CHED Merit Scholarship applications now open for incoming college, Tech-Voc students
The Commission on Higher Education has opened applications for the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program for the academic year 2026–2027 for top senior high school graduates entering priority college and technical-vocational programs.
The merit-based scholarship aims to support high-performing Senior High School graduates pursuing CHED-recognized degree programs and TESDA-identified technical-vocational courses aligned with priority workforce needs and national development goals.
The program supports two tracks: the Higher Education and the Technical-Vocational Education and Training Diploma.
Eligible applicants under the higher education track must be Filipino incoming first-year college students who graduated from Senior High School with a general weighted average of at least 95% or belong to the top five of their graduating class. They must be enrolled in CHED priority programs at qualified higher education institutions, and must not have previously earned college units or a tertiary degree.
Meanwhile, applicants for TVET track must be Filipino incoming first-year students who obtained at least a 90% general weighted average in Senior High School. They must be enrolled in TESDA priority programs at qualified technical-vocational institutions and must not hold a technical-vocational diploma, a TESDA National Certificate Level III or higher, or any tertiary degree or college units.
All applicants should come from households with a combined annual income not exceeding P2 million.
Requirements
Here are the requirements for all applicants:
- PSA Birth Certificate
- SF9 / Form 138 (Learner's Progress Report Card) – SHS
- Proof of Income (any ONE of the following)BIR Certificate of Tax Exemption / Non-Filer
- DSWD / C-MSWD Certificate (4Ps beneficiaries)
- Latest ITR of parents/guardians
- OFW / Seafarer contract or proof of income
- Enrollment Form
- Duly filled and signed Parent / Legal Guardian Certification (Annex L)
- For graduates on or before SY 2015–2016: Certified True Copy (CTC) of Fourth Year High School Report Card (Form 138)
For Tech-Voc track, a proof of Admission to a TESDA-Registered TVI Diploma Program must be submitted. It can be Certificate of Acceptance from the TVI, Training Agreement, or Enrollment Confirmation issued by a TESDA-registered TVI.
Be sure to use an active email address and mobile number, upload clear and complete certified documents, and ensure that all information matches their PSA and school records. Applicants should also prepare income documents and academic records ahead of time.
To make your application valid, avoid submitting blurry or incomplete files, using another person’s contact details, and providing inconsistent information.
Applications are open until June 30 or until all slots have been filled. You can submit yours here.
Under the higher education track, scholars may receive free tuition, stipends, allowances, and academic incentives for priority bachelor’s degree programs in qualified institutions, while the TVET track offers tuition support, stipends, and book or connectivity allowances for TESDA priority diploma and certification programs in accredited schools.