Looking for a scholarship? Here's how to apply for CHED's Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program

Students seeking financial assistance for college may now apply for the government’s Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP), with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) opening applications for the first semester of Academic Year 2026–2027.

In an advisory on Thursday, CHED said applications are now being accepted online, with the deadline set on June 30, 2026, or until available slots are filled.

Here’s how to apply:

Applicants must complete their application through the official BPMSP portal:

• Go to bpms.ched.gov.ph
• Fill out the required personal and academic details
• Upload all necessary supporting documents
• Review and submit the application before the deadline

CHED reminds applicants to ensure all information provided is accurate and complete to avoid delays or disqualification.

Check eligible schools and courses

Only selected institutions and programs are covered under the scholarship.

Applicants are advised to check the official list of Delivering Higher Education Institutions (DHEIs) and priority programs at:

• bpms.ched.gov.ph/priority-lists

Who can apply

The scholarship is open to incoming first-year Filipino students from households with a combined annual income of up to P2 million.

For the Higher Education (HE) track, applicants must either:

• Belong to the Top 5 of their graduating senior high school class, or
• Have a minimum General Weighted Average (GWA) of 95%

For the Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) track, applicants must have at least a 90% GWA.

Applicants must also be enrolling in identified priority programs and must not yet have earned any college units or degrees.

Benefits and priority fields

Under the HE track, scholars may receive:

• Free tuition and other school fees
• Stipends and allowances
• Academic excellence incentives for top-performing scholars

Priority fields include:

• Healthcare
• Engineering
• Education
• Agriculture and fisheries
• Digital technology
• Financial services
• Creative industries
• Science and mathematics

Meanwhile, scholars under the TVET track may receive:

• Tuition coverage
• Stipends
• Book or connectivity allowances

Priority areas include:

• Agriculture
• Information and communication technology
• Healthcare
• Advanced manufacturing and semiconductor-related programs

CHED emphasized that applications will only be accepted until June 30, 2026, unless slots are filled earlier.

The agency also warned the public against fake scholarship announcements circulating online.

“Beware of fake scholarship posts. Verify information through official CHED social media accounts and website only,” it said.

With the application window now open, eligible students are encouraged to apply early to secure a slot under the program. —Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA News