If you are a Grade 12 student dreaming of college but worried about expenses, this scholarship is something you should know about.
The Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP) is now accepting applications for the Higher Education (HE) Track for the First Semester of AY 2026–2027.
This government-funded scholarship offers financial assistance to qualified incoming first-year college students enrolled in CHED priority courses.
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About the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program:
The Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP) is a merit-based scholarship for high-performing Senior High School students in the Philippines.
It supports students who wish to continue their studies either through CHED-recognized degree programs offered by qualified colleges and universities, or through TESDA priority diploma programs offered by registered training institutions.
The program aims to:
- Address critical workforce needs
- Strengthen hard-to-fill occupations
- Support national development under the goals of Bagong Pilipinas
Currently, applications are only open for the Higher Education (HE) Track.
In short: study well, build your future, and help shape the country’s future workforce.
Which Track is Right for You?
You must choose the track that matches your goals. Here are the main requirements for each:
| Requirement | Track A: Higher Education (CHED) | Track B: TVET Diploma (TESDA) |
| Target Student | Incoming 1st-year college students | Incoming 1st-year technical-vocational students |
| Grades (GWA) | 95% or higher (OR Top 5 of class) | 90% or higher |
| Household Income | ₱2,000,000 or less per year | ₱2,000,000 or less per year |
| Prior Units | Must have NO earned college units | Must NOT hold a degree or NC III/IV |
Note: Currently, applications are only open for the Higher Education (HE) Track.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program, applicants must meet these requirements:
Higher Education (HE) Track
To qualify, applicants need to satisfy all of these requirements:
- Must be a Filipino citizen entering first-year college
- Completed Grade 12 and ranked within the Top 5 of the graduating class, or has a minimum GWA of 95% (or equivalent)
- Graduated under the Basic Education Curriculum or Senior High School with at least a 95% GWA (or equivalent)
- Parents or guardians must have a combined annual income of not more than PHP 2,000,000
- Must be enrolled in CHED-designated priority courses in eligible Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
- Must not have taken any college units or previously earned a tertiary degree
Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Diploma Track
Applicants must comply with all of the following:
- Must be a Filipino citizen entering first-year in a TVET program
- Achieved a minimum GWA of 90% (or its equivalent) in Senior High School
- Parents or guardians must have a combined annual income not exceeding PHP 2,000,000
- Must not possess a technical-vocational diploma or a TESDA National Certificate (NC) Level III or higher
- Must be enrolled in TESDA-designated priority programs in accredited Technical-Vocational Institutions (TVIs)
- Must not have completed any college units or obtained a tertiary degree
Document Requirements
All uploaded files must be clear, readable, and complete.
Higher Education (HE) Track
- PSA Birth Certificate
- SF9 / Form 138 (Senior High School Report Card)
- Proof of Income (submit any ONE):
- BIR Certificate of Tax Exemption / Non-Filer
- DSWD / C-MSWD Certificate (for 4Ps beneficiaries)
- Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents/guardians
- OFW / Seafarer contract or other proof of income
- Enrollment Form
- Completed and signed Parent / Legal Guardian Certification (Annex L)
- For graduates on or before SY 2015–2016:
- Certified True Copy (CTC) of Fourth Year High School Report Card (Form 138)
TVET Diploma Track
- PSA Birth Certificate
- SF9 / Form 138 (Senior High School Report Card)
- Proof of Income (submit any ONE):
- BIR Certificate of Tax Exemption / Non-Filer
- DSWD / C-MSWD Certificate (for 4Ps beneficiaries)
- Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents/guardians
- OFW / Seafarer contract or other proof of income
- Proof of Admission to a TESDA-registered TVI Diploma Program (submit any ONE):
- Certificate of Acceptance from the TVI
- Training Agreement
- Enrollment Confirmation issued by a TESDA-registered TVI
- Completed and signed Parent / Legal Guardian Certification (Annex L)
- For graduates on or before SY 2015–2016:
- Certified True Copy (CTC) of Fourth Year High School Report Card (Form 138)
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Who Are the Priority Students?
The program prioritizes the Top 5 students of every Senior High School graduating class across the country.
Selection is done per region to make sure students from different areas get fair chances.
Translation: Not just city schools—students from provinces also matter.
Priority College Courses
Priority programs may differ depending on the application cycle and region. The list below is a general guide to commonly prioritized fields.
Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Track
Priority Programs
- Agriculture
- Information and Communication Technology
- Healthcare
- Advanced Manufacturing and Semiconductor
Higher Education Track
Priority Programs
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Education
- Agriculture and Fisheries
- Digital Technology
- Financial Services
- Creative Industries
- Science and Mathematics
Scholarship Benefits
The Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program provides financial support depending on the type and location of the school.
For students in private universities within Metro Manila:
- Up to ₱208,000 per year including:
- Tuition subsidy: ₱75,000 per semester
- Stipend: ₱25,000
- Book & internet allowance: ₱4,000
For students in private universities outside Metro Manila:
- Up to ₱98,000 per year including:
- Tuition subsidy: ₱40,000
- Stipend and book allowance: ₱58,000
For students in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) within Metro Manila:
- ₱29,000 per semester including:
- Stipend: ₱25,000
- Book & internet allowance: ₱4,000
These benefits aim to reduce the financial burden on students and their families while allowing scholars to focus on their studies.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your BPMSP Application
The application process is fully digital and takes place on the official BPMS portal. Use these steps to get your documents and information ready now, so you can submit a perfect application as soon as it opens.
Step 1: Account Registration & Email Verification
- Create Your Profile: Visit the portal and register using a working, personal email address that you check daily. Avoid using school-issued emails that might expire after graduation.
- Verification: Check your inbox (and spam folder) for a verification link. You must click this to activate your account before you can start the application.
Step 2: Complete Personal & Household Profiles
- Personal Data: Enter your name exactly as it appears on your PSA Birth Certificate. Inconsistent names can lead to disqualification.
- Financial Details: Be ready to provide your parents’ or guardians’ combined annual gross income. Remember, the limit for eligibility is ₱2,000,000.
- Academic History: Input your Senior High School (SHS) details, including your final General Weighted Average (GWA).
Step 3: Select Your Institution & Priority Program
- Higher Education (HE): Choose from the list of CHED-recognized colleges or universities. You must select a “Priority Program” like Nursing, Civil Engineering, or Computer Science to qualify.
- Technical-Vocational (TVET): If applying for the diploma track (when open), select a TESDA-registered training institution and a priority diploma program.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
This is the most critical step. All uploads must be clear, readable, and in the accepted format (usually PDF or JPEG).
- Proof of Identity: PSA Birth Certificate.
- Academic Proof: SF9 / Form 138 (Report Card) and a Certificate of Ranking if you are in the Top 5 of your batch.
- Proof of Income: Any one of these: Latest ITR, Tax Exemption Certificate (from BIR), or a DSWD Certificate for 4Ps beneficiaries.
- Certification: A signed Parent/Legal Guardian Certification (Annex L).
Step 5: Final Review & Submission
- Accuracy Check: Review every field. Ensure your contact number is correct so the regional office can reach you.
- The Deadline: Once you submit, you cannot edit your details. Make sure everything is perfect before clicking “Submit”.
Step 6: Evaluation & Notification
- Screening: The CHED or TESDA Regional Offices will manually verify your documents and rank applicants based on academic merit.
- Wait for Results: You will receive a notification through the portal or your registered email regarding your status.
Step 7: Post-Selection Requirements
- Notice of Award (NOA): If you are qualified, you will receive an NOA. You must sign the return slip within the required timeline to claim your slot.
- Enrollment Proof: Provisionally accepted students must submit their official Enrollment Form or Certificate of Acceptance from their chosen school within one month.
Pro-Tips for a Successful Application
Application Deadline
Take note of the deadline for submission of your Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP) application for the Higher Education track:
Deadline: June 30, 2026, or until slots are filled.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible since the application period may close once all available scholarship slots have been filled.
Return Service Agreement
The scholarship includes a return service agreement. This means scholars may be required to work in the Philippines after graduation.
The purpose is to ensure that graduates use their skills to help the country, especially in jobs that are hard to fill.
Full details of the return service will be announced by CHED once the program guidelines are released.
Final Thoughts
The Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP) is now officially accepting applications for the Higher Education track. Qualified incoming college students are encouraged to complete and submit their applications as early as possible due to limited slots.
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements, prepare complete documents, and monitor official CHED announcements for further updates regarding the scholarship program and other possible application tracks in the future.
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References
- Philippine Information Agency. (2025, date not specified). Bagong Pilipinas scholarship offered for top incoming college students. https://pia.gov.ph/news/bagong-pilipinas-scholarship-offered-for-top-incoming-college-students/
- Ched.gov.ph. (2026). BPMS. [online] Available at: https://bpms.ched.gov.ph/ [Accessed 07 May 2026].
- Commission on Higher Education (CHED). (2016). Facebook.Com. https://www.facebook.com/PhCHED.gov/posts/call-for-applications-the-bagong-pilipinas-merit-scholarship-program-bpmsp-is-no/1558485186317449/
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