The Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines (CHED) is the primary body entrusted with the regulation and supervision of higher education institutions in the country. It was established in 1994 and is mandated by the 1987 Philippine Constitution to promote access to quality and relevant tertiary education, enhance its relevance and ensure its viability, as well as foster collaboration among different sectors of society in the promotion and support of higher education.
The CHED provides financial assistance, grants and scholarships for students taking up courses in accredited institutions, sets minimum standards for instruction and curricula offered by these institutions, and regulates the admission, enrollment, transfer, and graduation of students.
Under RA 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Education, it states that quality education is an inalienable right of all Filipinos and it is the policy of the government to protect and promote the right of all students to quality education at all levels. The government, therefore, recognizes the complementary roles of public and private higher education, institutions, and technical-vocational institutions in the educational system and the invaluable contribution that private tertiary schools have contributed and will still make to education.
Also Read: List of DepEd Scholarship Training Programs
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Scholarship Program is open to all incoming college freshmen. CHED Scholarship- StuFAPs seeks to provide financial assistance to students enrolled in accredited public or private higher education institutions (HEIs). This contributes to ensuring that education is available to all, particularly underprivileged and deserving students.
Although the requirements for each type of scholarship may vary, in general, applicants must be Filipino nationals, meet academic requirements, and successfully complete the CHED Scholarship Test. The CHED accepts applications from interested candidates either directly or through their respective educational institutions. Students who are having financial issues might also get help from the Private School Student Financial Help Program.
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CHED Scholarship Program – Full and Half Scholarship (CSP)
This scholarship program provides financial assistance to qualified students to cover their tuition, school fees, and a stipend. Eligible students may receive a Full Scholarship (FS) or a Half Scholarship (HS) through either the State Scholarship or Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA).
For Private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), the annual Full PESFA amount is P120,000, which includes P40,000 for the Tuition and other School Fees (TOSF), P70,000 for the stipend, and P10,000 for book and connectivity allowance. The annual Half PESFA amount is half of the Full PESFA, and the scholarship amount for each semester is half of the annual amount.
State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) receive a total of P80,000 for the annual Full State Scholarship Program (SSP), which is divided into P70,000 for the stipend, P10,000 for book and connectivity allowance, and a waived TOSF. The annual Half SSP amount is P40,000, which is divided into P35,000 for the stipend, P5,000 for book and connectivity allowance, and a waived TOSF. The scholarship amount for each semester is half of the annual amount for both the Full SSP and Half SSP.
It is important to note that the scholarship amount and allocation vary depending on the type of scholarship and educational institution.
Tulong Dunong Scholarship Program
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines introduced the Tulong Dunong Scholarship program to financially assist students who face financial challenges despite being academically competent. The scholarship covers tuition fees and other school-related expenses and is available to Filipino citizens enrolled in any CHED-accredited institution in the country. To be eligible, applicants must have achieved a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 80% or its equivalent in the previous school year.
Priority is given to students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses. The Tulong Dunong Scholarship is aimed at ensuring that deserving students can access quality higher education without financial barriers. It is a vital program that helps bridge the gap between education and financial constraints, making higher education more inclusive and accessible for Filipino students.
CHED Merit Scholarship Program
The government-funded CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) aims to support academically gifted students, especially those who belong to special groups, such as Underprivileged and Homeless Citizens (RA 7279), Persons with Disability (RA 7277), and Solo parents and/or their dependents (RA 8371). Incoming freshmen who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in any CHED-recognized priority programs in private higher education institutions (HEIs) or State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) are eligible for the scholarship.
Successful applicants may receive a full or partial scholarship under the State Scholarship and Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) scheme, which covers tuition and other fees, as well as a monthly allowance for living expenses. The CMSP offers a significant opportunity for promising Filipino students to pursue higher education without the burden of financial constraints.
Cash Grant to Medical Students Enrolled in State Universities and Colleges (CGMS-SUCs)
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) jointly issued the Implementing Guidelines for Cash Grants to Medical Students Enrolled in State Universities and Colleges (CGMS-SUCs), which aims to provide tuition fee subsidy and financial assistance to all medical students enrolled in identified SUCs offering Doctor of Medicine Program. The program is intended for all Filipino medical students, both new and continuing, who are enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine Program in selected SUCs.
CHED Thesis Grant
The CHED Thesis Grant Program is part of the National Higher Education Research Agenda, which aims to enhance the research capabilities of higher education institutions while supporting research in identified priority areas.
The program is available to all Filipino medical students, both new and continuing, who are enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine Program in selected SUCs. This grant is in accordance with Section 8 of RA 7722 or the “Higher Education Act of 1994,” which requires CHED to improve the research function of HEIs in the Philippines.
HEIs in the Philippines offering programs in the disciplines applied for by candidates who meet certain requirements approved by CHED may nominate candidates for the grant.
CHED Dissertation Grants
The CHED Dissertation Grant Program is a part of the National Higher Education Research Agenda which aims to improve the research capability of higher education institutions (HEIs) and support research on priority areas. It is in line with Section 8 of RA 7722, also known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994,” which requires CHED to enhance the research function of HEIs in the Philippines.
The program provides financial support to faculty members who are working on their dissertations in different clusters of disciplines recognized by CHED.
The grant enables HEIs to upgrade their research capability and produce highly qualified graduates in various fields. The program emphasizes priority areas to address national and regional development needs. Through this program, CHED encourages faculty members to conduct research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge and the development of innovative solutions to address societal challenges. This initiative also promotes research collaboration and knowledge sharing among HEIs, researchers, and relevant stakeholders.
Video: CHED Scholarship Grants
Here’s a video that features an overview of CHED’s scholarship programs and their positive impact on students in the Philippines. The video also explains how these programs have enabled students to pursue higher education, improve their professional skills, and ultimately, become productive members of Philippine society.
Summary
The CHED Scholarship aims to promote relevant and high-quality education that produces highly competent graduates in their respective fields. This scholarship program provides financial assistance to qualified students to cover their tuition, school fees, and a stipend.
After being awarded a scholarship, an applicant must complete any additional requirements and adhere to the terms and conditions established by both CHED and their chosen educational institution.
It is important to note that prior to applying for the CHED Scholarship Program, certain priority courses must be completed. The program offers a variety of scholarship alternatives, including the Full Scholarship, Half Scholarship, and Merit Scholarship. Applicants must meet certain qualifications and requirements to be eligible for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Scholarship Program.
Interested students must first visit the CHED website to review the program’s eligibility requirements. Application forms can be downloaded from the website or obtained from their educational institution’s registrar or guidance office staff. Applicants must also prepare all required documents, such as academic transcripts, authenticated birth certificates, and other pertinent papers.