CHED Merit Scholarship Program 2026 | Coverage, Eligibility & Application Guide

Introduction to the CHED Merit Scholarship Program

The CHED Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most recognized government-funded opportunities for Filipino students who want to pursue higher education. Administered by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), this scholarship program was created to provide financial support for academically talented but financially challenged students. Its main purpose is to ensure that every deserving Filipino has a fair chance of earning a college degree regardless of their family’s income level.

The CHED Merit Scholarship Program plays an important role in empowering youth and improving access to quality education. Every year, thousands of students apply in hopes of being granted financial assistance. The scholarship not only covers tuition fees but also provides allowances to support daily living, books, and other academic needs. With this, students can focus more on their studies and worry less about financial barriers.

One of the reasons the program is highly valued is because of its inclusivity. It is open to both State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that are CHED-recognized. This flexibility allows students to choose from a wide range of universities and programs that match their career goals.

For families struggling with financial difficulties, this program is a stepping stone to success. By removing tuition burdens, it gives students the chance to maximize their academic potential. Over the years, many CHED scholars have gone on to become leaders, innovators, and professionals who contribute significantly to society.

If you are planning to apply, it is important to understand the requirements, eligibility, scholarship coverage, and deadlines. In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on everything you need to know about the CHED Merit Scholarship Program 2026, so you can prepare your application properly and increase your chances of success.

Read about other government scholarships here (inbound link).

Scholarship Coverage of the CHED Merit Scholarship Program

The CHED Merit Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to cover various education-related expenses. The amount of support depends on the type of higher education institution the scholar is enrolled in. The coverage includes tuition, other school fees, and additional allowances.

1. Tuition and Fees: The scholarship covers full or partial tuition fees depending on the category of scholarship granted. Students in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) usually receive free tuition as mandated by law, but CHED provides other allowances for these students as well.

2. Book and Learning Materials Allowance: Every semester, scholars receive financial support for purchasing textbooks, e-books, and other necessary materials to succeed academically.

3. Transportation and Living Allowance: For students living far from their schools, a transportation allowance is provided. Additional living allowances help cover meals, rent, and daily needs.

4. Miscellaneous and Other Expenses: Scholars also receive a stipend to cover miscellaneous fees like laboratory use, school projects, and internship requirements.

The financial assistance is highly beneficial because it reduces the pressure of working part-time while studying. Scholars can dedicate more time to academic growth, extracurricular activities, and skill development.

For 2026, CHED is expected to continue offering full and partial scholarships under this program. Full scholars receive bigger allowances, while partial scholars still get significant financial aid to reduce the cost of studying.

When compared with other national scholarship programs, the CHED Merit Scholarship Program remains one of the most competitive and reliable. The allowance package ensures that scholars not only enroll in college but also complete their degrees without being forced to stop due to financial struggles.

To get more details, applicants are encouraged to visit the official CHED website ched.gov.ph where official updates, amounts, and guidelines are published every academic year.

Eligibility Criteria for CHED Merit Scholarship Program

Applying for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program requires meeting specific eligibility standards. These standards ensure that the scholarships are awarded to students who are both deserving and capable of handling academic challenges. Below are the main eligibility requirements for the 2026 program:

1. Citizenship: Applicants must be Filipino citizens. Proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate is required.

2. Academic Performance: Students must have graduated from Senior High School and must belong to the top 10% of their graduating class. A general weighted average (GWA) of at least 90% or its equivalent is commonly required.

3. Income Requirement: The applicant’s combined annual gross income of parents or guardians should not exceed ₱400,000. This requirement ensures that the program benefits financially challenged families. For cases slightly above this threshold, supporting documents may be considered.

4. Good Moral Character: The applicant must not have any record of disciplinary action in school. A certificate of good moral character is usually required.

5. School Admission: Applicants must be enrolled or accepted in any CHED-recognized Higher Education Institution, whether it is a State University, Local University, or a Private University with accreditation.

These eligibility requirements are non-negotiable, and students who fail to meet them may not be considered for the scholarship. It is crucial to prepare all necessary supporting documents to prove compliance with these standards.

Additionally, CHED encourages applications from priority groups such as underprivileged students, those living in far-flung areas, and students pursuing degrees that are aligned with national development goals like engineering, science, education, and healthcare.

For students who meet these qualifications, the program opens the door to countless opportunities. By securing this scholarship, young Filipinos can earn degrees without financial stress and eventually contribute back to the community.

Check out other top scholarships for Filipino students

Documents Required for Application

Applying for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program requires several documents to verify academic achievement, financial status, and identity. Proper documentation is a key part of the selection process, so applicants should carefully prepare and organize their papers before submitting. Below are the commonly required documents for the 2026 cycle:

1. Duly Accomplished Application Form (available on the official CHED website).

2. Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate (issued by the PSA).

3. High School Report Card or Senior High School Grades showing the required General Weighted Average.

4. Certificate of Good Moral Character issued by the school principal or guidance counselor.

5. Certificate of Academic Excellence for students in the top 10% of their graduating class.

6. Proof of Income: Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents or guardians, Certificate of Tax Exemption, or Barangay Certification of Indigency.

7. Certificate of Registration or Admission from a CHED-recognized Higher Education Institution.

8. 2×2 ID Pictures with white background, taken within the last six months.

Submitting complete and correct documents is critical to avoid disqualification. Missing papers or incorrect details may result in rejection. Applicants should also ensure that scanned or photocopied documents are clear and legible.

In addition, CHED sometimes requires an essay or personal statement where applicants explain their motivation for applying and how the scholarship will help them achieve their goals. While not always mandatory, it is an opportunity to show commitment and passion.

As competition is high, applicants must take the process seriously and submit their documents ahead of time to avoid last-minute issues. Organizing everything in a folder—both physical and digital—will make the process easier and less stressful.

Deadline and Application Process for CHED Merit Scholarship Program 2026

Every year, the CHED Merit Scholarship Program follows strict deadlines for application. For the 2026 academic year, applications are expected to open in March 2026 and close by end of May 2026. However, students are advised to check the official CHED website regularly for the exact dates, as these can sometimes change depending on academic calendars.

The application process is usually straightforward:

1. Download and fill out the official application form from ched.gov.ph.

2. Gather and prepare all required documents.

3. Submit the application either online through the CHED portal or in person at CHED Regional Offices.

4. Wait for evaluation and possible interview.

5. Accepted applicants will be notified through email or official announcement.

To increase chances of success, applicants are encouraged to submit early and double-check that all requirements are complete. Missing the deadline usually means waiting for another year, so planning ahead is vital.

It is also important to remember that the selection process is competitive. Thousands of students apply annually, but only those with outstanding academic performance and financial need are awarded scholarships. Therefore, preparing as early as possible, maintaining excellent grades, and ensuring documents are accurate can make a big difference.

For further updates and official announcements, applicants should always rely on the official CHED channels and avoid misinformation from unverified sources.

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