The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is now accepting applications for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) for Academic Year 2026–2027. With 2,223 scholarship slots available nationwide, this grant helps qualified Filipino students cover the cost of their college education. The application deadline is July 31, 2026.
CHED Full and Half Merit Scholarships is under the Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs). Filipino students who meet a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 90% or equivalent can avail of the full or half merit scholarships, respectively.
Also Read: How to Apply CHED Tulong Dunong Program under StuFAPs
These Merit scholarship programs aim to assist and provide eligible Filipino students with a financial grant to help them with the expenses to pursue their education. Students in Full Merit will get PHP 120,000 while students in Half Merit will receive PHP 60,000 for both Private HEIs and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) or Local Universities and Colleges (LUC). If you wish to learn more details about this particular CHED StuFAPs program, please follow the guidelines as we provide an in-depth guide for interested students.
What is the CHED StuFAPs Merit Scholarship Program?
The CMSP, governed under Republic Act No. 7722, provides financial assistance to academically deserving Filipino students who plan to pursue a degree in CHED-recognized higher education institutions (HEIs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), or Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs).
CHED Full Merit Scholarship
Full Merit Scholarship (FS) is a State Scholarship Program (SSP) or Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) that is offered to graduating high school students who plan to enroll either in public or private HEIs, State Universities, and Colleges or Local Universities and Colleges with a general weighted average of at least 90% or its equivalent. Student scholars expect to receive up to Php 120,000 for Full Merit Scholars per academic year.
CHED Half Merit Scholarship
Half Merit Scholarships (HS) is a State Scholarship Program (SSP) or Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) which is offered to graduating high school students with a general weighted average of at least 90% or its equivalent who plans to enroll in any degree programs in private HEIs, State Universities, and Colleges or Local Universities and Colleges. Students qualified can expect up to Php 60,000 for Half Merit Scholars per academic year.
Benefits
This financial assistance for scholars will be allocated per semester of their chosen program or course. For a three-year program, it will be a total of six (6) semesters, eight (8) semesters for a four-year program, and ten (10) semesters for a five-year program.
- Full Merit scholars will receive Php 120,000 per academic year and
- Half Merit scholar will receive Php 60,000.
Qualifications
To qualify, you must:
- Be a Filipino citizen.
- Be a graduate of a Senior High School in the Philippines with a minimum general average (GA) of 93.
- Have a combined parental or legal guardian annual gross income that does not exceed PHP 500,000.
- Be admitted to any of the following:
- State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)
- Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) with Institutional Recognition
- CHED-recognized Private HEIs (PHEIs)
- Enroll in a CHED-identified priority program offered by a PHEI with Government Recognition, an SUC with Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC), or an LUC with COPC.
- Not be a recipient of any other government scholarship or financial assistance.
Members of special equity groups may also apply if otherwise qualified. See the additional requirements below.
Also Read: List of CHED Scholarship Programs
Documentary Requirements
Basic Requirements
Submit the following along with your accomplished application form (Annex A):
- Accomplished Application Form (Annex A).
- Photocopy of your National ID, PSA-issued National ID Transaction Slip, or PSA/NSO Birth Certificate.
- Certified true copy of Grade 12 School Form 9 (SF9) or Learner’s Progress Report, duly signed by the registrar or authorized representative of your senior high school.
- Proof of income — submit any one of the following:
- Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents or legal/authorized guardian/s.
- Certificate of Tax Exemption/Non-Filer from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
- Certified true copy of latest contract or proof of income (for children of OFWs and seafarers).
- Social Case Study Report issued by the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD/MSWD).
- Notarized Certificate of Guardianship, if applicable.
Additional Requirements for Special Equity Groups
Submit the applicable government-issued document/s if you belong to any of the following groups:
- Persons with Disability (PWD): PWD ID issued by the C/MSWDO or Certification of Disability from the PDAO.
- Solo Parent or Dependent: Solo Parent ID issued by the C/MSWDO.
- Senior Citizen: Senior Citizen ID issued by the C/MSWDO.
- Underprivileged and Homeless: Certification from the DHSUD or C/MSWDO.
- Magna Carta for the Poor: Social Case Study Report (SCSR) or Certification of inclusion in the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) issued by the C/MSWDO.
- First-Generation Student: SCSR issued by the C/MSWDO indicating first-generation student status.
- Indigenous Peoples (IP): Certification from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
How to Apply
Step 1: Prepare your documents.
Gather and scan all required documents before starting your application.
Step 2: Access the online application portal.
Go to the official CMSP Application Portal: https://bit.ly/2026CMSPApplicationPortal
Step 3: Fill out the application form.
Complete all required fields and attach your scanned documents.
Step 4: Submit before the deadline.
Submit your application on or before July 31, 2026. Watch your email for updates on your application status.
Important reminders when applying:
- Incomplete applications may not be processed.
- All documents must be clear and readable.
- Only qualified applicants will proceed to evaluation and ranking.
- Follow CHED’s official channels for announcements and updates.
Also Read: How to Apply CHED Study Now Pay Later Plan (SNPLP) Program – StuFAPs
Priority Programs
CHED gives priority to applicants enrolling in the following programs:
First-Priority Programs
Applicants enrolling in these programs will be given first priority:
- Educational Psychology
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech-Language Pathology
The priority courses are as follows:
1. Science and Mathematics
- Applied Physics/Physics
- Applied Mathematics/Mathematics
- Applied Statistics/Statistics
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- Human Biology
- Marine Biology
- Marine Science
- Meteorology
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
2. Information Technology Education
- Computer Science
- Cyber Security
- Entertainment and Multimedia Computing/Game Development and Animation
- Information System
- Information Technology
- Library and Information Science
3. Engineering and Technology
- Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering
- Ceramic Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering/Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Food Engineering
- Geodetic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing/Production Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Robotics Engineering
- Sanitary Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Aircraft Maintenance Technology
- Aviation Related Programs
- Engineering Technology
- Industrial Technology
- Mechatronics Engineering Technology
4. Architecture
- Architecture
- Fine Arts
- Interior Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Environmental Planning
5. Business and Management
- Accountancy
- Business Analytics (straight or major)
- Hospitality Management/Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Tourism Management/Tourism
6. Health Profession Education
- Doctor of Dental Medicine
- Doctor of Optometry
- Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Occupational Therapy
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Radiologic Technology
- Respiratory Therapy
- Speech Language Pathology
7. Maritime Education
- Marine Engineering
- Marine Transportation
8. Social Sciences
- Community Development
- Human Services (Guidance and Counselling)
- Indigenous Peoples Studies/Education
- Peace Studies/Education
- Psychology
- Social Work
9. Teacher Education
- Secondary Education major in Science and Mathematics
- Culture and Arts
- Early Childhood Education
- Special Needs Education
- Sports and Exercise Science
10. Multi and Interdisciplinary Cluster
- Agribusiness
- Agro-Forestry
- Data Science and Analytics
- Disaster Risk Management/Climate Change
- Renewable/Sustainable Energy
Also Read: CHED EASE Scholarship Program A.Y. 2026–2027 – APPLICATIONS OPEN
CHED Scholarship Application Form
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has released the online application form for the CHED Scholarship Program for the School Year. If you wish to apply for any CHED scholarship program, you can fill out the application form. You may download a copy of the CHED application form here – https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/CHED-Scholarship-Program-Application-Form.pdf.
Below is a sample of the scholarship application form:
Important Reminders for Scholars
Once awarded, keep these obligations in mind:
- Enroll only in CHED-authorized institutions and priority programs.
- Maintain a General Weighted Average (GWA) of 2.5, B, or 80%.
- Carry a full load each semester and finish within the normal program duration.
- Any transfer to another school or course must be to a CHED-authorized institution and priority program, subject to CHED approval.
- You may defer enrollment for valid reasons, but not more than one academic year in total.
- Render return service in the Philippines after graduation — two years for Full Merit scholars and one year for Half Merit scholars.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for the CHED Merit Scholarship?
Filipino Senior High School graduates with a minimum GA of 93, whose household income does not exceed PHP 500,000 annually, and who are enrolling in a CHED-identified priority program. Members of special equity groups may also apply if otherwise qualified.
2. How much is the financial grant?
Full Merit scholars receive PHP 60,000 per academic year. Half Merit scholars receive PHP 30,000 per academic year.
3. What documents do I need?
An accomplished application form (Annex A), a copy of your National ID or Birth Certificate, a certified copy of your Grade 12 SF9, and proof of income. Special equity group members must also submit the applicable government-issued certifications.
4. What grade do I need to qualify?
You need a minimum general average (GA) of 93 from Senior High School.
5. Is there a maintaining grade requirement?
Yes. Scholars must maintain a GWA of 2.5, B, or 80% throughout the scholarship.
6. When is the application deadline?
The deadline is July 31, 2026. Apply via the official portal at https://bit.ly/2026CMSPApplicationPortal.
The CHED Merit Scholarship Program for AY 2026–2027 offers 2,223 slots to qualified students across the Philippines. If you have a minimum general average of 93 and your household income is within the PHP 500,000 threshold, you may be eligible. Prepare your documents, apply online before July 31, 2026, and take this step toward your college goals.