Filipino students can now apply for the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) for the 2024-2025 academic year.

For this school year, a total of 1,374 scholarship slots are available nationwide, distributed among the 16 CHED Regional Offices. 

The program offers financial aid to deserving incoming freshmen enrolled in priority programs at public and private universities across the Philippines.

Scholarship details and eligibility

Scholarships are available for full-time freshmen students who meet the minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement. 

Those with a GPA of 96% or higher qualify for the full scholarship, while students with a GPA between 93% and 95% are eligible for the half scholarship.

The program prioritizes students pursuing courses aligned with the government’s development goals.

Financial assistance

The scholarship covers tuition and other school fees, along with stipends and allowances for books and internet connectivity. 

The exact amount varies depending on whether the student attends a State Universities and Colleges (SUCs/LUCs) or a private Higher Education Institution (HEI).

For private HEIs, the full scholarship provides P120,000 annually, while the half scholarship offers P60,000 per year. 

For SUCs/LUCs, the full scholarship amounts to P80,000 annually, and the half scholarship is P40,000 per year.

Application process and deadline

Applications are accepted until July 15, and can be submitted online to the CHED Regional Office serving the applicant’s area. 

Specific instructions and deadlines for online applications may vary by region. Interested students can find details and contact information on the CHED website.

Applicants must submit required documents such as birth certificates, proof of income, and academic records. 

Only those meeting the GPA requirements will be considered for scholarship grants, subject to available slots and funding.

Applicants who are not accepted will be notified via SMS, email, or regular mail.