The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has officially opened applications for its Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) for the 2025–2026 academic year.
This scholarship offers financial assistance to incoming first-year college students in the Philippines, making higher education more accessible to students from families with limited financial resources.
What Is the CHED Scholarship?
The CHED Merit Scholarship is a financial aid program designed to support first-year college students enrolled in both public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines.
This scholarship helps cover tuition, books, and living expenses, allowing students to focus on their studies without the added stress of financial concerns.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To apply for the CHED Merit Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Filipino citizen
- Incoming first-year college student (must have completed Senior High School)
- General Weighted Average (GWA) of 93% or higher in Senior High School
- Family income should not exceed ₱500,000 annually
- Must be enrolling in a priority program at a state university, local university/college, or accredited private institution
- This scholarship is available for students who plan to enroll in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), or Private Higher Educational Institutions (PHEIs) that have been approved by CHED.
Scholarship Benefits:
Depending on the scholarship type and region, CHED provides the following financial assistance:
For State and Local Universities/Colleges (SUCs/LUCs):
| Scholarship Type | Per Semester | Per School Year |
|---|---|---|
| Full Merit | ₱40,000 | ₱80,000 |
| Half Merit | ₱20,000 | ₱40,000 |
For Private Higher Educational Institutions (PHEIs):
| Scholarship Type | Per Semester | Per School Year |
|---|---|---|
| Full Merit | ₱60,000 | ₱120,000 |
| Half Merit | ₱30,000 | ₱60,000 |
Required Documents
To apply for the CHED Merit Scholarship, you’ll need to submit the following documents:
Proof of Citizenship
- Photocopy of Birth Certificate (issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority [PSA] or NSO)
Academic Records:
- Certified True Copy of Form 138 (Senior High School Report Card)
Proof of Family Income:
- Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) (Certified True Copy)
- Certificate of Tax Exemption from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
- DSWD Case Study Report (Certified True Copy)
- For children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), a latest contract of income may be submitted
Additional Documents (if applicable):
- Indigenous Peoples Certification from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
- CSWD/MSWD Certification for underprivileged citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, senior citizens, or individuals in special circumstances
Application Timeline
The CHED Merit Scholarship application period for the 2025–2026 academic year is now open.
- Application Start Date: May 5, 2025
- Application Deadline: June 20, 2025
Students should prepare and submit all required documents before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to Apply
The application process for the CHED Merit Scholarship is conducted online. To apply, visit your CHED Regional Office’s online application portal and complete the necessary forms.
Note: Applications are currently open in some regions only.
- CHEDRO I
- CHEDRO II
- CHEDRO IV
- CHEDRO VII
- CHEDRO VII – Application Form Template
- CHEDRO IX
- MIMAROPA
- BARMM – A
- CHEDRO 10
- Region 10 BARMM (Lanao del Sur)
Some regions have not yet opened their applications. We’ll update this article with the relevant links as soon as new regions become opens. Bookmark this page so you don’t miss any updates.
Frequently Asked Questions About CHED Scholarship
How can I apply for the CHED Scholarship?
To apply for the CHED Merit Scholarship, visit your CHED Regional Office’s online application portal and complete the application form.
Can I apply for the CHED Scholarship if I plan to attend a private college or university?
Yes, the CHED Merit Scholarship is available for students attending both public and private universities as long as the institution is accredited by CHED and offers recognized priority programs.
What should I do if I have questions about the application process?
If you have any questions about the application process, visit the official CHED website or contact your local CHED Regional Office for guidance. They can provide specific details and address any concerns.
When is the deadline to apply for the CHED Scholarship?
The application deadline for the CHED Scholarship is June 20, 2025.
What happens if I miss the application deadline?
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be processed. Make sure to gather all required documents early and submit your application on time.
Will the CHED Scholarship be renewed every year?
The CHED Scholarship is typically renewable for the duration of your course, provided you maintain the required General Weighted Average (GWA) and meet other conditions set by CHED.
