Presidential Merit Scholarship Programs 2026: Qualifications, Benefits and Application Updates

Published: October 12, 2026 ·
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Updated October 12, 2026. Congress has ratified the proposed Presidential Merit Scholarship Programs (PMSPs) Act, which aims to make long-term educational support available to academically outstanding and technically skilled Filipino senior high school graduates. The measure is not yet law: following House ratification on October 6 and Senate ratification on October 8, it awaits presidential action. There is no announced nationwide application period for the proposed programs.

What are the Presidential Merit Scholarship Programs?

The proposed legislation establishes two tracks: the Presidential Merit College Scholarship Program (PMCSP) administered by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Presidential Merit Technical Scholarship Program (PMTSP) administered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). It would institutionalize the existing Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP), protecting current BPMSP scholars during the transition.

Proposed qualifications and eligibility

According to EDCOM 2’s October 12 explanation of the ratified measure, the college scholarship would require applicants to rank within the top 1% of Grade 11 students in their own school, have a general weighted average (GWA) of at least 95%, and secure admission to a CHED-identified priority degree program in a qualified higher education institution.

For the technical scholarship, applicants would need a GWA of at least 90% and enrollment or admission in a TESDA-recognized priority diploma program. Priority would be given to senior high school Technical-Professional track graduates.

For both programs, the proposed annual total family income ceiling is ₱2 million, subject to periodic review. Preference among equally qualified applicants would go to disadvantaged households and underrepresented areas. Top graduates who exceed the income ceiling but otherwise meet the requirements may receive a Presidential Merit Awardee distinction without financial assistance. Final rules will depend on enactment and implementing guidelines.

What benefits could scholars receive?

Subject to available funding and the final rules, scholarship support could include:

  • Tuition and other school fees
  • Living allowances, relocation assistance, and room and board
  • Transportation, books, internet connectivity, and laboratory expenses
  • Internships, research, and thesis-related costs
  • Licensure or board examination expenses
  • Additional stipends for eligible scholars from geographically disadvantaged or marginalized communities

Priority courses and fields

Fields highlighted include science, technology, engineering, mathematics, information technology, artificial intelligence, data science, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, environmental sciences, health and allied health sciences, specialized teacher education, and research and innovation. Official priority-course lists will need to be confirmed when the implementing agencies issue them.

Is there a return-service requirement?

Yes, under the proposed “Galing Para sa Bayan” component, scholars would render service in the Philippines for a period corresponding to the years of scholarship support. Service could be performed in government, private industry, research, teaching, health care, agriculture, and other qualifying sectors.

Is this different from the CHED Merit Scholarship?

Yes. The established CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) is a separate CHED scholarship. The proposed Presidential Merit Programs would instead make the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship framework permanent and add a TESDA-administered technical track. Read our existing CHED Merit Scholarship guide for information about CMSP and BPMSP.

How and when can students apply?

Applications for the proposed PMSPs have not been announced as of October 12, 2026. Students should wait for the President’s action, implementing rules, and official CHED/TESDA notices before submitting applications. Do not confuse previous BPMSP application windows with a new PMSP application period, and beware of unofficial registration links.

Official sources

NewsToGov will update this guide when the measure is signed or vetoed and when CHED and TESDA announce official application guidelines.

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