The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Scholarship Program offers financial support to deserving students from low-income families, including indigent and homeless citizens, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, solo parents, and their dependents.
Running from March 1 to May 31 each year, the program, also known as the Student Financial Assistance Program (StuFaps), provides incoming freshmen and college-level students financial aid ranging from P15,000 to P30,000 per semester.
Applicants can expect clear guidelines on eligibility, the application process, and maintaining their scholarships, all aimed at ensuring access to higher education and improving life circumstances through prioritized courses at approved Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
Overview
The Commission on Higher Education is accepting applications for its scholarship program from March 1 to May 31 of each year.
This aims to support deserving students whose parents or guardians face financial difficulties.
Additionally, the program extends to indigent and homeless citizens, persons with disabilities, senior citizens or solo parents, and their dependents, providing them a chance to earn a degree that can improve their life circumstances.
What is the CHED Scholarship Program?
Also known as the Student Financial Assistance Program (StuFaps), this program encourages incoming freshmen and college-level students to apply.
Successful applicants will receive financial support ranging from P15,000 to P30,000 per semester.
This assistance is specifically for CHED priority courses, provided the applicants meet the necessary criteria.
Objectives
The CHED Scholarship Program has clear objectives:
- Establish guidelines for selecting economically challenged yet eligible students.
- Ensure grantees are enrolled in approved Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with established priority courses under CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 1 series of 2014.
- Manage and implement the StuFaps efficiently.
Qualifications
To qualify for the CHED Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a Filipino citizen.
- Must be 30 years old or below at the time of submission.
- Must be a senior high school graduate or a candidate for graduation. This includes passers of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT). College students with earned units are also eligible.
- Parents or guardians of applicants must not have a combined gross annual income exceeding P300,000.
- An applicant can avail of only one financial support program or CHED grant.
- An applicant must not have graduated from any degree program.
- For a full scholarship, an applicant must have a 90% general weighted average (GWA). For a partial grant, a GWA of 85% is required.
Requirements
Once you meet the qualifications, you need to prepare and submit the following documents:
- CHED StuFAPs application form.
- Birth certificate.
- Report card.
- Verified true copy of grades for Grade 11 applicants. High school students must submit their first-semester certified true copy of grades.
- For college-level students, a clear photocopy of all grades with the total percentage of GWA, verified by the Registrar’s Office of their university.
- Current income tax return (ITR) of parents or guardians, or a certificate of tax exemption from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
- Certificate of indigence from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or their respective barangays.
- A copy of the case study report from the DSWD.
- Current proof of income or employment contract for children of overseas Filipino workers (OFW).
How to Apply for the CHED Scholarship
To apply for the CHED Scholarship, follow these steps:
- Verify that the chosen course is from the CHED priority courses.
- Complete the scholarship form.
- Submit the form and requirements to the CHED Regional Office that governs your school.
- The CHED Regional Office (CHEDRO) will assess your application based on their criteria.
For online applications:
- Fill out the online CSP application form and print it.
- Scan your complete requirements and attach a 2×2 ID photo.
- Send your scanned documents in PDF format to the email address of your CHEDRO.
Upon approval, you will receive a notice of award (NOA). Sign the NOA and return it to the CHEDRO either in hard copy or electronic form within 30 days.
Responsibilities of a CHED Scholar
As a CHED scholar, you have certain responsibilities:
- Enroll in priority programs set by private higher educational institutions (PHEIs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), or local universities and colleges (LUCs) with a certificate of program compliance (COPC).
- Maintain a GWA of not lower than 85% for full scholars and 80% for partial grants.
- Carry a regular load per semester as established by the appointed HEI.
- Complete the degree program within the allotted time frame. Transferring to another authorized priority program is allowed if approved by the CHEDRO.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to take an examination to be a CHED scholar?
No, there is no exam required to become a CHED scholar.
- What numbers can I contact to follow up on my CHED scholarship application?
For clarifications and concerns, you can call (02) 8988-0001 or (02) 8441-1260. Alternatively, you can reach them via email at oss@ched.gov.ph.
- What are the grounds for termination of the CHED scholarship?
- Failing to maintain a GWA of 80% within a specific term.
- Postponing or dropping out from the university without informing the appropriate CHEDRO.
- Enrolling in an academic load lower than the normal units set by the HEI.
- Shifting to other HEIs or academic programs without the authorization of the concerned CHEDRO.
Conclusion
The CHED Scholarship Program is a significant opportunity for Filipino students facing financial challenges to pursue higher education.
By understanding the qualifications, requirements, and responsibilities involved, you can take the necessary steps to apply and make the most of this program.
Apply now and pave the way for a brighter future through education.