The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has officially opened its application for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) for Academic Year 2026-2027. If you are an incoming first-year college student with outstanding academic performance, this is your chance to receive full government financial support for your college education.
In this article, we cover everything you need to know about the CHED Merit Scholarship 2026 — qualifications, requirements, benefits, and how to apply.
CHED Merit Scholarship 2026
The Commission on Higher Education has opened applications for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program for incoming first-year college students for AY 2026-2027. The application period runs from June 22, 2026 to July 31, 2026. Applications are submitted online through your respective CHED Regional Office.
What is the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP)?
The CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) is a government-funded scholarship that provides financial assistance to academically excellent and financially deserving Filipino students who wish to pursue higher education. It covers tuition, school fees, and a regular stipend throughout the student’s degree program.
The program offers two tracks:
- Full Merit Scholarship – for students with a GWA of at least 96%
- Half Merit Scholarship – for students with a GWA of at least 93% to 95%
Who Can Apply? (Qualifications)
To be eligible for the CHED Merit Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet all of the following:
- Must be a Filipino citizen
- Incoming first-year college student for AY 2026-2027
- GWA of at least 96% (Full Merit) or 93%–95% (Half Merit)
- Family income must not exceed ₱400,000 per year. Applicants above this threshold may still qualify by submitting documents showing genuine financial hardship.
- Must enroll in a CHED priority course at a recognized HEI, SUC, or LUC
- Must not be receiving any other government-funded scholarship or financial assistance
- Applicants from special groups (underprivileged citizens under RA 7279, PWDs under RA 7277, solo parents under RA 8372) must submit the required certifications or IDs
Requirements for CHED Scholarship 2026
Citizenship Requirement
- Certified true copy of Birth Certificate (PSA)
Academic Requirements
- High school report card (for incoming freshmen eligible for college)
- Certified true copy of grades for Grade 11 and 1st semester of Grade 12 (for graduating high school students)
Income Requirements (whichever is applicable)
- Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents or guardian
- Certificate of Tax Exemption from the BIR
- Certificate of Indigence from Barangay or DSWD
- Case Study Report from DSWD
- Latest contract or proof of income (for children of OFWs and seafarers)
Special Group Requirement (if applicable)
- Valid ID or certification for: Underprivileged/Homeless Citizens, PWDs, Solo Parents, Senior Citizens, or Indigenous Peoples
Benefits of the CHED Merit Scholarship
Qualified scholars will receive the following every semester until completion of their degree:
- Full tuition and other school fees (TOSF) coverage
- Monthly stipend for living expenses, released directly to the scholar or through the HEI
- Book and connectivity allowance per semester
How to Apply for CHED Scholarship 2026
The application is done online. Follow these steps:
- Gather and scan all required documents listed above.
- Go to the online application portal of your corresponding CHED Regional Office (CHEDRO).
- Fill out the application form completely and accurately.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit your application before the deadline: July 31, 2026.
Application Schedule
| Opening Date | June 22, 2026 |
| Deadline | July 31, 2026 |
| Academic Year | 2026-2027 |
| Mode of Application | Online (via CHED Regional Office portal) |
For inquiries, contact your respective CHED Regional Office.
Source: CHED Official Website
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