What is CHED – Commission on Higher Education

The Commission on Higher Education in the Philippines (CHED) is in charge of ensuring the country’s tertiary education quality. CHED was established in 1994 as a response to the growing need for a higher education system that would be at the highest level worldwide. CHED role is to supervise and coordinate higher education institutions in the Philippines, as well as to develop and implement tertiary education policies.

The commission is assigned with coming up with policies and programs which will ensure the constant improvement of higher education in the Philippines. It is also in charge of accrediting institutions and programs and recognizing foreign institutions with equivalent standards.

What is CHED Commission on Higher Education
About CHED – Commission on Higher Education

Table of Contents

What is the Purpose of CHED?

The Commission on Higher Education is responsible for the following responsibilities:

  • Develop policies and standards for higher education institutions in the Philippines
  • Supervise and coordinate the operations of these institutions
  • Recognize foreign institutions that have equivalent standards
  • Grant accreditation to programs and institutions
  • Implement programs that will improve the quality of tertiary education in the country
  • Monitor the implementation of these programs
  • Evaluate the outcomes of these programs
  • Recommend measures to Congress and the President to improve the quality of tertiary education in the Philippines.

The commission is composed of a chairman and four commissioners, all of whom are selected by the Philippine President. The chairman and commissioners are appointed for staggered six-year terms and can be reappointed.

Vision

The following is the CHED vision statement:

Philippine higher education system which is equitable and producing locally responsive, innovative, and globally competitive graduates as well as lifelong learners.

What are the Services and Programs of CHED?

The services and programs of CHED include the following:

  • Granting of scholarships, student loans, and subsidies to deserving students
  • Installation of a quality assurance system in higher education institutions
  • Monitoring of the implementation of the K to 12 Basic Education Program
  • Regulation of private higher education institutions
  • Approval of new higher education programs
  • Conducting research on higher education
  • Formulation of guidelines for the recognition of foreign qualifications in the Philippines
  • Promotion of international linkages in higher education
  • Provision of technical assistance to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
  • Implementation of special projects for the development of specific sectors in higher education

Promoting the Quality Tertiary Education

One of CHED’s main strategies is to promote quality assurance in all tertiary institutions around the country. To do this, CHED has implemented several initiatives, such as:

  • Establishing quality standards that all HEIs (Higher Education Institutions must meet;
  • putting in place a process of evaluating and monitoring compliance to these standards;
  • providing technical assistance to HEIs; and
  • giving incentives to those who comply with the standards.

Furthermore, CHED offers CHED scholarships and loans to students who want to continue their education. These programs are available to both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in state universities and colleges, as well as private HEIs.

CHED Financial Assistance and CHED Scholarship Programs For Filipino Students

The Commission on Higher Education offers a range of scholarship programs to Filipino students interested in pursuing tertiary education.

Scholarships for Undergraduate Students – StuFAPs

The CHED Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs) provide financial support to undergraduate students based on their financial need. Students enrolled at state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), and participating private higher education institutions (PHEIs) receive the StuFAPs.

The program covers tuition and other educational fees, as well as a stipend for other expenses.

StuFAPs Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for StuFAPs, a student must fulfil the following criteria:

  • be a Filipino citizen;
  • have not previously received StuFAPs benefits; and
  • The candidate must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate degree at an SUC, LUC, or PHEI.
  • Have a family income of no more than PhP125,000 per year; and Satisfy CHED’s basic academic standards.

StuFAPs consists of two scholarship programs:

  • the Student Loan Program (SLP) and
  • the Scholarship Grants Program (SGP).

The Student Loan Program (SLP) is for students who need financial assistance but do not qualify for the SGP.

Meanwhile, the SGP is for students from low-income households who have excelled academically.

Benefits of StuFAPs

Undergraduate students enrolling at state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), and participating private higher education institutions are eligible for financial assistance through the StuFAPs (PHEIs). The program covers for tuition and other educational fees, as well as a stipend for other expenses.

Conclusion

CHED plays a vital role in ensuring that everyone has access to quality tertiary education. CHED contributes greatly to the continuous development of the Philippine higher education system through its various initiatives, programs, and facilities.

We hope that this article has helped you better understand CHED and its importance in the Philippines.

FAQ

What is CHED?

The Philippine government’s executive department, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), is charged with contributing to national security and the protection of territorial integrity and sovereignty. It also protects and promotes the rights and well-being of Filipinos living abroad, as well as mobilizing them as partners in national development.

What is the purpose of CHED?

The purpose of CHED is to improve student success by promoting equity of access, effective teaching and learning, and curriculum enhancement, with a twin goals of ensuring graduates are globally competitive, locally relevant, and socially responsive.

Who can apply for a CHED scholarship?

All Filipino citizens and OFWs who enroll in any of the courses offered by CHED member universities and colleges, whether public or private, and regardless of whether they have benefited from government educational loan programs such as PECSEM, TLDP and SULONG.

What steps should be taken before to filing an application?

An applicant must tell his or her school of the courses for which he or she is applying, and then submit an official letter from his or her school to the CHED Regional Office in the area where the application is being submitted.

How many courses am I allowed to enroll in?

Applicants may take a maximum of two courses from various professions.

Are OFWs eligible to apply for CHED?

The CHED-DOLE TABANG OFW-Tertiary Education Subsidy for dependents of repatriated, displaced, or deceased OFWs is now available. This is meant for one college-level dependent of an OFW during the CoViD19 epidemic.

Can I go directly to CHED?

Yes, you can go directly to the CHED office; however, one of the CHED Online Services is the Appointment System, which allows you to book a visit to any CHED regional office for CHED-related applications, questions, or issues. By scheduling an appointment online, you can save time and avoid long lines at the CHED regional office.

Contact Details

CHED Office

Address: Higher Education Development Center Building, C.P. Garcia Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
E-mail address: [email protected]

Telephone Numbers:
Public Assistance and Complaints Desk – (02) 8441-1260
CHED Hotline – 0999-4445-996

Website: https://ched.gov.ph