CHED Scholarship 2026: Requirements, Benefits, and How to Apply

Qualified academically talented Filipino students may receive up to ₱120,000 per academic year through the CHED Scholarship Program, covering tuition and other school fees, a stipend, and a book/connectivity allowance until the completion of their degree program.

The program is open to incoming or current first-year college students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, subject to a minimum GWA and income requirement.

The CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) is a competitive scholarship initiative of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) that aims to support academically talented and deserving Filipino students.

The CHED Scholarship is now open, with a submission deadline of July 31, 2026.

If you are a Senior High School graduate or incoming first-year college student, here is what you need to know about the CHED Merit Scholarship Program, including the benefits, qualifications, requirements, and how to apply.

What is the CHED Merit Scholarship Program?

The CMSP is intended for incoming or current first-year college students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and potential for excellence in higher education.

Specifically, the program is open to student applicants who have achieved a minimum General Weighted Average (GWA) of 93% or its equivalent in their Grade 12 report card.

Eligible degree programs for the CMSP are identified under CHED Memorandum Order No. 15, series of 2026, which lists the priority programs covered by the scholarship.

READ: Priority Courses for CHED Scholarship Program

Who can apply for the CHED Scholarship?

According to CHED’s published eligibility requirements, an applicant must meet the following conditions:

• Must be a Filipino citizen.
• Must be a Senior High School graduate with a minimum GWA of 93% or its equivalent.
• The combined annual gross income of parents or legal guardian must not exceed ₱500,000.

CHED Scholarship Benefits

The CHED Merit Scholarship Program covers tuition and other school fees (TOSF), a stipend released directly to scholars or through their HEI, and a book/connectivity allowance per semester, until the completion of the degree program.

Benefit levels differ depending on whether the scholar is enrolled in a private HEI or a State University/College (SUC) or Local University/College (LUC).

Private HEIs

Program	Period	TOSF	Stipend	Book/Connectivity Allowance	Total
Full PESFA	Annual	₱40,000	₱70,000	₱10,000	₱120,000
Half PESFA	Semestral	₱20,000	₱35,000	₱5,000	₱60,000
Full PESFA	Annual	₱20,000	₱35,000	₱5,000	₱60,000
Half PESFA	Semestral	₱10,000	₱17,500	₱2,500	₱30,000

SUCs/LUCs

Program	Period	TOSF	Stipend	Book/Connectivity Allowance	Total
Full SSP	Annual	Free Higher Education	₱70,000	₱10,000	₱80,000
Half SSP	Semestral	Free Higher Education	₱35,000	₱5,000	₱40,000
Full SSP	Annual	Free Higher Education	₱35,000	₱5,000	₱40,000
Half SSP	Semestral	Free Higher Education	₱17,500	₱2,500	₱20,000

Swipe left or right to view the complete tables on mobile devices.

READ: Who is eligible to receive the CHED AHEAD grant

What are the CHED Scholarship Requirements

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

1. Accomplished Online Application Form
2. Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
3. Certified true copy of Form 138 (Learner’s Progress Report or SF9), duly signed by the registrar or an authorized representative of the senior high school attended
4. Financial requirement – one (1) of the following, whichever is applicable:
   • Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents or guardian
   • Certificate of Tax Exemption/Non-Filer issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
   • Certified true copy of latest contract or proof of income, for children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and Seafarers
   • Social Case Study Report issued by the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD/MSWD)
5. Other requirements, if applicable:
   • PWD ID issued by CSWD/MSWD, or Certification issued by the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO)
   • Solo Parent ID issued by CSWD/MSWD
   • Senior Citizen ID issued by CSWD/MSWD
   • Underprivileged and Homeless Citizens certification issued by DHSUD/CSWD/MSWD
   • Social Case Study Report issued by CSWD/MSWD, covered under the Magna Carta of the Poor and/or for First-Generation Students
   • Indigenous Peoples Certification issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
   • Notarized Certificate of Guardianship issued by the legal guardian of the student-applicant, if applicable

How to Apply for the CHED Merit Scholarship 2026

1. Prepare the complete documentary requirements listed above.
2. Scan the documentary requirements clearly.
3. Send the application and documents online through the 2026 CMSP Application Portal.

Apply here: CHED Merit Scholarship Application Form

Deadline: July 31, 2026

Important: Applications and documents must be submitted through the official CMSP Application Portal or your respective CHED Regional Office. Avoid third-party links claiming to process CHED Scholarship applications on CHED’s behalf.

Where to Apply

Applicants should submit their application and documents online to their respective CHED Regional Office. For inquiries, contact your respective CHED Regional Office directly.

Frequently Asked Questions