The CHED Merit Scholarship 2026 application is now officially open for qualified Filipino students nationwide. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has started accepting online applications for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP), one of the country’s most sought-after scholarship programs for academically outstanding students.
Qualified scholars may receive up to ₱120,000 per year in educational assistance, including tuition and other school fees, stipends, and book/connectivity allowances depending on the scholarship category and type of higher education institution.
If you are an incoming college student with excellent academic performance, this may be your opportunity to pursue higher education with financial support from CHED.
What is the CHED Merit Scholarship 2026?
The CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) is a competitive scholarship program designed to support academically deserving Filipino students who intend to pursue CHED-identified priority degree programs.
According to the official guidelines, the scholarship is open to:
- Incoming first-year college students
- Current first-year college students
- Students enrolled in CHED-recognized higher education institutions
- Applicants who meet the academic and income requirements
The program also provides additional ranking points for qualified applicants belonging to Special Equity Groups (SEGs).
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CHED Merit Scholarship 2026 Benefits
The scholarship covers:
- Tuition and Other School Fees (TOSF)
- Living Stipend
- Book Allowance
- Connectivity Allowance
For Students Enrolled in Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs)
| Benefit | Full PESFA | Half PESFA |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Other School Fees (TOSF) | ₱40,000 per year | ₱20,000 per year |
| Stipend | ₱70,000 per year | ₱35,000 per year |
| Book/Connectivity Allowance | ₱10,000 per year | ₱5,000 per year |
| Total Annual Benefit | ₱120,000 | ₱60,000 |
For State Universities, Colleges, and Local Universities and Colleges (SUCs/LUCs)
| Benefit | Full SSP | Half SSP |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Other School Fees (TOSF) | Free Higher Education | Free Higher Education |
| Stipend | ₱70,000 per year | ₱35,000 per year |
| Book/Connectivity Allowance | ₱10,000 per year | ₱5,000 per year |
| Total Annual Benefit | ₱80,000 | ₱40,000 |
The exact scholarship award will depend on CHED’s evaluation and the availability of scholarship slots.
CHED Merit Scholarship 2026 Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a Filipino citizen;
- Be an incoming or current first-year college student;
- Have a minimum General Average (GA) of 93% or its equivalent;
- Have a combined annual gross income of parents or legal guardians not exceeding ₱500,000.
Applicants who belong to Special Equity Groups may receive additional ranking points during the evaluation process.
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CHED Scholarship Requirements 2026
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
Required Documents
- Photocopy of National ID; or
- PSA-issued National ID Transaction Slip; or
- PSA Birth Certificate
- Certified True Copy of School Form 9 (SF9) signed by the registrar or authorized representative
- Admission Slip or equivalent document from the intended Higher Education Institution (HEI)
Financial Documents (Any One)
- Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents or legal guardian;
- BIR Certificate of Tax Exemption or Non-Filer Certificate;
- Proof of income for children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs);
- Social Case Study Report issued by the City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (C/MSWDO).
For Applicants with Legal Guardians
- Notarized Certificate of Guardianship
Other Supporting Documents (If Applicable)
- PWD ID or Certification of Disability
- NCIP Certification for Indigenous Peoples
- Social Case Study Report indicating first-generation student status
- Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) certification
- DHSUD or C/MSWDO certification for underprivileged or homeless families
- Senior Citizen ID
- Solo Parent ID
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How to Apply for the CHED Merit Scholarship 2026
Follow these steps to complete your application:
Step 1: Prepare All Requirements
Gather all required academic, financial, and supporting documents before opening the application form.
Step 2: Scan Your Documents
Ensure all documents are properly scanned or photographed according to CHED’s file upload guidelines.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
Applicants may submit their application through the official CHED Merit Scholarship Online Application Portal: https://bit.ly/2026CMSPApplicationPortal
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload all required files in the designated sections of the form.
Step 5: Review and Submit
Carefully review all information before clicking the Submit button.
CHED Merit Scholarship Priority Courses
First Priority Programs
Under Republic Act No. 12314, priority shall be given to qualified students enrolled or intending to enroll in the following programs:
- Educational Psychology (BS Psychology and AB Psychology)
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech-Language Pathology
Second Priority Programs
Additional priority courses shall be based on the upcoming CHED Memorandum Order and other identified priority degree programs of the Commission.
Applicants are encouraged to verify whether their chosen course is included in CHED’s list of priority programs before submitting their application.
Important File Upload Guidelines
Before submitting your application, make sure your documents meet the following requirements:
| Requirement | Guideline |
|---|---|
| PDF Files | Upload one PDF file per document category. Files must be clear, readable, and not password-protected. |
| Image Files | JPEG images are accepted. Ensure the document is well-lit, clear, and fully visible. |
| Maximum File Size | 5 MB per uploaded file. |
| File Naming Format | Use clear filenames such as: LastName_FirstName_BirthCertificate, LastName_FirstName_SF9, or LastName_FirstName_ITR. |
| Document Quality | Avoid blurry, cropped, rotated, or unreadable documents to prevent delays in evaluation. |
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CHED Scholarship Deadline 2026
The online application for the CHED Merit Scholarship 2026 is now open nationwide. According to the official announcement, interested applicants must complete and submit their applications on or before July 31, 2026.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their requirements as early as possible to avoid last-minute technical issues, incomplete document uploads, or internet connectivity problems that may affect their application.
Thankyou for sharing tis information.It is very helpful for student applying for the scholarship.
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