMM are instructed to contact the nearest CHED Regional Office.

Final Thought

Higher education can change lives, and the CHED-SIKAP Grant scholarship program plays a crucial role in supporting educators in reaching their academic and career goals. This opportunity enhances individual careers and improves the overall quality of education in the Philippines.

Reference

1. Commission on Higher Education. (n.d.). SIKAP Grant. Retrieved August 6, 2024, from https://ched.gov.ph/sikap/
2. Commission on Higher Education. (2021). CHED Memorandum Order No. 28, series of 2021. Retrieved August 6, 2024, from https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/CMO-No.-28-s.-2021.pdf
3. Commission on Higher Education. (2021). CHED Memorandum Order No. 16, series of 2021. Retrieved August 6, 2024, from https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/CHED-Memorandum-Order-CMO-No.-16-series-of-2021.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.