CHED-SIKAP Grant 2025 | Now Open!

Eligibility Criteria for CHED SIKAP Grant:

The CHED-SIKAP Grant is open to existing and former personnel of CHED-recognized HEIs who are willing to undertake full-time study in graduate programs at recognized institutions. 

Former HEI personnel within 12 months of employment termination are eligible to apply. SIKAP offers opportunities for both teaching and non-teaching staff to pursue advanced studies with government support.

Eligibility Requirements for Full-Time Study

• Filipino Citizen;
• The applicant must undertake and complete her/his graduate studies in an eligible graduate program offered by any of the following:

• Autonomous / Deregulated Institutions;
• State Universities and Colleges (SUC) designated as Level III or higher;
• Center of Excellence (COE) or Center of Development (COD);
• A program accredited as or whose equivalent undergraduate program is accredited as Program Level III or higher; OR
• Mindanao State University (MSU) and its constituent units, or the University of the Philippines (UP) and its constituent units

• Applicant is Teaching or Non-Teaching Personnel who are employed or separated from service/discharged within 12 months from the date of application, including those under the basic or technical education divisions or departments, by any of the following HEIs:

• An HEI duly recognized by CHED; or
• An HEI duly recognized by the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE);
• Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) with Institutional Recognition (IR) issued by CHED;

• For those employed, must have an approved study leave for full-time study from the start of the scholarship and for the duration of study or, an issued certification of deloading of teaching units/work responsibilities/assignment from the Head of the Human Resource Office or its equivalent and attested by the HEI President or its equivalent;

For those previously employed:

• Must be separated from service/discharged within the last twelve (12) months at the time of application;

• The separation from service/discharge was not due to an administrative charge, dismissal or just causes as attested by a certification issued by the Head of the Human Resource Office of the previous employer.

• Must be physically fit and mentally prepared to undertake and complete graduate work as supported by a medical certificate;

• Age is not more than 50 years old within 6 months from the date of application (i.e. will not turn 51 in the next 6 months from the date of submitted application);

Mode of Implementation for Full-Time Study

• The CHED-SIKAP Grant shall be implemented through two models:

• Delivering HEI (DHEI) Model, for graduate programs which are offered by partner HEIs with signed Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) with CHED. Previously employed applicants are only allowed under the DHEI Model.

• Individual Model, for graduate programs which are offered by HEIs that are qualified under the scope and coverage of the policy.

Eligibility Requirements Part-Time Study

To be eligible for part-time study under the CHED-SIKAP Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Filipino Citizen: Applicants must be citizens of the Philippines.

• Designated Delivering Higher Education Institutions (DHEIs): Applicants must undertake and complete their graduate studies in eligible graduate programs offered by designated DHEIs, including:

• Autonomous/Deregulated Institutions,
• State Universities and Colleges (SUC) designated as Level III and above,    
• Centers of Excellence (COE) or Centers of Development (COD),
• Programs accredited as Program Level III or above, or equivalent undergraduate programs accredited as Program Level III or above,    
• Mindanao State University (MSU) and its constituent units, or the University of the Philippines (UP) and its constituent units.

• Teaching and Non-Teaching Personnel: Applicants must be teaching and non-teaching personnel, including those under basic or technical education divisions or departments, who wish to pursue and complete a graduate degree on a part-time basis. 

They must be existing personnel of any of the following HEIs with a plantilla/regular item, including those with temporary appointment or contractual employment status:

• HEIs recognized by CHED,    
• HEIs recognized by the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE),
• Local University and Colleges (LUCs) with Institutional Recognition (IR) issued by CHED.

Employment Status of Applicants: Employment status requirements vary based on the type of appointment:

• Full-time Faculty or HEI Personnel with plantilla/tenured items with a minimum performance rating of “Very Satisfactory” or its equivalent in the past three (3) years of continuous service to the sending HEI at the time of application,

• Full-time Faculty or HEI Personnel with temporary or probationary appointments with a minimum performance rating of “Very Satisfactory” or its equivalent for the past one (1) year in the sending HEI,

• Contractual or Contract of Service HEI Personnel with Full-Time Equivalent Teaching Load/Work Load with an existing contract with the sending HEI at the time of application with a minimum performance rating of “Very Satisfactory” or its equivalent at the time of application for the past one (1) year,

• Part-time Contractual or Contract of Service Faculty with an existing contract with the sending HEI at the time of the application and have continuously served the sending HEI as full-time/part-time faculty for 3 cumulative academic years with a minimum performance rating/Student Evaluation of Teachers (SET) of “Very Satisfactory” or equivalent.

• Alignment with Research Agenda: For applicants classified under specific employment statuses, the proposed thesis/dissertation must align with the research and development agenda of either the sending HEI and/or DHEI as attested by the HEI President or its equivalent.

• Permit to Study: Applicants must secure a permit to study from the HEI President or its equivalent, duly endorsed by the Faculty and Staff Development Committee or its equivalent.

• Physical and Mental Fitness: Applicants must be physically fit and mentally prepared to undertake and complete graduate work as supported by a medical certificate.

• Age Limit: For applicants classified under certain employment statuses, age must not exceed 50 years old within 6 months from the date of application.

These eligibility requirements ensure that applicants meet the necessary criteria to pursue part-time graduate studies under the CHED-SIKAP Grant program.

Full-Time Study Ineligibility

• Applicants with existing government-funded grant/scholarship;

• Applicants who failed to disclose having a relative up to the fourth (4th) degree of consanguinity or affinity to any CHED employee in the CHED Regional Office (CHEDRO) where the application is being processed;

• Applicants holding Top, Middle, and First-Line managerial positions or designations including those with top, middle, or first-line management duties/responsibilities WITHOUT an approved study leave for full-time study at the time of the application and for the duration of the study;

• Applicants employed on a full-time basis in a non-HEI agency/institution and for the duration of study;

• Applicants previously employed in an HEI beyond 12 months at the time of the application and/or whose separation from service/discharge was due to the fault of the faculty/HEI personnel;

• Applicant holding a degree in the same degree level being applied for (i.e., applicants applying for a scholarship to pursue a doctorate degree must not already possess a doctorate degree);

• Applicants enrolled in more than one graduate program;

• Applicants who do not fulfill any of the qualifications provided in the policy, including non-compliance/incomplete submission of documentary requirements.

Part-Time Study Ineligibility

• Applicants who are full-time faculty or HEI Personnel with plantilla/tenured items who have an existing government-funded grant/scholarship;

• Applicants who failed to disclose having a relative up to the fourth (4th) degree of consanguinity or affinity to any CHED employee in the CHED Regional Office (CHEDRO) where the application is being processed;

• Applicants without existing employment or contract of service with an HEI at the time of the application;

• Applicant holding a degree in the same degree level being applied for (i.e., applicants applying for a scholarship to pursue a doctorate degree must not already possess a doctorate degree);

• Applicants enrolled in more than one graduate program;

• For applicants who are already admitted to a graduate program, with failing grades, dropped, shifted/changed the program of study, or those whose status is already on extension or beyond the regular study plan;

• Applicants who do not fulfill the qualifications provided in the policy, including non-compliance/incomplete submission of documentary requirements.

Now, let’s navigate through the sequential application process for the CHED-SIKAP Grant, providing you with a roadmap for a successful application journey.

CHED-SIKAP Programs and Grant Benefits:

Successful applicants to the CHED-SIKAP Grant are entitled to the following scholarship privileges for the term when their application was approved by CHED and/or compliance to the terms and conditions of release of scholarship privileges:

Scholarship Privileges for Full-Time Study

1. Actual cost of tuition and other school fees.

2. Monthly living allowances, disbursed on a per academic term basis.

3. A yearly book and other resources allowance.

4. A yearly transportation and communication assistance.

5. Thesis / dissertation allowance.

Financial Privileges and Incentives

Here are the financial privileges and incentives provided under the CHED-SIKAP Grant:

For additional details regarding Full-Time Study under the CHED-SIKAP Grant, please refer to:

CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 16, s. 2021: Revised Guidelines-CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 06, series of 2020: Guidelines

Attached is an image presented for reference. Discover the exclusive privileges awaiting full-time CHED-SIKAP Grant scholars!

These documents offer comprehensive information and guidelines specifically tailored for Full-Time SCHED-SIKAP Grant Scholars.

Scholarship Privileges for Part-Time Study

1. For CHED-SIKAP Grant Scholars pursuing Part-Time Study, the following scholarship privileges are available:
2. Actual Tuition and Other Fees: The DHEI will bill CHED directly for the actual tuition and other fees.
3. Student Subsidy: Disbursed on a per academic term basis, subject to compliance with documentary requirements for the release of financial privileges.
4. Mentor’s Fee: Available for scholars who complete their degree within the original approved study plan. The DHEI must certify the assigned mentor of the scholar and handle the disbursement of the fee/incentive as per the policy.

SIKAP Grant for Part-time Study Package A

2. For CHED-SIKAP Grant Scholars who are full-time contractual or contract of service faculty or HEI Personnel, the following scholarship privileges are available:
3. Coverage of actual tuition and other fees, as well as the educational subsidy, shall be based on the term of application and will be billed by the DHEI to CHED.
4. Subsequent availment of the CHED-SIKAP Grant for Part-time Study Package B is subject to a new application each Academic Year (AY) and eligibility qualifications and conditions outlined in the policy.

Attached is an image provided for reference. Explore the unique benefits offered to CHED-SIKAP Grant scholars pursuing Package A!

SIKAP Grant for Part-time Study Package B

3. For CHED-SIKAP Grant Scholars who are part-time contractual or contract of service faculty, the following scholarship privileges are available:

a) Actual tuition and other fees, along with the educational subsidy, will be based on the term of application and billed by the DHEI to CHED.

b) Subsequent availment of the CHED-SIKAP Grant for Part-time Study Package C requires a new application each Academic Year (AY), subject to eligibility qualifications and conditions outlined in the policy.

Attached is an image provided for reference. Delve into the comprehensive support available to CHED-SIKAP Grant scholars enrolled in Package B!

SIKAP Grant for Part-time Study Package C

4. CHED-SIKAP Grant Scholars who are full-time contractual or contract of service faculty, as well as part-time contractual or contract of service faculty, may avail themselves of the following additional incentives on a reimbursement basis, provided that:

a) The CHED-SIKAP Grant for Part-time Study has not been previously availed within the same term;

b) For the research publication incentive, the publication was published within the duration of the program of study;

c) Each additional incentive can only be availed once, subject to eligibility qualifications, conditions, and submission of compliance documents.

Attached is an image provided for reference. Uncover the advantageous opportunities awaiting CHED-SIKAP Grant scholars opting for Package C!

For further information regarding Full-Time Study under the SIKAP Grant, please review the following documents:

CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 16, s. 2021: Revised Guidelines-CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 06, series of 2020: Guidelines

These documents provide comprehensive details and instructions for applicants and scholars participating in the Full-Time Study program under the CHED-SIKAP Grant.

These privileges aim to support scholars who are both full-time and part-time faculty or HEI personnel with Plantilla/Tenured/Regular items or temporary/probationary appointments in their pursuit of higher education while balancing their professional responsibilities.

Documentary Requirements for Full-Time and Part-Time study under the CHED-SIKAP Grant. Familiarize yourself with these requirements to ensure readiness and compliance.

Documentary Requirements for Full-Time Study:

To qualify for the CHED-SIKAP Grant, applicants must provide these documents for full-time study:

1. Application Form
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Certificate of Employment
4. Certificate of Eligibility and Undertaking
5. Release Form or Certification Issued by the Head of the Human Resource Office or its equivalent, attested by the President or its equivalent for full-time study
6. Certification from previous employer ensuring separation from service/discharge is not due to fault of faculty/HEI personnel (for those previously employed)
7. Proof of trainings attended, published works, or research presented
8. Recommendation Forms (Former Professor, Peer, and Immediate Supervisor)
9. Birth Certificate or Passport (Proof of Citizenship)
10. Medical Certificate
11. Proof of Admission to the DHEI or eligible program
12. Transcript of Records (for every undergraduate and graduate/post-graduate degree attained)
13. Draft Re-entry Action Plan
14. Copy of Valid Government ID
15. Supporting documents for the provided details in the CV and Application Form
16. Clearance from CHED Office or Grant-issuing Government Office/Agency on previously availed scholarship/grant (if applicable) using CHED Template

Documentary Requirements for Part-Time Study

As part of the application process for the CHED-SIKAP Grant under part-time study, applicants are required to submit a comprehensive set of documents to ensure eligibility and facilitate a successful application. The following documents, prepared using the CHED template, are necessary:

1. Application Form
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Certificate of Eligibility and Undertaking
4. Certification from the Head of the Human Resource Office or its equivalent, recommended by the HEI President or its equivalent: This certification must include:

• Employment details, including years of service
• Performance rating based on the following criteria:

• For Full-Time Faculty or HEI personnel with plantilla/tenured items, for the past three (3) years
• For Full-Time Faculty or HEI personnel with plantilla/tenured items on temporary appointment, for the past one (1) year

• For Full-Time Contractual or Contract of Service Faculty or HEI personnel, for thepast one (1) year
• For Part-Time Contractual or Contract of Service Faculty, for the cumulative three (3) academic years

5. Endorsement and permit to study
6. Endorsement of the Faculty and Staff Development Committee or its equivalent
7. Certification from the SHEI/DHEI that the proposed thesis/dissertation is aligned with the research and development agenda: This certification must be attested by the HEI President or its equivalent, if applicable
8. Status of study and study plan, attested by the DHEI
9. Recommendation Forms (Former Professor, Peer, and Immediate Supervisor)
10. Birth Certificate or Passport (Proof of Citizenship)
11. Medical Certificate
12. Proof of Admission to the DHEI
13. Transcript of Records (for every undergraduate and graduate/post-graduate degree attained)
14. Draft Re-entry Action Plan
15. Copy of Valid Government ID
16. Supporting documents for the provided details in the CV and Application Form: This may include proof of trainings attended, published works, or research presented
17. Clearance from CHED Office or Grant-issuing Government Office/Agency on previously availed scholarship/grant (if applicable) using CHED Template

These documentary requirements are crucial for a thorough evaluation of the applicant’s eligibility and commitment to part-time graduate studies under the CHED-SIKAP Grant program.

Ensure that all details are accurately filled out and submitted for a successful application.

Selection Process:

Are you ready to take the next step towards advancing your education with the CHED-SIKAP Grant? Follow the steps below to ensure a successful application process:

Download and Accomplish the Documentary Requirements:

Depending on whether you are applying for full-time or part-time study, download and complete the necessary documentary requirements. Ensure accuracy and completeness in fulfilling these requirements to avoid delays in your application process. 

Full-Time Study Requirements:

Generate Your Application Number HERE then Access the Full-Time Study Documents

The following documents are contained:

Documents for Full-Time Study:

Link to Full-Time Study Documents

• SIKAP APPLICATION FORM.pdf 
• SIKAP CERTIFICATE OF EMPLOYMENT.docx
• SIKAP CURRICULUM VITAE.pdf 
• SIKAP Medical Certificate Template.pdf
• SIKAP RE-ENTRY ACTION PLAN.docx 
• SIKAP RELEASE FORM FOR FULL-TIME SCHOLAR
• SIKAP STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY.docx 
• SIKAP TEMPLATE RECOMMENDATION FORM.pdf 
• CERTIFICATION ON SEPARATION OF SERVICE.docx 

Part-Time Study Requirements:

Generate Your Application Number HERE Access the Part-Time Study Documents:

The following documents are contained:

Documents for Part-Time Study:

Link to Part-Time Study Documents

• SIKAP APPFORM.pdf
• SIKAP CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY AND UNDERTAKING.docx
• SIKAP CERTIFICATE OF EMPLOYMENT .docx
• SIKAP Certification to Undertake Study_Permit to Study
• SIKAP CURRICULUM VITAE.pdf 
• SIKAP Medical Certificate Template.pdf 
• SIKAP RE-ENTRY ACTION PLAN.docx 
• SIKAP TEMPLATE RECOMMENDATION FORM.pdf 
• ALIGNED THESIS DISSERTATION PROPOSAL.docx 
• STATUS OF STUDY.docx

Ensure to Fill Out All Details Accurately and Thoroughly:

Before submitting your application, ensure to fill out all details accurately and thoroughly in the provided form for a successful application.

Submit the Complete Scholarship Package:

Once you have completed and gathered all required documents, submit the complete scholarship package as follows:

• For the DHEI Model, submit it to your Delivering Higher Education Institution.
• For the Individual Model, submit it to the CHED Regional Office (RO) where the applicant will be receiving instruction.

General Guidelines and Selection Criteria:

Notification of Acceptance:

1. Successful applicants must formally communicate their acceptance of the grant and confirm their enrollment in the approved graduate program through written acknowledgment addressed to the CHEDRO on or before the submission date set by the CHEDRO.

2. The result of the CHED-SIKAP Grant Scholarship application is final. No appeals will be entertained.

3. Applicants who did not initially qualify for the SIKAP Grant Scholarship may re-apply and will be subject to a NEW application process. An applicant may not claim to the CHEDRO her/his previously submitted application documents which will be used for re-application.

4. The CHEDRO Implementing Unit shall receive and evaluate applications. All applications received will be short-listed based on complete and correct application documents and compliance with the eligibility criteria provided in the policy.

Short-listed applicants will be ranked based on the overall score obtained from the following selection criteria:

5. The CHED Regional Director (CHED RD) is authorized to render decisions regarding the approval and disapproval of applications. The CHEDRO shall inform the applicants of the result of their application.

6. Matters outside the scope of policy and specific concerns identified in this policy will remain with the CHED Central Office (CHEDCO).

7. Applicants classified as waitlisted must comply with the deficiency within the term before s/he will be considered as “eligible” for the following term, subject to the evaluation and approval of the CHEDRO.

Waitlisted applicants who will be considered as eligible will only receive scholarship privileges in the following term in the HEI of study.

8. The Commission shall allow the submission of unaltered and electronically signed, generated and/or validated documents in the event of a State of Calamity, State of Emergency, or similar proclamations issued by the government.

Such documents will be subject to validation and submission of its hardcopy with “wet signature” within a reasonable timeframe to ensure integrity of the document.

As required, guidelines for this purpose shall be issued separately by the Commission.

9. All submitted application documents including its supporting documents shall be considered as property of the CHED and shall no longer be returned to the applicant notwithstanding the result of the application.

10. All CHED-SIKAP Grant Scholars must obtain a Travel Clearance from the Commission for their foreign travel.

11. All SIKAP Grant Scholars approved under full-time scholarship shall continue to be and shall commit to finish the degree under full-time study.

12. CHED-SIKAP Grant Scholars must undertake a return service obligation of one (1) year per year of study, or a fraction thereof, upon completion of the program. S/he is automatically released from the obligation to be on full-time study, and scholarship privileges will be limited to available student research support fund, subject to eligibility and availability.

Evaluation Process:

1. The CHEDRO shall screen the applications and ensure the completeness and veracity of documents submitted.

2. The CHEDRO shall screen the applications based on the Selection Criteria provided in Section 3.2.4. of the Revised Guidelines on the SIKAP Grant.

3. The CHEDRO shall forward recommended applications for the approval of the CHED RD.

4. The CHED RD shall render the final decision on the approval or disapproval of the application.

After submitting your application for the CHED-SIKAP Grant, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), CHED Regional Office (CHEDRO), or the assigned office will notify accepted applicants through the contact details provided in the application form or any other means indicated during the application process.

This notification may be sent via email or through a combination of calls and text messages to the active mobile number provided. It is essential to ensure the accuracy of your contact information to receive timely updates.

To stay informed about updates and announcements, it is recommended to follow CHED’s official social media channels.

Accepted applicants are also advised to regularly check their email and respond promptly to any communication from the Commission.

This straightforward yet comprehensive application process ensures that deserving scholars are selected for the CHED-SIKAP Grant, showcasing CHED’s commitment to promoting educational excellence.

Now, let’s explore the fantastic benefits and programs that successful applicants will enjoy with the CHED-SIKAP Grant.