CHED Merit Scholarship 2026: Nationwide Online Application

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has officially opened the online applications for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) 2026 for qualified Filipino students nationwide.

CHED Merit Scholarship Program 2026

The CHED Scholarship Program is a competitive scholarship program designed to support academically deserving Filipino students who intend to pursue CHED-identified priority degree programs.

The program is open to incoming and current first-year college students enrolled in CHED-recognized higher education institutions.

Qualified scholars may receive up to ₱120,000 per year in educational assistance, including tuition and other school fees, stipends, and book or connectivity allowances depending on the scholarship category and type of higher education institution.

What are the benefits of the scholarship?

For scholars enrolled in Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs):

For scholars enrolled in State Universities and Colleges or Local Universities and Colleges (SUCs or LUCs):

Note: The exact scholarship award will depend on CHED’s evaluation and the availability of scholarship slots.

What are the qualifications?

Before applying, make sure you meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Must be a Filipino citizen;
• Must be an incoming or current first-year college student;
• Must have a minimum General Average (GA) of 93% or its equivalent; and
• Must have a combined annual gross income of parents or legal guardians not exceeding ₱500,000.

Note: Applicants who belong to Special Equity Groups (SEGs) may receive additional ranking points during the evaluation process.

What are the priority courses?

First Priority Programs under Republic Act No. 12314:

• Educational Psychology (BS Psychology and AB Psychology);
• Physical Therapy;
• Occupational Therapy; and
• Speech-Language Pathology.

Second Priority Programs will be based on the upcoming CHED Memorandum Order and other identified priority degree programs of the Commission. Applicants are encouraged to verify whether their chosen course is included in the list of ched priority courses before submitting their application.

What are the requirements?

Applicants must prepare the following documentary requirements:

A. Required Documents:

• Photocopy of National ID, PSA-issued National ID Transaction Slip, or PSA Birth Certificate;
• Certified True Copy of School Form 9 (SF9) signed by the registrar or authorized representative; and
• Admission Slip or equivalent document from the intended Higher Education Institution (HEI).

B. Financial Documents (any one of the following):

• Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents or legal guardian;
• BIR Certificate of Tax Exemption or Non-Filer Certificate;
• Proof of income for children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs); or
• Social Case Study Report issued by the City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (C/MSWDO).

C. For Applicants with Legal Guardians:

• Notarized Certificate of Guardianship.

D. Other Supporting Documents (if applicable):

• PWD ID or Certification of Disability;
• NCIP Certification for Indigenous Peoples;
• Social Case Study Report indicating first-generation student status;
• Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) certification;
• DHSUD or C/MSWDO certification for underprivileged or homeless families;
• Senior Citizen ID; or
• Solo Parent ID.

Note: All PDF files must be clear, readable, and not password-protected. JPEG images are also accepted. Maximum file size is 5 MB per uploaded file. Use the file naming format: LastName_FirstName_DocumentName (e.g., LastName_FirstName_SF9).

How to apply for the CHED Scholarship 2026

Make sure to prepare all the required documents before applying. Then, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Gather all required academic, financial, and supporting documents.

Step 2: Scan or photograph all documents clearly according to CHED’s file upload guidelines.

Step 3: Complete the online application form through the official CHED Merit Scholarship Online Application Portal at: https://bit.ly/2026CMSPApplicationPortal

Step 4: Upload all required files in the designated sections of the form.

Step 5: Carefully review all information before clicking the Submit button.

Application Period

The online application for the CHED Merit Scholarship 2026 is now open nationwide. Applicants must complete and submit their applications on or before July 31, 2026.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their requirements as early as possible to avoid last-minute technical issues or incomplete document uploads.