Getting a good education is really important, but sometimes it’s hard to afford. Luckily, the CHED Full and Half Merit Scholarship Program helps out.
These scholarships are all about giving deserving students a chance, no matter their financial situation.
In this article, you’ll learn how to apply step by step, covering everything from qualifications and requirements to the actual application process.
Table of Contents
About CHED Merit Scholarship 2024-2025
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is a vital governmental body in the Philippines, responsible for overseeing and regulating the nation’s higher education system.
Established in 1994 under Republic Act No. 7722, also known as the Higher Education Act of 1994, CHED plays a central role in shaping the landscape of higher education in the country.
- Establishment and Mandate:
CHED was established under Republic Act No. 7722 in 1994 to oversee and regulate higher education in the Philippines.
- Primary Mandate:
CHED’s primary mandate is to ensure the quality and accessibility of higher education nationwide.
It formulates policies, standards, and guidelines for higher education institutions (HEIs) and programs to maintain educational quality and relevance.
- Initiatives and Programs:
CHED implements various initiatives to enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education.
Notably, the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) provides financial assistance to academically talented students from underprivileged backgrounds.
- Purpose of Full and Half Merit Scholarship Programs:
The Full and Half Merit Scholarship programs serve as crucial avenues for supporting deserving individuals facing financial barriers to higher education.
These scholarships aim to empower talented individuals and provide opportunities for them to pursue their academic aspirations.
By offering financial assistance, the programs help alleviate the financial burden associated with higher education, thereby promoting equity and accessibility in the educational system.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is excited to announce that the CHED Merit Scholarship Program for incoming first-year college students for the academic year 2024-2025 is now OPEN!
Eligibility:
To qualify for the CHED Merit Scholarship Programs, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Filipino Citizenship: Applicants must be Filipino citizens.
- Academic Status: Applicants must be graduating high school students or high school graduates.
- Full Merit Program: Requires a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 96%.
- Half Merit Program: Requires a GWA of 93% to 95% or its equivalent.
- Special Group Affiliations: Applicants may belong to special groups, including:
- Underprivileged and Homeless Citizens (under Republic Act No. 7279)
- Persons with Disability (PWDs) (under Republic Act No. 7277 as amended)
- Solo Parents and/or their Dependents (under Republic Act No. 8371)
- Submission of certifications and/or Identification Cards (IDs) from appropriate offices or agencies is required.
- Financial Assistance Program Limitation: Applicants can avail only one government-funded financial assistance program.
Additional Requirements:
In addition to the eligibility criteria, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
- Enrollment in Recognized Priority Programs: Applicants must enroll in recognized priority programs offered by:
- Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEI)
- State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)
- Accredited Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) with Certificates of Program Compliance (COPC).
- Income Limitation: The combined annual gross income of parents/guardian must not exceed Four Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 400,000). Solo parents/guardians’ annual gross income should also not exceed this amount.
- Limitation on Government-Funded Financial Assistance: Applicants are restricted to availing only ONE government-funded financial assistance program.
Priority Courses:
Below are the CHED Priority Courses categorized into different fields for the CHED Merit Scholarship Programs
Engineering and Technology
- Agricultural 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
Information Technology Education
- Computer Science
- Cyber Security
- Entertainment and Multimedia Computing / Game Development and Animation
- Information System
- Information Technology
- Library and Information Science
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
Architecture and Related Programs
- Architecture
- Fine Arts
- Interior Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Environmental Planning
Business and Management
- Accountancy
- Business Analytics (straight major)
- Hospitality Management/ Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Tourism Management/ Tourism
Maritime Education
- Maritime Engineering Marine Transportation
Teacher Education
- Secondary Education major in Science and Mathematics
- Culture and Arts
- Early Childhood Education
- Special Needs Education
- Sports and Exercise Science
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
Social Sciences
- Community Development
- Human Services (Guidance and Counselling)
- Indigenous Peoples Studies/ Education
- Peace Studies/ Education
- Psychology
- Social Work
Multi and Interdisciplinary Cluster
- Agribusiness
- Agro-forestry
- Data Science and Analytics
- Disaster Risk Management/ Climate Change
- Renewable / Sustainable Energy
Application Process:
For the CHED Merit Scholarship Programs full and half, understanding the application process is crucial for a smooth and successful journey.
Let’s explore the steps in detail to help you secure your scholarship opportunity.
Requirements:
- Citizenship:
- Submit a certified true copy of the Birth Certificate.
- Academic Requirements:
- Provide the high school report card for incoming college freshmen.
- Include a duly certified true copy of grades for Grade 11 and the 1st semester of Grade 12 for graduating high school students.
- Income Requirements (if/”whichever applicable”):
- Submit the latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents or guardians.
- Include a Certificate of Tax Exemption from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
- Provide a Certificate of Indigence from the Barangay or Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
- Include a Case Study report from DSWD.
- Submit the latest copy of the contract or proof of income for children of Overseas Filipino Workers and seafarers.
- Other Requirements:
- Include an Identification Card (ID) for Special Groups (Underprivileged or Homeless, PWD, Solo Parent, Senior Citizen, Indigenous People).
Application Deadlines:
The deadline to apply for the CHED Merit Scholarship Programs is on July 15, 2024.
If you want to apply, make sure you complete and submit all your application materials by this date.
Don’t miss this opportunity and ensure everything is done before July 15, 2024.
How to Apply for the CHED Merit Scholarship Programs?
- Prepare the complete documentary requirements.
- Scan the documentary requirements clearly.
- Send the application and documents ONLINE to your respective CHED Regional Office Below;
| Region |
| CHEDRO I |
| CHEDRO II |
| CHEDRO III |
| CHEDRO IV |
| CHEDRO V |
| CHEDRO VI |
| CHEDRO VII |
| CHEDRO VIII |
| CHEDRO IX |
| CHEDRO X |
| CHEDRO XI |
| CHEDRO XII |
| NCR |
| CAR |
| CARAGA |
| MIMAROPA |
| BARMM IX |
| BARMM X |
| BARMM XII |
By following these steps and submitting your application to the appropriate CHED Regional Office, you can initiate the process of applying for the Full and Half Merit Scholarship Programs.
Programs and Scholarship Benefits:
The CHED Merit Scholarship Programs provides comprehensive assistance, including coverage for tuition and other school fees (TOSF), stipends distributed directly to scholars or through educational institutions, and allowances for books and connectivity.
Here’s a breakdown of the financial support available to students enrolled in private HEIs and those under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), offered annually and per semester:
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 | 20,000 | 17,500 | 2,500 | 30,000 |
SUCs/LUC
| 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 |
Contact Details:
For inquiries or further information, please do not hesitate to contact your respective CHED Regional Office.
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, CHED Priority Courses offer a wide range of educational options tailored to meet the needs of today’s changing world.
With strong support and resources, CHED empowers aspiring applicants to pursue their academic goals and become leaders in their fields.
Reflecting on the benefits of the program and CHED’s dedication to education, it is evident that taking the initiative to apply marks the beginning of a transformative journey.
To all aspiring applicants, seize the opportunities at hand, embrace the possibilities, and embark on your educational journey.
Notice: Information Disclaimer
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.
However, users are advised to meticulously examine the credibility of the content provided.
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:
- Commission on Higher Education. (n.d.). Merit Scholarship. Retrieved from https://ched.gov.ph/merit-scholarship/
- HED Memorandum Order:
- Commission on Higher Education. (2023). CHED Memorandum Order No. 7, series of 2023 – List of identified priority programs for CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) for Academic Years (AY) 2023-2024 to 2027-2028. https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/CMO-8-s.-2019-Policies-and-Guidelines-for-CHED-Scholarship-Programs-CSPs.pdf
- Memorandum from the Chairperson – Regional Priority Courses:
- Commission on Higher Education. (2021). Memorandum from the Chairperson – Regional priority courses for CHED Scholarship Programs (CSPs) effective Academic Year 2021-2022. https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/CMO-8-s.-2019-Policies-and-Guidelines-for-CHED-Scholarship-Programs-CSPs.pdf
- Memorandum from the Chairperson – Call for Application:
- Commission on Higher Education. (2024). Memorandum from the Chairperson – Call for application for the CHED Merit Scholarship Programs (CMSP) for Academic Year 2024-2025. https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/CMO-8-s.-2019-Policies-and-Guidelines-for-CHED-Scholarship-Programs-CSPs.pdf
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