In the Philippines, aspiring doctors face high costs for medical education. The CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program offers scholarships to talented students who can’t afford medical school.
This article explores program details, application process, requirements, benefits, and community service. It not only tackles financial barriers but also benefits scholars and underserved communities.
Discover how this program empowers aspiring doctors to serve their communities while achieving their career goals. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
About CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program
CHED, the Commission on Higher Education, is a government agency tasked with overseeing the higher education system in the Philippines.
Established under Republic Act No. 7722, known as the Higher Education Act of 1994, and further amended by Republic Act No. 8545, CHED plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and accessibility of tertiary education.
In alignment with Republic Act (RA) No. 7722 and Republic Act (RA) No. 11509, also referred to as the “Doktor Para Sa Bayan” Act, CHED, through the Office of Student Development and Services (OSDS), encourages eligible institutions to take part in the CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program for the Doctor of Medicine program.
All state universities and colleges (SUCs) and affiliated private higher education institutions (PHEIs) offering medical programs are directed to comply with the implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA No. 11509 for the MSRS program.
The MSRS program aims to provide opportunities to deserving Filipino students willing to fulfill the mandatory return service, prioritizing applicants residing in areas without government physicians, Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA), or among the top twenty (20%) provinces and/or municipalities as identified by the PSA.
Additionally, preference is given to individuals from calamity-prone and conflict areas, low-income municipalities with high poverty rates, ethnic groups or indigenous communities as certified by respective local government units and the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), dependents of community health volunteers, and those with a combined annual family income below Php450,000.00.
Furthermore, in line with the objectives of Republic Act No. 7722 and Republic Act No. 11509, private higher education institutions (PHEIs) offering accredited Doctor of Medicine programs are encouraged to participate as partner institutions in the implementation of the Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) program.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the CHED Medical Scholarship program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship and Residency:
- Must be a Filipino citizen residing in the Philippines.
- Academic Requirements:
- Must be a graduating student or a graduate of an appropriate undergraduate program identified as a prerequisite for a Doctor of Medicine degree and currently enrolled in a Doctor of Medicine degree from any Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) duly recognized by the CHED, including direct entrants to the integrated liberal arts and medicine (INTARMED) program.
- Must have obtained a National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) score mandated by the CHED and required by the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) or Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs).
- Must have passed the entrance examinations and complied with other related requirements for admission into a Doctor of Medicine degree program in any of the following SUCs/PHEIs.
- Return Service Commitment:
- Must be willing to undertake the mandatory return service.
- Priority Groups (preferably but not limited to):
- Residing in municipalities without government physicians.
- Residing in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) or from the top twenty percent (20%) provinces and/or municipalities as identified by the PSA, including calamity-prone and conflict areas.
- Residing in low-income class municipalities with high poverty incidence.
- Belonging to ethnic groups or indigenous communities as certified by respective local government units and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
- Dependents of community health volunteers.
- Financial Need:
- Combined annual family income must be less than Php450,000.00.
Application Process:
Are you ready to begin your CHED Medical Scholarship journey? We’re here to help simplify the process for you! In this section, you’ll find easy-to-follow steps on what you need, how to apply, deadlines, and the selection process, all explained for better understanding.
Application Deadline:
The deadline for submitting applications for the CHED Medical Scholarship is September 30, 2024.
Ensure that all required documents and forms are submitted to your higher education institution by this date.
Requirements:
To apply for the CHED Medical Scholarship, prepare and submit the following documents:
General Requirements
- Proof of Filipino Citizenship: Provide any government-issued document showing proof of Filipino citizenship, such as:
- Certified true copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registry or Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
- PhilSys ID
- Certificate of Good Moral Character: Obtain from a recognized authority or institution.
- Additional Requirements for Priority Groups (if applicable):
- Certification of Residency: Issued by the barangay.
- Certification as Members of Indigenous People or Minority Group: Issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
- Tax Exemption/Tax Declaration: From the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) or a social case study signed by a registered social worker.
- Certification from DOH-Bureau of Local Health Systems and Development: Confirming the applicant is a dependent of a community health volunteer.
- Certification from LDRRMO or DSWD: Indicating the applicant is from calamity-prone or conflict areas.
Specific Requirements
- Certification of Acceptance: From State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) or Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs).
- Affidavit of No Existing Scholarship Grant: Confirming that the applicant does not have any other scholarship grants
Step-by-Step Application:
To apply for the MSRS Scholarship, follow these simple steps to ensure your application is complete and submitted correctly.
The process involves downloading and completing the required forms and submitting them to your higher education institution.
Key steps in the application process include obtaining the necessary forms, filling them out accurately, and meeting any additional requirements set by your institution.
Step 1: Download the Required Forms
Access and save the necessary forms from the links below.
Download MSRS Application Form: Complete this form to apply for the scholarship.
Download MSRS Evaluation Sheet (For SUCs): If applying through a State University or College (SUC), this evaluation sheet must be filled out.
Download Scholar’s Commitment to Render Service Obligation: This form must be signed to confirm your commitment to fulfill the service obligations associated with the scholarship.
Step 2: Submit the Completed Forms:
- Submit the filled-out forms to the higher education institution where you are applying. Ensure that all forms are completed accurately and signed where required.
Step 3: Additional Steps:
- Verify with your higher education institution if there are any additional requirements or steps needed for your application.
Step 5: Follow-Up
Contact your higher education institution for updates on your application and if you have any inquiries. You can also reach out to your institution’s scholarship office for further assistance.
Partner Universities for CHED Medical Scholarship:
If you’re considering applying for the CHED Medical Scholarship, it’s essential to know the partner universities where you can pursue your medical education.
Below is a list of universities categorized by region that participate in the program. Whether you’re in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, or the National Capital Region, you’ll find reputable institutions,
These institutions have been selected to offer support and opportunities for aspiring medical students under the scholarship.
List of Participating SUCs
State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)
Region | Name of HEI |
---|---|
I | 1. Mariano Marcos State University 2. University of Northern Philippines |
II | 3. Cagayan State University 4. Isabela State University |
III | 5. Bulacan State University |
IV-A | 6. Batangas State University 7. Cavite State University |
V | 8. Bicol University |
VI | 9. West Visayas State University |
VII | 10. Bohol Island State University 11. Cebu Normal University – Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center |
VIII | 12. University of the Philippines School of Health Sciences 13. Samar State University – Samar Island Institute of Medicine |
IX | 14. Western Mindanao State University |
X | 15. University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines |
XI | 16. University of Southeastern Philippines |
XII | 17. Mindanao State University – General Santos City 18. University of Southern Mindanao |
NCR | 19. University of the Philippines Manila |
MIMAROPA | 20. Palawan State University |
BARMM X | 21. Mindanao State University – Marawi |
List of Designated PHEIs
Partner Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs)
Region | Name of HEI |
---|---|
CAR | 1. Saint Louis University |
Benefits and Programs of the Scholarship:
Financial assistance for the MSRS Program includes various benefits outlined in Section 6 of the IRR:
For scholars in SUCs:
- Free tuition and other school fees as specified in Section 3(d) of the IRR, directly paid to the SUC by CHEDRO.
- Allowances for prescribed books, supplies, equipment, clothing/uniform, transportation, internship, medical board review, licensure, annual medical insurance, PHIC enrollment, accident insurance, and other education-related expenses.
For scholars in PHEIs:
Description | Amount |
Actual tuition fee subsidy and other fees listed in Section 3(d) of the IRR | Up to Php 105,000.00 per academic year |
(or 75% of actual fees if over Php 140,000.00) |
Similar allowances as SUC scholars, provided by CHEDRO through the SUC/PHEI.
Allowances and subsidies for scholars are provided per semester and academic year:
During Regular Semesters:
Allowance Type | Per Semester | Per Academic Year |
Book Allowance | Php 13,000 | Php 26,000 |
Clothing/Uniform Allowance | Php 3,500 | Php 7,000 |
Miscellaneous Allowance (including Connectivity Allowance) | Php 6,000 | Php 12,000 |
Living Subsidy | Php 30,000 | Php 60,000 |
Lodging Allowance | Php 30,000 | Php 60,000 |
Transportation Allowance | Php 6,000 | Php 12,000 |
Total | Php 88,500.00 | Php 177,000.00 |
During Internship Program/5th Year Medicine:
Allowance Type | Per Semester | Per Academic Year |
Living Subsidy | Php 30,000 | Php 60,000 |
Lodging Allowance | Php 30,000 | Php 60,000 |
Transportation Allowance | Php 6,000 | Php 12,000 |
One-time Board/Licensure Examination Review and Application Fees | Php 16,000 | |
Total | Php 66,000.00 | Php 148,000.00 |
Enrollment to National Health Insurance Program (PhilHealth) and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Accident Insurance is also provided, with payments made directly to the respective institutions.
Annual Enrollment:
Insurance Type | Per Semester | Per Academic Year |
PhilHealth | Php 1,800 | Php 3,600 |
GSIS Accident Insurance | Php 1,000 | Php 2,000 |
Total | Php 2,800 | Php 5,600 |
These comprehensive benefits and programs aim to support scholars throughout their medical education journey, ensuring they can focus on their studies without undue financial stress.
Contact Details:
For inquiries or further information, please do not hesitate to contact your respective CHED Regional Office.
Final Thoughts:
The CHED Medical Scholarship offers a unique opportunity for aspiring medical professionals. Whether you’re applying now or planning for the future, this program opens doors to a rewarding career in healthcare.
Stay focused, informed, and proactive in your journey. This scholarship goes beyond financial support it’s a path toward making a meaningful impact in the medical field.
Take this opportunity to follow your passion for medicine and make a difference. Your future in healthcare begins here.
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The PhilScholar website does not offer scholarship programs or engage in hiring activities. It serves solely as an informational platform providing details on scholarships and grants available for educational purposes.
While the PhilScholar website does not directly facilitate applications, users can find guides and informational articles related to admissions and scholarship application processes.
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All information presented on this platform is intended for informational purposes only.
Users are encouraged to verify any details independently before making decisions based on the content provided.
For additional verification or inquiries, references are provided at the end of the content section.
References:
- De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute. (n.d.). CHED Medical Scholarship – Return Service Program. Retrieved from [https://www.dlshsi.edu.ph/academics/scholarships/scholarship-application-procedures-students/ched-medical-scholarship-return-service-program/](https://www.dlshsi.edu.ph/academics/scholarships/scholarship-application-procedures-students/ched-medical-scholarship-return-service-program/)
- CHED Medical Scholarship. (2024, September 14). 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲! [Facebook post]. Facebook. Retrieved September 19, 2024, from https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1025985669567406&set=a.230031555829492
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