CHED Priority Courses are one of the most important requirements that applicants must consider before applying for a CHED scholarship. With the CHED Merit Scholarship 2026 now accepting applications, interested students should first verify whether their chosen degree program is included in the official list of CHED Priority Courses before submitting their application. These academic programs have been identified by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as essential to the country’s economic growth, workforce development, research, healthcare, education, agriculture, science, and technology sectors.
What are CHED Scholarship Priority Courses?
CHED Priority Courses are degree programs that the government has identified as critical to national development. These programs are selected based on industry demand, emerging technologies, public service needs, and the country’s long-term development goals.
Students enrolled in these programs may become eligible for various CHED scholarship grants, provided they also satisfy the academic, financial, and other eligibility requirements of the scholarship. If you are planning to apply, be sure to read our complete guide: CHED Merit Scholarship 2026: Application Now Open Nationwide, where you’ll find the qualifications, benefits, requirements, and step-by-step application process.
Why Does CHED Have Priority Courses?
The Philippines continues to experience increasing demand for professionals in healthcare, engineering, education, information technology, agriculture, science, environmental sustainability, and other strategic industries.
Through its scholarship programs, CHED encourages students to pursue these fields by providing financial assistance to qualified scholars. This helps develop a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting national progress.
Read Also: CHED Scholarships 2026: List of All Student Financial Assistance Programs
Complete List of CHED Priority Courses 2026
The following are the officially recognized CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) Eligible Courses.
First-Priority Programs
The First-Priority Programs are specialized healthcare and behavioral science courses that address the country’s growing need for allied health professionals and mental health experts. Graduates from these programs play a vital role in education, rehabilitation, therapy, and healthcare services across the Philippines.
| CMSP Priority Courses (First Priority Programs) |
|---|
| Educational Psychology (BS Psychology and AB Psychology) |
| Physical Therapy |
| Occupational Therapy |
| Speech-Language Pathology |
Second-Priority Programs
1. Science and Mathematics
Science and Mathematics programs produce researchers, scientists, educators, laboratory specialists, environmental experts, and innovators who contribute to scientific discoveries, technological advancement, public health, and environmental protection.
| Science and Mathematics (Second-Priority Programs) |
|---|
| Biochemistry |
| Biology |
| Biotechnology (recognized as a standalone program) |
| Chemistry |
| Environmental Science and related programs |
| Geology |
| Human Genetics |
| Marine Biology/Marine Science |
| Mathematics/Applied Mathematics |
| Meteorology and related programs |
| Molecular Biology |
| Physics/Applied Physics |
2. Information Technology
Information Technology programs prepare students for careers in software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, multimedia, data management, and digital innovation. These fields remain among the fastest-growing industries in the Philippines and worldwide.
| Information Technology (Second-Priority Programs) |
|---|
| Artificial Intelligence |
| Computer Science |
| Cyber Security |
| Entertainment and Multimedia Computing |
| Game Development and Animation |
| Information Systems |
| Information Technology |
| Library and Information Science |
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3. Engineering and Technology
Engineering and Technology programs develop professionals responsible for designing, building, maintaining, and improving infrastructure, manufacturing systems, transportation, energy, and industrial technologies. These disciplines remain among CHED’s highest-priority fields due to their significant contribution to national development.
| Engineering and Technology (Second-Priority Programs) |
|---|
| Aeronautical Engineering and other aviation-related programs |
| Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering |
| Ceramic Engineering |
| Chemical Engineering |
| Civil Engineering |
| Computer Engineering |
| Electrical Engineering |
| Electronics Engineering / Electronics and Communications Engineering |
| Engineering Technology |
| Geodetic Engineering |
| Industrial Engineering |
| Industrial Technology |
| Manufacturing/Production Engineering |
| Materials Engineering |
| Mechanical Engineering |
| Mechatronics Engineering / Robotics Engineering |
| Metallurgical Engineering |
| Mining Engineering |
| Petroleum Engineering |
| Sanitary Engineering |
4. Architecture and Related Programs
Architecture and related disciplines focus on designing sustainable communities, improving the built environment, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting innovative urban planning and landscape development.
| Architecture and Related Programs (Second-Priority Programs) |
|---|
| Architecture |
| Environmental Planning |
| Fine Arts |
| Interior Design |
| Landscape Architecture |
5. Business and Management Education
Business and Management programs prepare students to become future entrepreneurs, business leaders, financial professionals, logistics specialists, and tourism managers who contribute to economic growth and employment generation.
| Business and Management Education (Second-Priority Programs) |
|---|
| Accountancy and related programs |
| Business Analytics (straight program or major) |
| Culinary Management |
| Customs Administration |
| Entrepreneurship |
| Hospitality Management |
| Logistics/Supply Chain Management |
| Office Administration/Management |
| Real Estate Management |
| Tourism Management/Tourism |
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6. Maritime Education
Maritime Education supports the Philippines’ globally competitive maritime workforce by preparing students for careers in shipping, marine transportation, and naval engineering.
| Maritime Education (Second-Priority Programs) |
|---|
| Marine Transportation |
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering |
7. Creative Industry
Creative Industry programs nurture professionals in digital media, arts, design, entertainment, fashion, and creative entrepreneurship—sectors that continue to contribute significantly to the country’s creative economy.
| Creative Industry (Second-Priority Programs) |
|---|
| Digital Marketing |
| Fashion and Textile Technology |
| Multimedia Arts |
| Performing Arts |
8. Health Profession
Health Profession programs train future doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, laboratory professionals, and other healthcare workers who provide essential medical services throughout the country.
| Health Profession (Second-Priority Programs) |
|---|
| Doctor of Dental Medicine |
| Doctor of Optometry |
| Medical Technology / Medical Laboratory Science |
| Midwifery |
| Nursing |
| Nutrition and Dietetics |
| Occupational Therapy |
| Pharmacy |
| Physical Therapy |
| Public Health |
| Radiologic Technology |
| Respiratory Therapy |
| Speech-Language Pathology |
9. Multi and Interdisciplinary
These emerging interdisciplinary programs combine multiple fields of study to solve complex global challenges involving climate change, sustainability, disaster resilience, renewable energy, biomedical innovation, and advanced technologies.
| Multi and Interdisciplinary (Second-Priority Programs) |
|---|
| Agribusiness |
| Agroforestry |
| Biomedical Engineering |
| Climate Change |
| Data Science and Analytics |
| Disaster Risk Management |
| Nuclear Energy |
| Renewable/Sustainable and Green Building Technologies |
| Space Science |
Apply Also: CHED Medical Scholarship 2026: Requirements, Benefits, and How to Apply
10. Social Sciences and Humanities
Social Sciences and Humanities programs develop professionals who serve communities through education, counseling, psychology, social work, communication, and peace-building initiatives while promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
| Social Sciences and Humanities (Second-Priority Programs) |
|---|
| Community Development |
| Development Communication |
| Human Services — Guidance and Counselling |
| Indigenous Peoples Studies/Education |
| Peace Studies/Education |
| Psychology |
| Social Work |
11. Teacher Education
Teacher Education programs prepare future educators who will strengthen the Philippine education system by producing qualified teachers in science, mathematics, arts, physical education, special education, technical-vocational education, and other specialized fields.
| Teacher Education (Second-Priority Programs) |
|---|
| Culture and Arts |
| Early Childhood Education |
| Physical Education |
| Secondary Education (Science and Mathematics majors) |
| Special Needs Education |
| Sports and Exercise Science |
| Technical Vocational Teacher Education |
| Technology and Livelihood Education |
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Are these priority courses required for the CHED Merit Scholarship?
Yes. To qualify for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP), applicants must enroll in an approved CHED Priority Course offered by a recognized Higher Education Institution (HEI). Students whose chosen degree programs are not included in the official list of CHED Priority Courses are generally not eligible for the scholarship.
Applicants are encouraged to verify that both their chosen degree program and Higher Education Institution (HEI) meet the requirements of the CHED Merit Scholarship Program before submitting their application.
Source: Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
Iwant to be part of ched scholarship please accept me thank you
Make sure you apply on or before July 31, 2026 for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program.