- CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) is a competitive government scholarship for incoming first-year college students with a minimum GWA of 93%.
- Qualified scholars may receive up to ₱120,000 annually, covering tuition, stipend, and book or connectivity allowance.
If you graduated from Senior High School with a GWA of 93% or higher, the government has a scholarship built specifically for students like you.
The CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) is one of the most competitive scholarship programs offered by the Commission on Higher Education. It covers not just tuition but also your living expenses and even your books. For high-achieving students from low-income families, it’s one of the most complete financial packages available.
Note: The AY 2025-2026 cycle is now closed. The deadline was June 20, 2025, and all 2,779 available slots have been filled. This article walks you through everything so you’re fully prepared when the next cycle opens.
Table of Contents
- What do scholars receive?
- Who can apply?
- Do you get extra points for anything?
- What documents do you need?
- How does the application work?
- What courses are covered?
- The application is closed. What now?
- Conclusion
What do scholars receive?
The CMSP doesn’t just pay for tuition. Depending on where you’re enrolled and your scholarship level, here’s what you can get:
If you’re enrolled in a private college or university (Private HEIs):
| Coverage | Per Semester | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and school fees (Full PESFA) | ₱20,000 | ₱40,000 |
| Stipend (Full PESFA) | ₱35,000 | ₱70,000 |
| Book/Connectivity Allowance | ₱5,000 | ₱10,000 |
| Total (Full PESFA) | ₱60,000 | ₱120,000 |
Half PESFA scholars receive half of the above amounts – ₱30,000 per semester or ₱60,000 annually.
If you’re enrolled in a state or local university (SUCs/LUCs):
Since tuition in public universities is already free under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, the CMSP covers:
| Coverage | Per Semester | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and school fees (Full PESFA) | Free (already covered) | Free |
| Stipend (Full PESFA) | ₱35,000 | ₱70,000 |
| Book/Connectivity Allowance | ₱5,000 | ₱10,000 |
| Total (Full PESFA) | ₱40,000 | ₱80,000 |
The scholarship continues until you complete your degree as long as you maintain the requirements each year.
Who can apply?
The CMSP is open to all incoming or current first-year college students, regardless of age, sex, gender identity, civil status, disability, religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
To qualify, you must be:
- A Filipino citizen
- A Senior High School graduate with a minimum GWA of 93% or its equivalent in your Grade 12 report card
- From a household with a combined annual gross income not exceeding ₱500,000
That’s it for the basic requirements three conditions, all of which must be met.
Do you get extra points for anything?
Yes. CHED gives additional ranking points to applicants from the following groups:
- Underprivileged and homeless citizens (RA 7279)
- Persons with Disabilities or PWDs (RA 7277)
- Solo parents and their dependents (RA 11861)
- Senior citizens (RA 9994)
- Indigenous Peoples (RA 8371)
- First-generation college students meaning you are the first in your family to go to college
Being in any of these groups doesn’t automatically get you in, but it does give your application a boost in the ranking process. You still need to meet the minimum GWA and income requirements.
What documents do you need?
Prepare these before the application window opens so you’re not rushing:
Requirements (everyone):
- Accomplished online application form
- PSA-issued Birth Certificate
- Certified true copy of Form 138 (SF9 / Learner’s Progress Report) must carry the wet signature of your registrar
Proof of financial need – submit any ONE of the following:
- Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents or guardian
- BIR Certificate of Tax Exemption or Non-Filer Certificate
- Latest contract or proof of income (for children of OFWs or seafarers)
- Social Case Study Report from the City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD/MSWD)
Additional documents if you belong to a priority group:
- PWD ID from CSWD/MSWD or certification from the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO)
- Solo Parent ID from CSWD/MSWD
- Senior Citizen ID
- Underprivileged and Homeless Citizens certification from DHSUD or CSWD/MSWD
- Social Case Study Report for Magna Carta of the Poor or first-generation students
- Indigenous Peoples Certification from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
- Notarized Certificate of Guardianship, if you are under legal guardianship
Tip: The most common reason applications get delayed or rejected is missing or unsigned documents. Get your Form 138 certified and signed by your registrar as early as possible school offices get overwhelmed near deadlines.
How does the application work?
The process is fully online. Here’s how it goes:
Step 1: Prepare and scan your documents
Get all your documents ready and scan them clearly. Blurry or incomplete scans are a common reason for rejection.
Step 2: Fill out the online application form
Access the CMSP application form at: https://forms.gle/tkTEqfNxVn1DtgcM6
Step 3: Submit to your CHED Regional Office
Send your completed application form and scanned documents online to the CHED Regional Office that covers your area.
For questions about which regional office handles your application, or for any other concerns, contact your nearest CHED Regional Office directly.
What courses are covered?
CHED releases a list of priority programs that CMSP scholars are encouraged to take. These are updated periodically through official CHED Memorandum Orders.
For AY 2023-2024 to AY 2027-2028, the list of national priority programs is covered under CHED Memorandum Order No. 7, Series of 2023. Regional priority courses may differ check with your CHED Regional Office for the most accurate and localized list.
The application is closed. What now?
The AY 2025-2026 cycle closed on June 20, 2025. If you missed it, here’s what you can do:
- Bookmark this page and come back. CHED typically opens a new CMSP cycle each year. Applications usually open a few months before the school year starts so watch for announcements between January and May.
- Follow CHED’s official channels. Check ched.gov.ph and the official CHED Facebook page for updates on when the next cycle opens.
- Look into other CHED scholarships. CHED runs multiple scholarship programs the CMSP is just one of them. Other programs like the State Scholarship Program (SSP) and Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) may have different schedules and requirements.
Conclusion
A 93% GWA is no small thing and the CMSP was designed to make sure that academic excellence isn’t wasted because of financial hardship. If you hit that grade threshold, this scholarship is worth every effort it takes to apply.
The next cycle will come. When it does, you’ll be ready.