CHED Introduction
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is the government agency responsible for overseeing and regulating all public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines. CHED formulates and implements policies, standards, and guidelines for quality higher education, administers scholarship programs, and handles the authentication and verification of college-level academic documents.
What is CHED?
- CHED stands for the Commission on Higher Education, the primary government agency for tertiary (college and post-graduate) education in the Philippines
- CHED was created under Republic Act No. 7722 (Higher Education Act of 1994) to promote and improve the quality of higher education
- CHED supervises and regulates both public and private colleges and universities
- CHED grants government recognition and permits to operate to higher education institutions
- CHED administers various scholarship and financial assistance programs for deserving students
- CHED authenticates and verifies college academic documents (diplomas, transcripts of records, certifications)
- CHED evaluates and recognizes foreign degrees and credentials for use in the Philippines
- CHED issues Special Orders (SOs) for graduates of closed schools or schools with compliance issues
CHED vs. DepEd vs. TESDA
| Agency | Coverage | Education Level |
|---|---|---|
| DepEd | Basic Education (K-12) | Kindergarten to Senior High School (Grade 12) |
| CHED | Higher Education (Tertiary) | College, Post-Graduate (Master's & Doctorate) |
| TESDA | Technical-Vocational Education | Skills training, NC certifications, short courses |
CHED Services Overview
CHED Scholarship Programs
Apply for government-funded scholarships and financial assistance programs for college students, including the Tulong Dunong Program and CHED Merit Scholarship.
Learn More →Special Order (SO)
Apply for a Special Order if you graduated from a school that has closed or has compliance issues with CHED. The SO validates your graduation and academic records.
Learn More →CAV (Certification, Authentication & Verification)
Authenticate and verify your college academic documents (diplomas, transcripts) for employment, further studies abroad, or professional licensing.
Learn More →Recognition of Foreign Degree
Have your foreign degree recognized in the Philippines for employment, professional practice, or further studies at Philippine institutions.
Learn More →More Services
CHED Scholarship Programs at a Glance
| Program | Coverage | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) | Tuition & miscellaneous fees | Filipino college students in private HEIs not covered by RA 10931 |
| CHED Merit Scholarship (Full) | Full tuition + stipend + book allowance | Top SHS graduates with high academic standing |
| CHED Merit Scholarship (Half) | Half tuition subsidy | SHS graduates with above-average academic standing |
| Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) | P40,000/year (P20,000/semester) | Students from low-income families (Listahanan beneficiaries) |
| Free Higher Education (RA 10931) | Free tuition in SUCs & LUCs | All Filipino students enrolled in SUCs/LUCs |
Important Reminders
- CHED handles higher education (college and post-graduate) documents only. For K-12 documents, go to DepEd.
- All CHED transactions are processed through CHED Regional Offices (CHEDROs), not at the Central Office in Quezon City, unless specifically required
- Free tuition under RA 10931 applies only to State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs)
- CHED scholarship applications usually open during the enrollment period (May-August). Apply early as slots are limited.
- For CAV (authentication of college documents), you must go to the CHED Regional Office that has jurisdiction over your school
- Recognition of foreign degrees requires submission of authenticated documents from the country of origin
- Always verify the recognition status of a school or program before enrolling. Check the CHED website for the list of recognized HEIs.
CHED Contact Information
CHED Central Office
Address: HEDC Building, C.P. Garcia Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Trunkline: (02) 8441-1177 / 8441-1169
Email: info@ched.gov.ph
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the CHED you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest CHED first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.