The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is now accepting applications for the EASE (Expanding Access to Scholarships for Special Equity Groups) Scholarship Program for Academic Year 2026-2027. Designed for students who face real barriers to higher education, the program provides financial support worth up to Php 40,000 per year for public university students and up to Php 60,000 per year for those enrolled in private institutions — covering tuition, a monthly living stipend, and allowances for books and internet connectivity.
Eligibility
The EASE Scholarship is specifically intended for students belonging to Special Equity Groups (SEGs). These are individuals who are often underserved or underrepresented in higher education, including:
- Underprivileged and homeless citizens
- Individuals covered under the Magna Carta for the Poor
- Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
- Solo parents and their dependents
- Senior citizens
- Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples (ICC/IPs)
Membership in one of these groups must be supported by a valid certification as part of the application.
Requirements
Before applying, make sure you meet all of the following criteria:
- Filipino citizen residing in the Philippines
- Member of a recognized Special Equity Group, supported by a valid certification
- Senior High School General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 85%
- Admitted or enrolled in a CHED-recognized priority undergraduate program
- Annual family gross income does not exceed Php 2,000,000.00
All requirements must be satisfied at the time of application. Missing any single criterion will result in disqualification.
Cash Benefits Breakdown
The scholarship package covers three components: tuition and school fees, a monthly stipend, and a book or connectivity allowance. The total amount depends on whether the student is enrolled in a public or private institution.
State and Local Universities and Colleges (SUCs/LUCs)
Students in public institutions already benefit from Free Higher Education (FHE), which covers their tuition. On top of this, the EASE Scholarship adds:
|
Scholarship Component |
Per Semester |
Per Academic Year |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition and Other School Fees (TOSF) |
Free Higher Education (FHE) |
Free Higher Education (FHE) |
|
Stipend (Php 3,500/month × 5 months) |
Php 17,500.00 |
Php 35,000.00 |
|
Book/Connectivity Allowance |
Php 2,500.00 |
Php 5,000.00 |
|
Total Benefits Package |
Php 20,000.00 |
Php 40,000.00 |
Private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
Students enrolled in private schools receive an additional tuition subsidy alongside the stipend and allowances:
|
Scholarship Component |
Per Semester |
Per Academic Year |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition and Other School Fees (TOSF) |
Php 10,000.00 |
Php 20,000.00 |
|
Stipend (Php 3,500/month × 5 months) |
Php 17,500.00 |
Php 35,000.00 |
|
Book/Connectivity Allowance |
Php 2,500.00 |
Php 5,000.00 |
|
Total Benefits Package |
Php 30,000.00 |
Php 60,000.00 |
Priority Programs Covered
Applicants must be admitted to or enrolled in a CHED-recognized National Priority Program. The covered courses are organized into 11 categories:
1. Science and Mathematics — Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geology, Human Genetics, Marine Biology/Marine Science, Mathematics/Applied Mathematics, Meteorology, Molecular Biology, Physics/Applied Physics
2. Information Technology — Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Entertainment and Multimedia Computing, Game Development and Animation, Information Systems, Information Technology, Library and Information Science
3. Architecture and Related Programs — Architecture, Environmental Planning, Fine Arts, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture
4. Marine Education — Marine Transportation, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
5. Engineering and Technology — Aeronautical Engineering, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Geodetic Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics/Robotics Engineering, Mining Engineering, and other related fields
6. Teacher Education — Culture and Arts, Early Childhood Education, Physical Education, Secondary Education (Science and Math majors), Special Needs Education, Sports and Exercise Science, Technical Vocational Teacher Education, Technology and Livelihood Education
7. Business and Management Education — Accountancy, Business Analytics, Culinary Management, Customs Administration, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality Management, Logistics/Supply Chain Management, Office Administration, Real Estate Management, Tourism Management
8. Health Professions — Doctor of Dental Medicine, Doctor of Optometry, Medical Technology, Midwifery, Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Public Health, Radiologic Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Speech Language Pathology
9. Creative Industry — Digital Marketing, Fashion and Textile Technology, Multimedia Arts, Performing Arts
10. Social Sciences and Humanities — Community Development, Development Communication, Guidance and Counseling, Indigenous Peoples Studies/Education, Peace Studies/Education, Psychology, Social Work
11. Multi and Interdisciplinary — Agribusiness, Agroforestry, Biomedical Engineering, Climate Change, Data Science and Analytics, Disaster Risk Management, Nuclear Energy, Renewable/Sustainable and Green Building Technologies, Space Science
How to Apply
The application is done entirely online. Here are the steps to follow:
- Gather your documents early. Prepare all supporting documents, including your PSA Birth Certificate, certified true copy of your Grade 12 report card or diploma, proof of SEG membership, and proof of family income.
- Visit the official application portal. Go to: https://bit.ly/2026EASEApplicationPortal
- Complete the application form. Fill in all required fields accurately and upload the necessary documents.
- Submit before the deadline. The application window closes on July 31, 2026. Incomplete or late submissions will not be processed.
Take time to review your application thoroughly before submitting. Even a small oversight — a missing document or an incorrect entry — can delay or disqualify your application.
For questions and concerns, reach out to CHED directly through their official website at www.ched.gov.ph or visit the nearest CHED office. You may also contact the CHED hotline for assistance with your application.