How to Apply for CHED Scholarship
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) administers several scholarship and financial assistance programs for Filipino college students through the Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST). These include the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP), CHED Merit Scholarship, Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), and the Free Higher Education program under Republic Act No. 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act). This comprehensive guide explains each scholarship program, eligibility requirements, the documents you need, and the step-by-step application process.
CHED Scholarship at a Glance
Cost to Apply
FREE. All CHED scholarship applications are free of charge. There are no application fees, processing fees, or any payment required to apply for any CHED scholarship program.
Timeline
Applications typically open from May to August during the enrollment period. Application windows vary per program and per academic year. Check CHED and UniFAST announcements for specific deadlines.
Key Fact
Republic Act No. 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act) provides free tuition and miscellaneous fees for all Filipino students enrolled in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs). No separate application is needed for free tuition in SUCs/LUCs.
Types of CHED Scholarships
CHED offers several scholarship and financial assistance programs to support Filipino students pursuing higher education. Each program has different coverage, eligibility criteria, and application requirements.
Tulong Dunong Program (TDP)
For Students in Private HEIs
Financial assistance for Filipino college students enrolled in private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) who are not covered by the free tuition law (RA 10931). Covers tuition and miscellaneous fees.
- Covers tuition & miscellaneous fees
- For students in private colleges/universities
- Must be a Filipino citizen
- Administered through UniFAST
CHED Merit Scholarship (Full)
For Top SHS Graduates
Full scholarship awarded to top-performing Senior High School graduates with high academic standing. Covers full tuition, stipend, and book allowance for the entire duration of the degree program.
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend allowance
- Book allowance
- Must maintain academic standing
CHED Merit Scholarship (Half)
For Above-Average SHS Graduates
Half-tuition scholarship for Senior High School graduates with above-average academic performance. Provides a 50% tuition subsidy to help reduce the cost of college education.
- 50% tuition subsidy
- For above-average SHS graduates
- Must maintain required GPA
- Renewable each semester
Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES)
For Low-Income Families (Listahanan)
Financial subsidy of P40,000 per year (P20,000 per semester) for students from low-income families identified under the DSWD Listahanan (National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction).
- P40,000/year (P20,000/semester)
- For Listahanan-listed families
- Covers living & school expenses
- Available in SUCs, LUCs, and private HEIs
Free Higher Education (RA 10931)
Free Tuition in SUCs & LUCs
Under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931), all Filipino students enrolled in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) are entitled to free tuition and miscellaneous fees. No separate scholarship application is needed -- simply enroll at a SUC or LUC.
- Free tuition & miscellaneous fees
- Automatic for all Filipino students in SUCs/LUCs
- No separate application required
- Covers undergraduate programs in recognized SUCs and LUCs
Eligibility Requirements per Program
Each CHED scholarship program has specific eligibility criteria. Review the table below to determine which programs you qualify for.
| Program | Who Can Apply | Academic Requirement | Other Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) | Filipino college students enrolled in private HEIs | Must be in good academic standing; no failing grades | Not a beneficiary of other government scholarship programs; enrolled in a CHED-recognized program |
| CHED Merit Scholarship (Full) | Incoming freshmen who are top SHS graduates | Must be a valedictorian, salutatorian, or with honors; high GWA (typically 90% and above) | Must enroll in a CHED-recognized degree program; must maintain required GPA to retain scholarship |
| CHED Merit Scholarship (Half) | Incoming freshmen with above-average SHS grades | Above-average academic standing in Senior High School (typically 85% and above GWA) | Must enroll in a CHED-recognized degree program; must maintain required GPA each semester |
| Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) | Filipino students from low-income families listed in DSWD Listahanan | Must be enrolled in any CHED-recognized undergraduate program | Family must be in the DSWD Listahanan database; may be combined with free tuition under RA 10931 |
| Free Higher Education (RA 10931) | All Filipino students enrolled in SUCs or LUCs | No specific academic requirement for free tuition eligibility | Must be a Filipino citizen; must be enrolled in a recognized undergraduate program in a SUC or LUC; no separate application needed |
Documentary Requirements
The following documents are generally required when applying for CHED scholarship programs. Specific requirements may vary per program and per school. Always check with your school's scholarship office or the nearest CHED Regional Office for the complete list.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| CHED Scholarship Application Form | The official application form from CHED or UniFAST. May be downloaded from the CHED/UniFAST website or obtained from your school's scholarship office. Must be filled out completely and accurately. |
| Senior High School Report Card / Diploma | Original or certified true copy of your SHS Form 138 (Report Card) or SHS Diploma. For merit scholarships, this must show your General Weighted Average (GWA) and academic honors received. |
| PSA Birth Certificate | Original or certified true copy of your PSA-issued birth certificate to prove Filipino citizenship and identity. Available from PSA Serbilis outlets or PSAHelpline.ph for P155 per copy. |
| Certificate of Good Moral Character | Issued by your previous school (SHS) or current college/university. Must be recently issued (within the last 6 months). Certifies that you are of good moral character with no pending disciplinary cases. |
| 2x2 ID Photos | Recent 2x2 ID photos (usually 2-4 copies) with white background. Some programs may require passport-size (1x1) photos as well. |
| Proof of Income (ITR / Certificate of Indigency) | Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents/guardian, or a Certificate of Indigency from the barangay if the family has no taxable income. Required especially for TES and need-based programs to establish financial need. |
| Valid ID of Student and Parent/Guardian | At least one valid government-issued ID with photo (e.g., school ID, Philippine National ID/PhilSys, passport, voter's ID). A photocopy of parent/guardian's valid ID may also be required. |
| Proof of Enrollment / Registration Form | Certificate of enrollment or a copy of your registration/assessment form from your college/university. This proves that you are currently enrolled or have been accepted into a CHED-recognized degree program. |
Step-by-Step Application Process
The following steps outline the general process for applying to CHED scholarship programs. While specific procedures may vary slightly depending on the program and your school/region, these steps provide a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the application.
Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, determine which CHED scholarship program you qualify for. Review the eligibility requirements listed above for each program. Check if you meet the academic, financial, and citizenship requirements. You can verify your eligibility by visiting the CHED website, the UniFAST portal, or by inquiring at your school's scholarship office.
Tip: For TES, check if your family is listed in the DSWD Listahanan database. You can verify this at your local DSWD office or barangay hall. For RA 10931 free tuition, simply enroll at a SUC or LUC -- no separate application is needed.
Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required documents listed in the Documentary Requirements section above. Make sure to obtain originals and prepare photocopies as needed. Request your PSA birth certificate early if you do not have one, as this may take 1-2 weeks to process. Get your Certificate of Good Moral Character from your school and prepare your proof of income documents.
Important: Ensure all documents are complete before submitting your application. Incomplete documents are the most common reason for delayed or rejected applications. Organize your documents in a folder and keep both originals and photocopies ready.
Submit Your Application to Your School or CHED
Most CHED scholarship applications are submitted through your school's Scholarship Office or Student Affairs Office. Some programs may also allow direct application through the CHED Regional Office (CHEDRO) in your area. Fill out the official CHED/UniFAST scholarship application form completely and submit it along with all required documents.
Note: Some schools process CHED scholarship applications online through the UniFAST Student Portal (unifast.gov.ph). Check with your school if online application is available. Walk-in applications are also accepted at most schools and CHED Regional Offices during the application period.
Await Evaluation and Screening
After submission, your application will undergo evaluation and screening by the school's scholarship committee and/or the CHED Regional Office. The evaluation process includes verification of your academic records, financial status, and other eligibility criteria. For TES, DSWD Listahanan verification is also conducted.
The evaluation period typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the volume of applications and the program. During this time, you may be asked to provide additional documents or attend an interview. Keep your contact information updated so the school or CHED can reach you.
Receive Notification of Results
Once the evaluation is complete, you will be notified of the results. Notification is usually done through your school's scholarship office, the CHED Regional Office, or through the UniFAST portal. Approved applicants will receive an official notice of award or scholarship grant letter indicating the type of scholarship, coverage, and conditions.
Important: If approved, carefully read the terms and conditions of the scholarship. Understand the academic requirements you must maintain (minimum GPA, maximum number of failed units) and the obligations you must fulfill to retain the scholarship each semester.
Claim Your Scholarship Benefits
After receiving the notice of award, proceed to your school's accounting or cashier's office to have the scholarship benefits applied to your account. For tuition subsidies, the amount is usually credited directly to your school account, reducing or eliminating your tuition fees. For TES, the cash subsidy of P20,000 per semester may be released through a bank account or through your school.
Reminder: Scholarship benefits must be renewed each semester or academic year. Submit the required renewal documents (updated grades, proof of enrollment) before the deadline to continue receiving your scholarship. Failure to renew or falling below the required GPA may result in loss of the scholarship.
Complete Example: Juan Applies for TES Scholarship
Juan is a graduating Senior High School student from a low-income family in Taguig City. His family is listed in the DSWD Listahanan as a beneficiary household. He wants to pursue a BS Information Technology degree at a State University. Here is how Juan applied for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and benefited from free tuition under RA 10931:
Checked Eligibility and Gathered Documents
Juan confirmed with his barangay hall that his family is listed in the DSWD Listahanan database. He gathered his required documents: PSA birth certificate (P155 from PSAHelpline.ph), SHS Report Card with a GWA of 88%, Certificate of Good Moral Character from his school, Certificate of Indigency from the barangay, 2x2 ID photos, and a photocopy of his mother's PhilSys National ID.
Applied at the University Scholarship Office
After passing the university entrance exam and receiving his acceptance letter, Juan went to the university's Scholarship and Financial Assistance Office. He filled out the UniFAST TES application form and submitted all his documents. The scholarship officer confirmed that his application was complete and gave him an acknowledgment receipt. Since the university is a State University, Juan was also automatically covered by the free tuition program under RA 10931.
Application Under Evaluation
The university's scholarship committee reviewed Juan's application and verified his DSWD Listahanan status. The evaluation took approximately 3 weeks. During this time, Juan enrolled in his first semester courses. His tuition fees were automatically waived under RA 10931 since he enrolled in a SUC.
Received TES Approval and Benefits
Juan received a notice from the scholarship office that his TES application was approved. He was granted P20,000 for the first semester as his Tertiary Education Subsidy. The amount was released through a bank deposit to his savings account. Combined with free tuition under RA 10931, Juan did not have to pay any tuition fees and received P20,000 for his living expenses, books, and school supplies.
Renewed TES for Second Semester
Before the second semester, Juan submitted his first semester grades and proof of enrollment for the renewal of his TES grant. Since he maintained good academic standing with no failing grades, his TES was renewed and he received another P20,000 for the second semester. Juan continued to enjoy free tuition at the SUC throughout his college years.
Cost & Benefit Summary for Juan
Juan spent less than P300 on application costs and received P40,000/year in TES subsidy plus free tuition and miscellaneous fees at the State University under RA 10931.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RA 10931 and how does it work?
Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, was signed into law in 2017. It provides free tuition and exemption from other school fees in all State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) in the Philippines. This means that all Filipino students enrolled in SUCs and LUCs do not need to pay tuition and miscellaneous fees. The law does not apply to private colleges and universities. No separate application is needed -- simply enroll at a SUC or LUC, and the free tuition is automatically applied.
Can I apply to multiple CHED scholarship programs at the same time?
Generally, you cannot hold multiple government scholarships simultaneously. For example, you cannot receive both a CHED Merit Scholarship and TDP at the same time. However, TES (Tertiary Education Subsidy) can be combined with the free tuition program under RA 10931, since TES provides a cash allowance for living expenses while RA 10931 covers tuition. Always check the specific terms and conditions of each program or consult with your school's scholarship office to determine which benefits can be combined.
What happens if I fail a subject? Will I lose my scholarship?
It depends on the scholarship program. For CHED Merit Scholarships, you are required to maintain a minimum GPA and must not have any failing grades. Failing a subject may result in the revocation of your scholarship. For TDP and TES, the requirements are less strict, but you must still be in good academic standing and officially enrolled. Having excessive failing grades or being placed on academic probation may affect your eligibility for renewal. For RA 10931 free tuition, failing a subject does not disqualify you from free tuition as long as you remain enrolled in the SUC/LUC, but your school may have its own retention policies.
When is the application deadline for CHED scholarships?
CHED scholarship application deadlines vary each academic year and per program. In general, applications open during the enrollment period from May to August. Some programs have earlier deadlines (March or April) for incoming freshmen. CHED and UniFAST typically release announcements on their official websites and social media pages. It is best to apply as early as possible since some programs have limited slots. Monitor the CHED website and UniFAST portal for the latest deadlines.
Can working students apply for CHED scholarships?
Yes, working students can apply for CHED scholarship programs. There is no restriction that disqualifies students who are employed. However, for need-based programs like TES, your family's combined income will be considered during the eligibility assessment. If you are a working student, your income may be factored into the household income assessment. For merit-based scholarships, the focus is on academic performance rather than employment status. For RA 10931 free tuition, employment status does not affect eligibility at all.
What happens if I transfer to another school?
If you transfer to another school, you will generally need to re-apply for the scholarship at your new school. CHED scholarships are processed through the HEI where you are enrolled, so transferring means you lose the scholarship at your previous school. For TES and TDP, you must apply again through your new school's scholarship office and submit updated documents. For RA 10931 free tuition, if you transfer from one SUC/LUC to another SUC/LUC, you will still enjoy free tuition automatically. However, if you transfer from a SUC/LUC to a private HEI, you will no longer be covered by free tuition and will need to apply for TDP or other financial assistance.
Important Reminders
- Apply early: CHED scholarship slots are limited. Submit your application as soon as the application period opens. Do not wait for the deadline, as late or incomplete applications may not be processed.
- Keep your documents complete and updated: Incomplete documents are the most common reason for delayed or rejected applications. Double-check all requirements before submission and keep certified true copies of all documents for your records.
- Maintain your grades: Most CHED scholarships require you to maintain a minimum GPA and have no failing grades. Falling below the required academic standing may result in loss of the scholarship. Focus on your studies and seek academic support if needed.
- Renew your scholarship every semester: Scholarships must be renewed each semester or academic year. Submit updated grades, proof of enrollment, and other required renewal documents before the deadline. Do not assume automatic renewal.
- Beware of scholarship scams: CHED scholarship applications are FREE. Never pay any fixers, agents, or individuals who claim they can guarantee your scholarship approval for a fee. Report any suspicious activities to CHED or the proper authorities.
- RA 10931 free tuition is automatic in SUCs/LUCs: You do not need to apply separately for free tuition if you are enrolled in a State University or College (SUC) or Local University or College (LUC). The free tuition is automatically applied upon enrollment.
- TES can be combined with RA 10931: If you are enrolled in a SUC/LUC and your family is listed in the DSWD Listahanan, you can enjoy both free tuition and the P40,000/year TES subsidy for living expenses.
- Check with your school's scholarship office: Each school may have additional requirements or procedures. Always coordinate with your school's scholarship or student affairs office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Need Help?
Contact CHED
- CHED Central Office: HEDC Building, C.P. Garcia Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
- Trunkline: (02) 8441-1177 / 8441-1169
- Email: info@ched.gov.ph
- Website: ched.gov.ph
- UniFAST Portal: unifast.gov.ph
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (no noon break)
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.