How to Apply CHED Merit Scholarship Program

The CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP), which is funded by the government, seeks to provide financial support to academically gifted students, particularly those belonging to specific groups, including Underprivileged and Homeless Citizens (RA 7279), Persons with Disability (RA 7277), and Solo Parents and/or their Dependents (RA 8371), Senior Citizens (RA 9994), and Indigenous Peoples (RA 8371).

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The scholarship is open to incoming freshmen who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in any CHED-recognized priority programs in private higher education institutions (HEIs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), or Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs).

Successful candidates can be granted a full or partial scholarship through the State Scholarship and Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) program, which covers tuition and other fees and provides a monthly allowance for living expenses. The CMSP offers a significant opportunity for promising Filipino students to pursue higher education without worrying about financial constraints.

What is the CHED Merit Scholarship Program?

The CHED Merit Scholarship Program is offered to incoming first year college students who will take up any of the identified priority programs with CHED’s recognition/authorization. A qualified student may be awarded a full or partial scholarship under the State Scholarship and Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA).

The financial assistance may cover tuition and other fees, as well as a monthly stipend for living expenses. Overall, the CMSP is a valuable opportunity for promising Filipino students to pursue their higher education goals.

The scholarship program gives opportunities to qualified and deserving Filipino students preferably those belonging to the special group of persons such as Underprivileged and Homeless Citizens under Republic Act No. 7279, Persons with Disability under Republic Act 7277 and Solo Parent and/or their Dependents under RA 8972, Senior Citizens under RA 9994, and Indigenous Peoples under RA 8371. They will be given scholarships as provided with the requirements under the CHED Memorandum Order.

Also Read: How to Apply CHED Tulong Dunong Program

Qualifications

The qualifications for the CHED Merit Scholarship include the following:

• Must be a Filipino citizen.
• Graduating high school student/ High school graduate with general weighted average (GWA) of at least 96% for Full Merit Program and 93% to 95% or its equivalent for Half Merit Program.
• Student-applicants belonging to the special group of persons such as the underprivileged and Homeless Citizens under Republic Act (RA) No. 7279, Persons with Disability (PWDs) under RA No. 7277 as amended, Solo Parents and/or their Dependents under RA 8371, Senior Citizens under RA 9994, and Indigenous Peoples under RA 8371 shall submit certifications and/or Identification Cards (IDs) issued by the appropriate offices or agencies.
• Avail of only one government-funded financial assistance program.

Requirements

The CHED Merit Scholarship has specific eligibility requirements that interested student applicants must meet. These include:

• Duly certified true copy of grades for Grade 11 and 1st semester of Grade 12 for graduating high school students.
• Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents or guardian
• Certificate of Tax Exemption from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
• Certificate of Indigence either from their Barangay or Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
• Case Study report from DSWD
• Identification Card (ID) – Special Group (Underprivileged or Homeless, PWD, Solo Parent, Senior Citizen, Indigenous People)
• Latest copy of contract or proof of income, for the children of Overseas Filipino Workers and seafarers

How to Process CHED Merit Scholarship Program

The CHED Merit Scholarship Program follows specific guidelines in its implementation.

STEP 1: Prepare the complete documentary requirements.

STEP 2: Scan the documentary requirements clearly.

STEP 3: Send the application and documents ONLINE to your respective CHED Regional Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the common questions and answers about CHED’s Merit Scholarship Program:

1. What is the CHED Merit Scholarship Program?

The CHED Merit Scholarship Program is a scholarship grant that aims to support underprivileged and marginalized individuals pursuing undergraduate studies in CHED-recognized priority programs.

2. How to file your application for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program?

For all interested applicants, you may visit the official website of CHED regarding the necessary documentary requirements and for the application procedure through this link: https://ched.gov.ph/merit-scholarship/

For more information, you may contact the CHED Regional Office through this link: https://ched.gov.ph/regional-offices/

3. Who is eligible for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program?

Eligible applicants for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program include underprivileged and homeless citizens, persons with disabilities, and solo parents and their dependents.

4. What educational programs are covered by the scholarship?

The scholarship covers undergraduate studies in any CHED-recognized priority programs offered by private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), State Universities or Colleges (SUCs), or Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs).

5. How much is the scholarship grant?

A qualified scholar may receive either a full scholarship amounting to Php 120,000.00 annually or a partial scholarship amounting to Php 60,000.00 annually.

6. How long is the scholarship program?

The scholarship program is awarded on a per academic year basis and is renewable for the duration of the scholar’s undergraduate program, provided they meet the academic requirements.

7. How can I apply for the scholarship program?

Interested applicants may submit their application and required documents to the CHED Regional Office in their respective region.

8. What are the required documents for application?

Required documents include a completed application form, a certification of good moral character, a certification of eligibility from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and proof of income.

9. How are scholars selected for the scholarship program?

Scholars are selected based on their academic performance, financial need, and other relevant requirements.

Summary

The CHED, responsible for advancing quality higher education in the country, has established the CHED Merit Scholarship Program to help marginalized individuals, including the homeless (RA 7279), persons with disabilities (RA 7277), Solo Parents and their Dependents (RA 8371) Senior Citizens (RA 9994), and Indigenous Peoples (RA 8371). Scholars who qualify for the program may pursue their undergraduate studies in any CHED-recognized priority programs offered by private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), State Universities or Colleges (SUCs), or Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs).

Successful applicants may receive either a full scholarship amounting to Php 120,000.00 annually, or a partial scholarship amounting to Php 60,000.00 annually. The said scholarship program shall cover tuition and other school fees (TOSF), stipend which shall be released directly to the scholars or through HEIs, and book connectivity allowance per semester of a given academic year until completion of the degree program.