2025 CHED Merit Scholarship Program is out for application by interested candidates. This scholarship opportunity is another step made to reinforce the zeal for education in all Filipinos. It is a program that seeks to add vigour to all who are interested in furthering their educational journey.
In this post, we will enlist the eligibility criteria necessary to wining this scholarship opportunity and equally offer you the link to apply for this scholarship. Kindly read till the end and make your application.
Table of Contents
What is CHED Merit Scholarship Program?
The CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) is a government-funded initiative by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines. It aims to support academically talented but financially needy students. The program is open to incoming first-year college students who plan to enroll in recognized public or private higher education institutions.
CMSP offers two types of scholarships: Full and Half Merit. Full Merit scholars receive a higher financial package, while Half Merit scholars get a reduced amount. The benefits may include free tuition, a book allowance, and a monthly stipend.
To qualify, applicants must be Filipino citizens, graduates of Senior High School, and have a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 96% for Full Merit or 93% to 95% for Half Merit. They must also come from a family with a combined annual gross income not exceeding ₱400,000, though special cases may be considered.
Scholars must maintain academic performance and follow the program’s rules to continue receiving aid. CMSP helps deserving students complete their education and improve their lives. The scholarship plays a vital role in promoting access to quality college education across the country. Application usually opens early in the year through CHED’s regional offices or official website.
Priority Programs
Under the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP), “Priority Programs” refer to specific college courses or degree programs that the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has identified as essential for national development.
These programs are given priority in scholarship support because they align with the country’s key growth areas, labor market demands, and development goals. Choosing a Priority Program can increase an applicant’s chances of being selected for the scholarship.
Examples of CHED Priority Programs often include:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Agriculture and Fisheries
- Teacher Education (particularly in science and math)
- Health Sciences (e.g., Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical Technology)
- Information Technology
- Maritime and Engineering
- Social Work and other fields in public service
These programs are updated periodically, so it is important to refer to CHED’s official list when applying. Choosing a Priority Program ensures the scholarship supports skills needed to boost national competitiveness and sustainability. See below for more information on the Priority Programs
- National – CMO No. 7, s. 2023 entitled “List of Identified Priority Programs for AYs 2023-2024 to 2027-2028;
- Regional – Memorandum from the Office of the Chairperson on Regional Priority programs dated September 17, 2021; and
- Gender and Development (GAD) – Memorandum from the Chairperson on GAD StuFAPs Allocation dated April 4, 2011.
2025 CHED Merit Scholarship Program Requirements
- Filipino Citizen
- Senior High School Graduate with a minimum general weighted average (GWA) of 93% or its equivalent; and
- Combined Annual Gross Income of Parents, or legal guardian should not exceed Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 500,000.00)
Documentary Requirements
- Accomplished Application Form
- Copy of Birth Certificate issued by National Statistics Office (NSO) or Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
- Certified true copy of Form 138 (Learner’s Progress Report or SF9), duly signed by the registrar or an authorized representative of the senior highschool attended:
- Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents or guardian
- Certificate of Tax Exemption/Non-Filer issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR); Certified true copy of latest contract or proof of income may be considered for children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and Seafarers; or
- Social Case Study Report issued by the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD/MSWD).
- Other Requirements, if applicable
- PWD ID issued by CSWD/MSWD or Certification issued by the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO);
- Solo Parent ID issued by CSWD/MSWD;
- Senior Citizen ID issued by CSWD/MSWD;
- Underprivileged and Homeless Citizens certification issued by DHSUD/CSWD/MSWD
- Social Case Study Report issued by CSWD/MSWD covered under Magna Carta of the Poor and/or First-Generation Students
- Indigenous Peoples Certification issued by National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
- Notarized Certificate of Guardianship issued by the legal guardian of the student-applicant, if applicable.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The financial assistance will cover the tuition and other school fees (TOSF), stipends, and book/connectivity allowances per semester which will be released directly to the scholars through the HEIs. Below is the list of the financial packages for the Full and Half Merit Scholars:
Private HEIs
| Program | Period | TOSF | Stipend | Book/Connectivity Allowance | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full PESFA | Annual | 40,000 | 70,000 | 10,000 | 120,000 |
| Semestral | 20,000 | 35,000 | 5,000 | 60,000 | |
| Half PESFA | Annual | 20,000 | 35,000 | 5,000 | 60,000 |
| Semestral | 10,000 | 17,500 | 2,500 | 30,000 |
SUCs/LUCs
| Program | Period | TOSF | Stipend | Book/Connectivity Allowance | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full SSP | Annual | FREE | 70,000 | 10,000 | 80,000 |
| Semestral | FREE | 35,000 | 5,000 | 40,000 | |
| Half SSP | Annual | FREE | 35,000 | 5,000 | 40,000 |
| Semestral | FREE | 17,500 | 2,500 | 20,000 |
Application procedure:
How to apply
To submit the applications, visit our website at www.chedcaraga.ph and click “Online Services” and select “CHED Scholarship Portal,” or click the button “apply for scholarship“. Period of filing of applications is from May 20 until June 20, 2025 ONLY. Applications filed after the specified period will no longer be accepted and/or considered. For more information, please send email at chedcaragastufaps@ched.gov.ph or contact the office via mobile numbers 0912-089-2045, or via landline numbers (085) 815-3698.
Deadline of application for CHED Merit Scholarship Program 2025/ 2026
The deadline for application for CHED Merit Scholarship Program 2025/ 2026 is from is from May 20 until June 20, 2025 ONLY. Kindly note that no extension will be made in this application deadline. Therefore, if you are interested in this scholarship aplication, you advised to enter your application within the aloted time.
Frequently asked questions on CHED Merit Scholarship Program
What is the minimum GPA for CHED Merit Scholarship?
The minimum General Weighted Average (GWA) required for the 2025 CHED MERIT SCHOLARSHIP Program is 93%. This applies to full scholars. For half scholars, a GWA of at least 90% is required. The grades must be from senior high school. Applicants must be Filipino citizens, graduating high school students, and enrolling in recognized higher education institutions. They must also meet income and admission requirements. The scholarship covers tuition, book allowance, and living stipend. Applications usually open early in the year. Competitive screening is based on academic merit. A strong academic record and complete documents are crucial for eligibility.
What does CHED stand for?
CHED stands for Commission on Higher Education. It is a government agency in the Philippines. CHED was established in 1994 through Republic Act No. 7722. It supervises both public and private higher education institutions. CHED formulates policies and standards for colleges and universities. It also provides funding, scholarships, and quality assurance. The agency promotes accessible and quality tertiary education. It is independent from the Department of Education. CHED ensures academic programs meet national and global standards. Its mission is to build a competitive and responsive higher education system in the country. CHED plays a key role in national development.
What is the junior high school scholarship in the Philippines?
One key scholarship for junior high school students in the Philippines is the DOST Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS). It is aimed at Grade 11 students interested in science and technology. Another is the Educational Service Contracting (ESC) program. ESC helps students attend private junior high schools. It offers financial support of up to PHP 13,000 per year. ESC is managed by PEAC and funded by the government. The program targets students from public elementary schools. Selection depends on income and school capacity. Beneficiaries retain the grant if they meet academic and conduct requirements. Application is through participating schools.
Conclusion
The 2025 CHED Merit Scholarship Program is an interesting opportunity which every Filipino must not miss. The program offers financial support to academically outstanding and financially deserving Filipino students entering college. With a minimum GWA requirement of 90%–93%, it promotes academic excellence and equal access to higher education. The program covers tuition, allowances, and other educational needs, helping scholars focus on their studies. It remains a vital initiative in developing the country’s future professionals and leaders.
