Are you seeking to enroll in college but is on tight budget or could not afford the tuition fee and allowance?

This is a common problem among students in the marginalized sector, especially after high school graduation. The determination, enthusiasm, and grit to enroll in a college or university to achieve a dream is there but there’s one that’s becoming a hindrance – financial matters. They want too.

That is why scholarship programs such as the one offered by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is essential to provide support to said individuals.

Through the Merit Scholarship Program of the commission, academically talented students or those who are on top of their class can now push with their college education without worrying about money.

In this article, we are going to explore more on the Merit Scholarship Program of CHED, how to apply, what to do as beneficiary, scholarship privileges and other useful information.

What is CHED Merit Scholarship Program

The CHED Merit Scholarship Program seeks to provide support to individuals who have high academic standing – in short, intelligent in class – but could not afford to go to college.

It is intended for incoming/current first-year college students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and potential for excellence in higher education.

Specifically, those who have achieved a minimum General Weighted Average (GWA) of 93% or its equivalent in their Grade 12 report card.

The program is under CHED Scholarship Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPS), and includes:

• State Scholarship Program (SSP) – enrolled in public institutions such as state universities or public colleges
• Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) – enrolled in private institutions

A scholar is categorized based on their academic standing:

• Full Merit Scholarship – covers all tuition, fees, stipends, and allowances
• Half Merit Scholarship – pays part of the expenses

CHED Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

CHED has enumerated three eligibility requirements for students who are applying for the Merit Scholarship Program:

• Filipino Citizen
• Senior High school graduate with a minimum general weighted average (GWA) of 93% or its equivalent
• Combined annual gross income of parents, or legal guardian should not exceed five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00)

How to Apply for CHED Scholarship

Applying for a CHED Scholarship is as easy as 1-2-3. In this tutorial, we’re going to use the CSS tutorial or Complete, Scan, and Send. Let’s dive in:

1. Complete the required documents for CHED scholarship.
   • Accomplished Online Application Form
   • Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the 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
   • The student-applicant shall submit one (1) of the following financial 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 (OFWs) and seafarers, or
     • Social Case Study Report issued by the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD/MSWD)
   • Other requirements, 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
     • Underprivileged and Homeless Citizens certification issued by DHSUD/CSWD/DSWD
     • 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 National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP)
2. Scan the documentary requirements clearly. You can use a printer with scanner, or a dedicated scanner for this. Alternatively, you can use your mobile device through installing mobile applications like Adobe Scan, Microsoft Lens, CamScanner, Genius Scan and iScanner.
3. Send your application documents via online or to the CHED Regional Office. (Refer to the succeeding title for the links per region).

How to Send Merit Scholarship Application via Online

Here are official links from the commission, to send your documentary requirements:

• Region I [click here]
• Region II [click here]
• Region III [click here]
• Region IV [click here]
• Region V [click here]
• Region VI [click here]
• Region VII [click here]
• Region VIII [click here]
• Region IX [click here]
• Region X [click here]
• Region XI [click here]
• Region XII [click here]
• NCR [click here]
• CAR [click here]
• CARAGA [click here]
• MIMAROPA [click here]
• BARMM IX [click here]
• BARMM X [click here]
• BARMM XII [click here]
• NIR [click here]

Merit Scholarship Program Forms

Below are the forms you need to fill out to apply for the scholarship program:

• Annex A – Scholarship Application Form (front) | data privacy consent (back)
• Annex B-1 – Notice of Award (NOA)
• Annex B-2 – Scholarship Contract
• Annex C – Official Ranklist
• Annex D – Masterlist
• Annex E-1 – Database of Beneficiaries
• Annex E-2 – Database for Transaction and Monitoring
• Annex F – StuFAP Forms (by status, cy level, sex, type of HEI, special group, graduates, liquidation report form)
• Annex G – HEIs Billing Statement Form
• Annex H – Template Request Form
• Annex I – Graduate Exit Form
• Annex J – Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
• Annex K – Template Letter to Scholar

CHED Merit Scholarship Privileges

Beneficiaries of the CHED Merit Scholarship receives stipends on per semestral basis. The stipend 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.

Below is a breakdown of the scholarship privileges for college students enrolled in private higher education institutions:

Meanwhile, below is a breakdown of the scholarship privileges for college students enrolled in state university or college, and local university or college:

References

• CHED Merit Scholarship Program
• HOW TO APPLY: CHED MERIT… – Commission on Higher Education(CHED) | Facebook
• CHEDRO8 – StuFAPs
• How to Apply for the CHED Scholarship Program
• The CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) is now open for applications! – CHED Region 1
• CHED Merit Scholarship Program | Nationwide Online Application