OVERVIEW

The CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) is a competitive scholarship initiative of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) that aims to support academically talented and deserving Filipino students. This program is intended for incoming/current first-year college students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and potential for excellence in higher education. Specifically, the CMSP is open to student applicants who have achieved a minimum General Weighted Average (GWA) of 93% or its equivalent in their Grade 12 report card.

SCOPE and COVERAGE

The CMSP covers incoming or current first-year students regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity, civil status, disability, religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation. Additional points in the ranking shall be given to applicants belonging to the special equity groups pursuant to the following laws: Underprivileged and Homeless Citizens under Republic Act (RA) No. 7279, Magna Carta Law for the poor under RA No. 11291, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) under RA No. 7277 as amended, Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act under RA 11861 as amended, Senior Citizens under RA 9994, and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) under RA 8371, and other relevant legislation that gives priority to the marginalized group, such as the first-generation students who are the first in their families to attend college or university. Applicants from these groups must still meet the minimum qualification requirements and shall be ranked in accordance with the program’s selection criteria.

Overview & Benefits

Target: Students with exceptional academic performance, prioritizing underprivileged sectors.
Financial Package: Up to ₱120,000 per year covering tuition and other school fees, a monthly/semester stipend, plus book and connectivity allowances.
Duration: Valid until the completion of the chosen priority undergraduate degree program

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Filipino Citizen,
Senior High school graduate with a minimum general weighted average (GWA) of 93% or its equivalent; and
Combined annual gross income of parents, or legal guardian should not exceed Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP500,000.00)

DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

Accomplished Online Application Form (please see Application Procedure);
Copy of Birth certificate issued by National Statistics Office (NSO) or Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA);
Certified true copy of Form 138 (Learner’s Progress Report or SF9), duly signed by the registrar or an authorized representative of the senior high school attended;
Financial – The student-applicants shall submit any one (1) of the following documents whichever is applicable:
Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents or guardian
Certificate of Tax Exemption/Non-Filer issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR);
Certified true copy of latest contract or proof of income may be considered for children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and Seafarers; or
Social Case Study Report issued by the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD/MSWD).
Other Requirement (if applicable)
PWD ID issued by CSWD/MSWD or Certification issued by the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO);
Solo Parent ID issued by CSWD/MSWD;
Senior Citizen ID issued by CSWD/MSWD;
Underprivileged and Homeless Citizens certification issued by DHSUD/CSWD/MSWD;
Social Case Study Report issued by CSWD/MSWD covered under Magna Carta of the Poor and/or First-Generation Students
Indigenous Peoples Certification issued by National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
Notarized Certificate of Guardianship issued by the legal guardian of the student-applicant, if applicable.