The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Scholarship Program is a great opportunity for academically talented students to pursue higher education without worrying about financial constraints. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, stipends, and allowances for books or connectivity, making it an attractive option for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to apply for the CHED Scholarship in 2024.
Understanding the CHED Scholarship Program
The CHED Scholarship Program is part of the CHED Scholarship Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPS), which include the State Scholarship Program (SSP) for public institutions and the Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) for private institutions. The program aims to provide financial support to academically deserving students, allowing them to focus on their studies without the burden of tuition and other school fees.
The scholarship is available as either a Full Merit Scholarship or a Half Merit Scholarship. The Full Merit Scholarship covers all tuition, fees, stipends, and allowances for books or connectivity, while the Half Merit Scholarship provides partial financial assistance.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the CHED Scholarship Program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Filipino citizen
- Be a high school graduate with a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 96% for a Full Merit Scholarship or 93%-95% for a Half Merit Scholarship
- Belong to a family whose annual gross income does not exceed ₱400,000 (an appeal can be made if the family’s income surpasses this limit due to unavoidable circumstances)
- Submit IDs or certifications if you belong to one of the following special groups: Underprivileged and Homeless Citizens under Republic Act (RA) No. 7279, Persons with Disability (PWDs) under RA No. 7277 as amended, and Solo Parents and/or their Dependents under RA 8371
- Only avail of one government-funded financial assistance program: the PESFA for private higher education institutions or the SSP for state and local universities
- Enroll in one of the CHED-recognized priority programs
Gathering Required Documents
Before applying for the CHED Scholarship, you need to gather the following documents:
- Certified true copy of your Birth Certificate
- High school report card for incoming freshmen students eligible for college (graduating high school students can submit a certified true copy of grades for Grade 11 and 1st semester of Grade 12)
- Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents or guardians
- Certificate of Tax Exemption from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
- Certificate of Indigence from either the applicant’s Barangay or DSWD
- Case Study Report from DSWD
- Recent copy of the contract or proof of income for children of OFWs and seafarers
Application Process
The application process for the CHED Scholarship Program is as follows:
- Download the application form from the CHED website
- Fill out the form accurately
- Submit the completed form with all the required documents to the CHED Regional Office where your school is based
It’s important to start your application early to ensure you have enough time to gather all the necessary documents and complete the application process.
Application Period and Deadlines
The application period for the CHED Scholarship Program varies each year. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the application period is from June 7 to July 15, 2024. Applications filed after the specified period will no longer be accepted and/or considered.
Tips for a Successful Application
To increase your chances of being selected for the CHED Scholarship Program, consider the following tips:
- Carefully follow all instructions provided in the application
- Ensure your application is organized, complete, and well-presented
- Highlight your academic achievements, as the CHED Scholarship Program prioritizes top performers with high grades
- Seek advice from past CHED scholarship winners to learn from their experiences
Benefits of the CHED Scholarship Program
The CHED Scholarship Program offers the following benefits:
- Full Merit Scholarship: Covers all tuition, fees, stipends, and allowances for books or connectivity
- Half Merit Scholarship: Provides partial financial assistance, covering a portion of tuition, fees, stipends, and allowances
The specific benefits for private higher education institutions (HEIs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) are as follows:
Private HEIs
| Program | Period | TOSF | Stipend | Book/Connectivity Allowance | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full PESFA | Annual | 40,000 | 70,000 | 10,000 | 120,000 |
| Semestral | 20,000 | 35,000 | 5,000 | 60,000 | |
| Half PESFA | Annual | 20,000 | 35,000 | 5,000 | 60,000 |
| Semestral | 10,000 | 17,500 | 2,500 | 30,000 |
SUCs/LUCs
| Program | Period | TOSF | Stipend | Book/Connectivity Allowance | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full SSP | Annual | FREE | 70,000 | 10,000 | 80,000 |
| Semestral | FREE | 35,000 | 5,000 | 40,000 | |
| Half SSP | Annual | FREE | 35,000 | 5,000 | 40,000 |
| Semestral | FREE | 17,500 | 2,500 | 20,000 |
Conclusion
The CHED Scholarship Program is an excellent opportunity for academically talented students to pursue higher education without financial constraints. By understanding the eligibility criteria, gathering the required documents, and following the application process, you can increase your chances of being selected for this prestigious scholarship.
Remember to start your application early, carefully follow all instructions, and highlight your academic achievements. Good luck with your application!