The Cash Grant to Medical Students Enrolled in State Universities and Colleges (CGMS-SUCs) is an essential program designed to support Filipino medical students by providing tuition fee subsidies and financial assistance.
Jointly issued by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), this program targets students enrolled in Doctor of Medicine programs at various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) across the Philippines.
By alleviating financial pressures, the CGMS-SUCs program aims to encourage more students to pursue careers in the medical field, ultimately addressing the country’s healthcare needs.
Beneficiaries can expect substantial support, including coverage of tuition fees and additional financial aid for educational expenses.
What is the CGMS-SUCs Program?
The CGMS-SUCs program is designed to support Filipino medical students by covering tuition fees and offering financial assistance.
Jointly issued by CHED and DBM, the program targets students enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine programs at various SUCs across the Philippines.
By alleviating financial pressures, the program aims to encourage more students to enter the medical field, thereby addressing the country’s healthcare needs.
Eligibility Criteria: Who May Apply?
The program is open to all Filipino medical students who meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a Filipino citizen.
Academic: High school graduates or college students who have earned units in CHED-recognized programs, private HEIs, SUCs, or LUCs with at least a passing general weighted average (GWA).
- Alternatively, passers of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) or the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) are also eligible.
- Financial: Applicants must have a combined annual gross income of parents/guardians not exceeding Four Hundred Thousand Pesos (PHP 400,000.00).
Participating SUCs
The program is available at the following State Universities and Colleges offering the Doctor of Medicine program:
- Bicol University – Daraga, Albay
- Cagayan State University – Carig, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
- Mariano Marcos State University – Quiling Sur, City of Batac, Ilocos Norte
- Mindanao State University – Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur
- University of Northern Philippines – Tamag, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
- University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine – Pedro Gil, Manila
- University of the Philippines Manila School of Health Sciences – Palo, Leyte
- West Visayas State University – Luna Street, La Paz, Iloilo City
How and Where to File the Application
Applicants must follow these steps to apply for the CGMS-SUCs program:
- Obtain the Application Form: Secure the CGMS-SUCs Application Form (Annex “A”) from the SUC where you intend to enroll.
- Submit Required Documents: Submit the accomplished application form along with the required documents directly to the concerned SUC before the start of the academic year.
- Evaluation: The SUC will evaluate the submitted documents of the applicants.
- Notice of Award: The SUC will issue a Notice of Award (NOA) using Annex “B”.
- Acceptance: The applicant must accept the NOA to complete the process.
Schedule of Application
The application process should be completed before the start of the Academic Year (AY) for which the student is applying.
It is crucial to adhere to this timeline to ensure consideration for the grant.
Benefits of the CGMS-SUCs Program
The CGMS-SUCs program offers substantial benefits, including:
- Tuition Fee Subsidy: Coverage of tuition fees for the entire duration of the Doctor of Medicine program.
- Financial Assistance: Additional financial support to help with other educational expenses.
Contact Information for Queries
For any questions or additional information regarding the CGMS-SUCs program, you can reach out to the Office of Student Development and Services (OSDS) at CHED:
- Phone: (02) 8988-0001
- Email: osds-lsad@ched.gov.ph
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What documents are required to apply for the CGMS-SUCs program?
To apply for the CGMS-SUCs program, you need to submit several documents along with the application form (Annex “A”).
These documents typically include:
- A certified true copy of your high school diploma or transcript of records.
- Proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a valid ID.
- Income tax return (ITR) of parents/guardians or a certification of non-filing of ITR from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
- Endorsement from the high school principal or equivalent, confirming your academic standing.
- Any additional documents specified by the State University or College (SUC) where you are applying.
Ensure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays in the evaluation process.
2. Can current medical students already enrolled in SUCs apply for the CGMS-SUCs program?
Yes, the CGMS-SUCs program is open to both new and continuing medical students enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine programs at participating SUCs.
Current students must meet the same eligibility criteria, including citizenship, academic performance, and financial status.
Continuing students should also ensure they maintain the required academic standing to qualify for continued financial assistance under the program.
3. What happens if a student fails to maintain the required academic performance while under the CGMS-SUCs program?
Students under the CGMS-SUCs program are expected to maintain a satisfactory academic performance as specified by their respective SUCs.
If a student fails to meet the required academic standards, they may be subject to probation or, in severe cases, termination of the financial assistance.
It is important for students to stay informed about their academic standing and seek support if they are struggling with their studies.
Each SUC may have specific guidelines and support systems in place to help students succeed and retain their scholarships.

Final Thoughts
The CGMS-SUCs program is a transformative initiative that addresses the financial challenges faced by many Filipino medical students.
By providing tuition subsidies and financial aid, CHED and DBM are fostering a new generation of healthcare professionals.
If you are an aspiring doctor struggling with educational expenses, this program offers a viable path to achieving your dreams.
Take the first step today by exploring the eligibility criteria and application process, and secure your future in the medical field.