The CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) for 2023 is now open for applications. This government-funded scholarship is designed to support academically gifted Filipino students, particularly those who belong to special groups such as underprivileged citizens, persons with disabilities, and solo parents and their dependents.
This article will provide an overview of the CMSP, including its eligibility requirements and documentary requirements.
Overview of CHED-CMSP
The CMSP is a valuable opportunity for Filipino students who want to pursue their undergraduate studies in any CHED recognized priority programs in private higher education institutions (HEIs) or State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs).
This scholarship provides full or partial financial assistance, which may cover tuition and other fees, as well as a monthly stipend for living expenses.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the CMSP, applicants must meet the following requirements:
a. Be a Filipino citizen
b. Be a graduating high school student/High school graduate with a general weighted average (GWA) of at least 90%
c. Belong to a special group of persons, such as underprivileged and Homeless Citizens under Republic Act (RA) No. 7279, Persons with Disability (PWDs) under RA No. 7277 as amended, Solo Parents and/or their Dependents under RA 8371, and must submit certifications and/or identification cards (IDs) issued by the appropriate offices or agencies.
d. Avail of only one government-funded financial assistance program.
e. Intend to enroll in a course that is on the list of
CHED Priority Programs.
Documentary Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documentary requirements:
a. Citizenship: Certified true copy of Birth Certificate
b. Academic Requirements:
High school report card for incoming freshmen students eligible for college; and
Duly certified true copy of grades for Grade 11 and 1st semester of Grade 12 for graduating high school students
c. Income Requirements (whichever is applicable)
Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents or guardian;
Certificate of Tax Exemption from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR);
Certificate of Indigence either from their Barangay or Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD);
Case Study report from DSWD; and
Latest copy of contract or proof of income, for the children of Overseas Filipino Workers and seafarers
d. Other Requirement
Identification Card (ID) – Special Group (Underprivileged or Homeless, PWD, Solo Parent, Senior Citizen, Indigenous People)
Financial Assistance
This scholarship program shall cover tuition and other school fees (TOSF), stipend which shall be released directly to the scholars or through HEIs, and book connectivity allowance per semester of a given academic year until the completion of the degree program.
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 |
Application Procedure
Prepare the complete documentary requirements
Scan the documentary requirements clearly.
Send the application and documents ONLINE to your respective CHED Regional Office.
Summary
The CMSP is an excellent opportunity for academically talented Filipino students who belong to special groups to pursue their higher education goals without worrying about the financial burden.
To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and submit the required documentary requirements. The deadline for the application is yet to be announced, so interested applicants are advised to monitor the official website of CHED for updates.
The CMSP can help deserving Filipino students achieve their dreams of obtaining a college degree, and it is a testament to the government's commitment to education and development.
For inquiries, kindly contact your respective
CHED Regional Office.