- CHED has released its updated list of priority courses eligible for CHED scholarship programs, based on the latest CHED Memorandum Order.
- Priority courses cover 10 field from Science and Mathematics to Health Professions, Engineering, Business, and Teacher Education.
- Students must be enrolled in a CHED priority course at an accredited institution to qualify for most CHED-funded scholarships.
A lot of students apply for CHED scholarships without realizing that their course has to be on an approved list first.
The Commission on Higher Education selects priority programs every year based on STEAM fields and key national growth areas. These are the courses that CHED considers critical for the country’s development and they’re the ones that qualify for most CHED-funded scholarship programs, including the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) and the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP).
If your course isn’t on the list, your application won’t move forward no matter how good your grades are.
Here’s the complete and updated list.
CHED groups its priority courses into 10 fields, covering both STEAM disciplines and other key growth sectors.
1. Science and Mathematics Education
- Applied Mathematics/Mathematics
- Applied Physics/Physics
- Biochemistry
- Applied Statistics/Statistics
- Biology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- Marine Biology
- Human Biology
- Marine Science
- Meteorology
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- Volcano and Seismology Related Fields
2. Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Cyber Security
- Game Development and Animation/Entertainment and Multimedia Computing
- Information Technology
- Library and Information Science
3. Engineering and Technology
- Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Ceramic Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Food Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Electronics Engineering/Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Geodetic Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Robotics Engineering
- Manufacturing/Production Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Sanitary Engineering
- Industrial Technology
- Structural Engineering
- Aviation Related Programs
- Engineering Technology
- Mechatronics Engineering Technology
- Aircraft Maintenance Technology
4. Architecture and Related Programs
- Fine Arts
- Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
- Interior Design
- Environmental Planning
5. Business and Management
- Business Analytics (straight or major)
- Accountancy
- Hospitality Management/Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Tourism Management/Tourism
If you’re taking a general business administration course not listed here, it likely won’t qualify under most CHED scholarship programs. Double-check with your CHED Regional Office.
6. Health Profession Education
- Nursing
- Doctor of Optometry
- Midwifery
- Doctor of Dental Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Occupational Therapy
- Public Health
- Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science
- Respiratory Therapy
- Radiologic Technology
- Speech and Language Pathology
7. Maritime Education
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
8. Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Community Development
- Peace Studies/Education
- Human Services (Guidance and Counseling)
- Indigenous Peoples Studies/Education
9. Teacher Education
- Special Needs Education
- Culture and Arts
- Early Childhood Education
- Sports and Exercise Science
- Secondary Education majors in Science and Mathematics
10. Multi and Interdisciplinary Cluster
- Agro-Forestry
- Agribusiness
- Disaster Risk Management
- Climate Change
- Renewable/Sustainable Energy
- Data Science and Analytics
My course isn’t on the list. What now?
Some courses appear under different titles depending on the school. “Environmental Engineering,” for example, could fall under Engineering and Technology. When in doubt, ask your CHED Regional Office if your specific program qualifies.
CHED updates the priority list periodically through official CMOs. The full PDF of the latest memorandum order is available through the CHED website at ched.gov.ph. The list above reflects the most current published version, but always confirm.
If your course genuinely doesn’t qualify for CHED-funded scholarships, you may still be eligible for LGU-based grants, private organization scholarships, or program-specific scholarships offered directly by your school or industry partners.
Which CHED scholarships use this priority list?
Most major CHED scholarship programs require applicants to be enrolled in a priority course, including:
- CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) for incoming first-year students with a minimum 93% GWA
- Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP) for incoming first-year students with a minimum 95% GWA or Top 5 of graduating class
Each program has its own set of eligible courses within this master priority list some may cover all 10 fields, others only specific ones. Always check the individual scholarship’s guidelines to confirm your course is covered under that specific program.
Source: Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Featured Image: LeAnne Jazul
