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For many students, college is a chance to build a brighter future, and scholarships can help turn that opportunity into reality. The good news is that support is closer than you might think.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) offers several scholarship programs designed to help qualified Filipino students financially, including the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP) and the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP).
If you’re wondering how to apply for a scholarship in CHED, understanding the requirements and application steps can make the process much smoother.
Understanding CHED Scholarships
Before preparing your application, identify which CHED scholarship best fits your qualifications and goals.
The BPMSP is designed for top-performing senior high school graduates, while the CMSP supports academically qualified students from low-income families.
Both offer financial assistance, but have different requirements and processes. Understanding these differences can help you prepare your application more effectively.
Steps to Complete Your CHED Scholarship Application
Once you’ve picked the right program, you’re ready to apply. Applications usually open between May and July, but always check your designated CHED Regional Office's official channels.
Step 1: Check your eligibility.
Before you apply, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for your chosen CHED scholarship program.
| Eligibility Requirement | CMSP | BPMSP |
| Citizenship | Filipino citizen | Filipino citizen |
| Applicant Status | Senior high school graduate in the Philippines | Incoming first-year college student with no college units |
| Academic Requirement | Grade 12 General Average (GA) of at least 93% | Top 5 graduates of their senior high school batch or Grade 12 General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 95% |
| Annual Family Income | Combined annual income of parents or legal guardian must not exceed ₱500,000 | Annual family income must not exceed ₱2,000,000 |
| Degree Program | Must plan to enroll in a CHED priority degree program | Must plan to enroll in a CHED priority degree program |
| School Eligibility | Must be admitted to a State University and College (SUC), a Local University and College (LUC) with Institutional Recognition (IR), or a CHED-recognized Private Higher Education Institution (HEI) | Not specified |
| Additional Considerations | Applicants who are persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, Indigenous Peoples (IPs), from underprivileged families, or first-generation college students may receive additional points during the ranking process. But they must still meet the scholarship's minimum academic, income, and school admission requirements. | Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) National Certificate holders may also apply if they haven’t earned any college units and meet the academic requirements. There's no age limit for applicants, and those who are already employed may still qualify. |
Step 2: Prepare your requirements.
If you’re applying for the CMSP, prepare the following requirements.
| Requirements | Details |
| Birth certificate | Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate or National Statistics Office (NSO) Birth Certificate |
| Academic record | Certified True Copy (CTC) of your School Form 9 (SF9), also known as Form 138 or the Learner's Progress Report, signed by your school registrar or an authorized representative |
| Proof of income | Submit one of the following.
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| Supporting documents (if applicable) |
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If you’re applying for the BPMSP, make sure you have the following documents ready.
| Requirement | Details |
| Application form | An accomplished BPMSP application form |
| Birth certificate | PSA Birth Certificate |
| Academic record | SF9 |
| Proof of income | Submit one of the following.
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| Proof of admission or enrollment |
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| Additional documents |
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You can request a copy of your PSA Birth Certificate online through PSA Serbilis or via the GLife section of GCash. Some applicants may need extra documents depending on their situation.
Step 3: Complete the online application.
CMSP applicants should use the CMSP Application Portal, while BPMSP applicants should use the BPMSP portal.
Provide personal details, academic records, family income information, and supporting documents. Double-check everything before submitting and make sure the information matches your documents exactly.
Step 4: Upload and submit your documents.
When the online application form asks for your requirements, upload complete, legible, and properly scanned copies of your documents. Ensure your files are complete, clear, and easy to read, then submit your application before the deadline.
Keep a copy of your application details, as you’ll need them to check for updates on the online portal or at your designated CHED Regional Office.
Step 5: Monitor your application status.
After screening and ranking, CHED or TESDA Regional Offices will notify qualified applicants through the email address used during registration. If you have questions, reach out to your school’s guidance office or CHED’s Office of Student Development and Services.
Important reminder: Watch out for fake scholarship posts. Verify announcements and application updates only through the official CHED website, BPMS official website, your designated CHED Regional Office, and their official social media pages.
Benefits of Being a CHED Scholar
CHED scholarships help cover tuition and other school-related expenses. The benefits you receive depend on the program you're awarded.
The amount of financial assistance depends on a CMSP scholar’s scholarship type and may change in line with CHED guidelines and available funding.
| Benefits | Full Merit Scholar | Half Merit Scholar |
| Tuition and Other School Fees (TOSF) subsidy* | Up to ₱40,000 per academic year | Up to ₱20,000 per academic year |
| Stipend | Up to ₱70,000 per academic year | Up to ₱35,000 per academic year |
| Book or connectivity allowance | Up to ₱10,000 per academic year | Up to ₱5,000 per academic year |
*Scholars enrolled in eligible private HEIs may receive the TOSF subsidy. Those enrolled in SUCs or LUCs receive TOSF coverage under Republic Act No. 10931.
On the other hand, for BPMSP scholars, availability and benefit amounts may vary based on program guidelines, funding allocations, and approval by the Commission En Banc.
| Benefits | Amount/Coverage |
| Tuition and Other School Fees (TOSF) coverage | Covered under Republic Act No. 10931 for scholars enrolled in SUCs or LUCs |
| Tuition and Other School Fees (TOSF) subsidy | Up to ₱45,000 per academic year for scholars enrolled in eligible private HEIs |
| Stipend and allowance | Up to ₱45,000 per academic year |
| Academic Excellence Incentive | ₱18,000 per term for scholars who rank among the top 15 scholars in their region |
Note: BPMSP scholars are required to fulfill a Return Service Agreement, which requires them to work in the Philippines for one year for every year of scholarship support received. In some cases, this commitment may be deferred to pursue graduate studies in the Philippines, subject to CHED guidelines.
Taking the First Step Toward a Brighter Future
A CHED scholarship is more than just financial assistance. It’s a stepping stone toward your academic and career goals. As you prepare for this next chapter, it's also worth exploring the Globe Student Program, which offers opportunities that help you build skills, gain exposure, and support your projects throughout college.
From scholarship announcements to enrollment updates, staying connected can help you keep track of important information throughout your college journey. When you're out and about, prepaid mobile data makes it easy to check emails and school updates wherever you are. At home, a reliable prepaid fiber connection gives you the bandwidth to attend online classes, complete research, collaborate on group projects, and access learning resources throughout the semester.
With everything you need to apply now within reach, all that’s left is to take that first step. Submit your requirements, stay on top of every update, and move one application closer to the scholarship that can change your future.
