Does CHED scholarship have an exam? No. The CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) does not require applicants to take any entrance examination. Instead, selection is based entirely on your Senior High School grades, family income, and documentary requirements.
If you have a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 93%, you may qualify for the Half Merit Program. A GWA of 96% or higher qualifies you for the Full Merit Program. Your existing academic record serves as the evaluation, meaning there is no separate test to prepare for or take.
According to the official CHED Regional Office announcements, applications for Academic Year 2025-2026 are open from May 5 to June 20, 2025. For this year, the Commission on Higher Education has announced that there are 2,779 available slots for deserving Filipino students.
This guide explains exactly how the CHED scholarship selection process works, what requirements you need, and how to apply successfully.
How CHED Scholarship Selection Works (No Exam Required)
Many Filipino students assume that government scholarships require entrance examinations. The CHED Merit Scholarship Program is different. Your grades from Senior High School ARE the evaluation, so there is no additional test to worry about.
According to the official CHED CARAGA Regional Office, applicants must be “Senior High School Graduate with a minimum general weighted average (GWA) of 93% or its equivalent.”
Selection Criteria
| Selection Factor | How It’s Evaluated |
|---|---|
| Academic Merit | Your existing GWA from Senior High School transcripts |
| Financial Need | Income documents from parents or guardians |
| Special Categories | Certifications for PWD, Solo Parent, Indigenous Peoples |
| Program Eligibility | Enrollment in CHED-identified priority courses |
The evaluation committee reviews your submitted documents and grades. They do not conduct interviews or written examinations. Your application either meets the requirements or it does not, making the process straightforward for qualified students.
CHED Scholarship GWA Requirements
According to official CHED documentation, the GWA requirements determine which scholarship tier you qualify for:
| Scholarship Type | Minimum GWA | Annual Benefit (Private HEI) | Annual Benefit (SUC/LUC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Merit | 96% or higher | ₱120,000 | ₱80,000 |
| Half Merit | 93% to 95% | ₱60,000 | ₱40,000 |
According to the MSEUF CHED Scholarship page, the requirement is a “General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 93% or higher.” Students with exceptional grades of 96% and above receive the full scholarship package.
How GWA is Computed
According to the official guidelines, your GWA calculation depends on your current status:
For Graduating Students: GWA is computed as the average of Grade 11 grades plus the first semester of Grade 12 grades.
For Graduates: GWA is computed based on complete Grade 12 records.
What is CHED Scholarship?
The CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) is a government-funded scholarship administered by the Commission on Higher Education. According to the official government portal, the program is “aimed at supporting academically talented students, especially those who belong to special groups.”
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Source | Philippine Government through CHED |
| Target Beneficiaries | Incoming first-year college students |
| Selection Basis | Academic merit and financial need |
| Coverage | Tuition, stipends, and book/connectivity allowances |
| Duration | Throughout the degree program |
The scholarship specifically prioritizes students from disadvantaged backgrounds while maintaining high academic standards. This means you need both good grades AND financial need to qualify.
Who Can Apply for CHED Scholarship?
Basic Eligibility Requirements
According to official CHED Regional Office announcements, the basic requirements are:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a Filipino citizen |
| Education | Senior High School graduate or graduating student |
| GWA | At least 93% or equivalent |
| Family Income | Combined parental annual gross income under ₱500,000 |
| Program | Must enroll in CHED-identified priority courses |
| Status | Incoming first-year college student only |
According to the CHED CARAGA office, the “Combined Annual Gross Income of Parents, or legal guardian should not exceed Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 500,000.00).”
Special Categories (Priority Applicants)
According to the official CHED scholarship guidelines, certain groups receive priority consideration:
| Special Category | Legal Basis | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|
| Underprivileged and Homeless Citizens | RA 7279 | Certification from DSWD/DHSUD |
| Persons with Disability (PWD) | RA 7277 | PWD ID or PDAO certification |
| Solo Parents and Dependents | RA 8972 | Solo Parent ID from CSWD/MSWD |
| Indigenous Peoples | RA 8371 | NCIP certification |
| Senior Citizens | RA 9994 | Senior Citizen ID |
| Magna Carta of the Poor | RA 11291 | Social Case Study from DSWD |
Students belonging to these special categories should submit the appropriate certifications or identification cards issued by the relevant government agencies.
CHED Scholarship Documentary Requirements
According to the CHED CARAGA and CHED MIMAROPA regional offices, applicants must prepare the following documents:
Citizenship Verification
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| PSA/NSO Birth Certificate | Certified true copy required |
Academic Documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Form 138 (Learner’s Progress Report/SF9) | Certified true copy, duly signed by registrar |
| Grade 12 Report Card | For incoming freshmen |
| Grade 11 and Grade 12 First Semester Grades | For graduating students |
Financial Documents (Submit Any One)
| Document | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) | For employed parents/guardians |
| Certificate of Tax Exemption (BIR) | For non-employed or tax-exempt parents |
| Certificate of Indigence | From Barangay or DSWD |
| Social Case Study Report | From CSWD/MSWD |
| Latest Contract/Proof of Income | For OFW or seafarer parents |
Special Category Documents (If Applicable)
| Document | For Whom |
|---|---|
| PWD ID or PDAO Certification | Persons with Disability |
| Solo Parent ID | Solo parents or their dependents |
| Indigenous Peoples Certification | From NCIP |
| Underprivileged/Homeless Certification | From DSWD/DHSUD |
| Notarized Certificate of Guardianship | If applicable |
How to Apply for CHED Scholarship (Step-by-Step)
According to the official CHED Regional Office guidelines, follow these steps:
Step 1: Determine Your CHED Regional Office
Your application must be submitted to the CHED Regional Office (CHEDRO) based on your Senior High School location. Each region has its own online application portal.
Step 2: Check the Priority Programs List
According to the CHED CARAGA office, you must confirm that “your intended degree program is included in the CHED priority courses.” The list is based on CMO No. 7, s. 2023 entitled “List of Identified Priority Programs for AYs 2023-2024 to 2027-2028.”
Step 3: Prepare Documentary Requirements
Gather all required documents before starting your application. According to the CHED MIMAROPA reminder, understanding the guidelines is “essential to ensure a smooth and successful application process.”
Step 4: Scan Documents Clearly
Ensure all scanned documents are legible and complete. Poor quality scans may result in application delays or disqualification.
Step 5: Access Your Regional Online Application Portal
Visit your CHEDRO’s official website and look for the CHED Scholarship Portal or CSP banner. According to the CHED CARAGA office, you can “visit our website at www.chedcaraga.ph and click Online Services and select CHED Scholarship Portal.”
Step 6: Complete the Online Application Form
Fill out all required fields accurately. Double-check your personal information, academic details, and contact information.
Step 7: Upload Scanned Documents
Upload all required documents in the specified format. Ensure files are within the size limits set by the portal.
Step 8: Submit and Save Your Reference Number
According to the University of San Agustin announcement, “Application and documentary requirements must be submitted online until June 20, 2025.” Save your application reference number for tracking purposes.
CHED Scholarship Application Deadline 2025-2026
According to multiple CHED Regional Office announcements:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | May 5, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | June 20, 2025 |
| Academic Year | 2025-2026 |
According to the CHED CARAGA office, “Applications filed after the specified period will no longer be accepted and/or considered.”
Important: Do not wait until the last day to submit. Technical issues or high server traffic near the deadline could prevent successful submission.
How Much is CHED Scholarship?
The scholarship amount varies depending on whether you attend a private institution or a state/local university.
Benefits for Private Higher Education Institutions
According to the official CHED CARAGA benefit table:
| Component | Full Merit (Per Semester) | Half Merit (Per Semester) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Other School Fees (TOSF) | ₱20,000 | ₱10,000 |
| Stipend | ₱35,000 | ₱17,500 |
| Book/Connectivity Allowance | ₱5,000 | ₱2,500 |
| Semester Total | ₱60,000 | ₱30,000 |
| Annual Total | ₱120,000 | ₱60,000 |
Benefits for SUCs/LUCs (State and Local Universities)
| Component | Full Merit (Per Semester) | Half Merit (Per Semester) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Other School Fees | FREE | FREE |
| Stipend | ₱35,000 | ₱17,500 |
| Book/Connectivity Allowance | ₱5,000 | ₱2,500 |
| Semester Total | ₱40,000 | ₱20,000 |
| Annual Total | ₱80,000 | ₱40,000 |
According to the official documentation, financial assistance “will be released directly to the scholars through the HEIs” (Higher Education Institutions).
How to Know If You Passed CHED Scholarship
After submitting your application, you can check your status through several methods:
Method 1: CHED Regional Office Notification
Wait for official notification from your CHED Regional Office. They typically contact successful applicants via email or phone.
Method 2: Contact Your CHEDRO Directly
According to the CHED CARAGA office, you can “send email at chedcaragastufaps@ched.gov.ph or contact the office via mobile numbers 0912-089-2045, or via landline numbers (085) 815-3698.”
Method 3: Check with Your Enrolled HEI
Your college or university’s scholarship office may receive the list of approved scholars. Contact them for updates.
Timeline for Results
Results are typically announced after the application deadline closes and the evaluation process is complete. The exact timeline varies by region, so check with your specific CHEDRO for updates.
Is CHED Scholarship Still Available?
Yes. According to the official CHED announcement, applications for Academic Year 2025-2026 are currently open. The application period runs from May 5 to June 20, 2025.
According to the government portal, there are 2,779 available slots for the 2025 application cycle, an increase from the 1,374 slots available in 2024.
CHED Priority Programs
Not all degree programs qualify for the CHED Merit Scholarship. According to the CHED CARAGA office, priority programs are based on:
- National Priority: CMO No. 7, s. 2023 (List of Identified Priority Programs for AYs 2023-2024 to 2027-2028)
- Regional Priority: Memorandum from the Office of the Chairperson on Regional Priority Programs
- Gender and Development (GAD): Memorandum from the Chairperson on GAD StuFAPs Allocation
Before applying, verify that your intended course is included in the CHED priority list. Check with your CHEDRO or the CHED official website for the complete list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CHED scholarship have an entrance exam?
No. The CHED Merit Scholarship Program does not require any entrance examination. According to official CHED documentation, selection is based on your Senior High School GWA (minimum 93%), family income (under ₱500,000/year), and documentary requirements. Your grades serve as the evaluation criteria.
What GWA is needed for CHED scholarship?
According to official CHED guidelines:
Full Merit: 96% GWA or higher
Half Merit: 93% to 95% GWA
Can I apply for CHED scholarship if I’m not yet graduated?
Yes. According to official guidelines, graduating Senior High School students can apply using their Grade 11 grades and available Grade 12 first semester grades.
Is CHED scholarship only for poor students?
No. CHED scholarship is merit-based with a financial component. According to official documentation, your family’s combined annual gross income must be under ₱500,000, which includes many middle-income families in the Philippines.
Can I get CHED scholarship if I’m already enrolled in college?
No. According to official requirements, CHED Merit Scholarship is only for incoming first-year college students. Students already enrolled in higher education are not eligible.
Do all courses qualify for CHED scholarship?
No. According to CHED guidelines, you must enroll in CHED-identified priority courses based on CMO No. 7, s. 2023. Check the official list before applying.
Can I avail of other scholarships with CHED?
According to the official eligibility requirements, applicants must “Avail of only one government-funded financial assistance program.” You cannot hold multiple government scholarships simultaneously.
What happens if my grades drop during college?
According to scholarship guidelines, scholars must maintain satisfactory academic performance to continue receiving benefits. Failing to meet retention requirements may result in scholarship termination.
Contact Information
For questions about CHED scholarship applications, contact your respective CHED Regional Office. According to the CHED CARAGA office example:
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| chedcaragastufaps@ched.gov.ph | |
| Mobile | 0912-089-2045 |
| Landline | (085) 815-3698 |
Each CHED Regional Office has its own contact details. Visit the official CHED website at ched.gov.ph to find your regional office contact information.
Apply Now: CHED Merit Scholarship Program
For students exploring scholarship opportunities beyond the Philippines, understanding how different scholarship application processes work can be valuable. Our guide on how to apply for scholarships provides general strategies, while how to write a scholarship essay offers tips for scholarships requiring written statements.
