Dreaming of pursuing higher education in the Philippines but worried about the financial burden? Look no further than the CHED Merit Scholarship Program, a government initiative designed to empower deserving Filipino students. This scholarship offers significant financial aid, making college a more attainable goal.
This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about the CHED Merit Scholarship for the academic year 2024-2025. We’ll cover eligibility criteria, application requirements, deadlines, and valuable tips to maximize your chances of securing this prestigious scholarship.
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Who Can Apply CHED Merit Scholarship?
The CHED Merit Scholarship is open to Filipino citizens who meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Academic Standing:
- Graduating Senior High School Students: Your General Weighted Average (GWA) should be computed by combining your Grade 11 (first and second semesters) with the first semester of Grade 12. Then, divide the total by 3.
- Graduated Senior High School Students: Your GWA is calculated by averaging your first and second semester grades of Grade 12.
- Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Full State Scholarship Program (FSSP) and Full Private Education Student Financial Assistance (FPESFA): Minimum GWA of 96% or its equivalent.
- Half-State Scholarship Program (Half-SSP) and Half-Private Education Student Financial Assistance (Half-PESFA): Minimum GWA of 93% to 95% or its equivalent.
- Financial Need:
- The combined annual gross income of your parents or guardian must not exceed PhP 400,000.00.
- For single parents or guardians, the annual gross income must also not exceed this amount.
- In exceptional cases where the income surpasses PhP 400,000.00, the CHED Regional Office’s StuFAPs Committee will assess the application’s merits on a case-by-case basis.
- Course Selection:
- You must enroll in a CHED Priority Course as listed in CMO No. 7, Series of 2023. These courses are deemed crucial for national development.
Additional Considerations for Specific Groups:
Students from underprivileged backgrounds, orphans, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), children of solo parents or senior citizens, and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) can gain an edge by submitting relevant certifications or identification cards issued by the corresponding government agencies.
Important Note: You can only avail yourself of one government-funded financial assistance program.
Required Documents
Before you apply, ensure you have all the necessary documents:
- Proof of Citizenship: Duly certified true copy of your Birth Certificate.
- Academic Records:
- Graduated Senior High School Students: Duly certified true copy of your Senior High School report card.
- Graduating Senior High School Students: Duly certified true copies of your grades for Grade 11 and the first semester of Grade 12.
- Financial Documents (any one of the following):
- Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of your parents or guardian (if employed)
- Certificate of Tax Exemption from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
- Certificate of Indigency issued by your Barangay for your parents or guardian
- Certificate/Case Study issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
- Latest proof of income and contract (if applicable) for children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and seafarers.
Remember: All documents must be duly certified true copies.
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Application Deadline and Additional Tips
The application deadline for the CHED Merit Scholarship for the academic year 2024-2025 is July 15, 2024. Mark this date on your calendar and prioritize completing your application beforehand to avoid any last-minute hiccups.
Here are some additional tips to strengthen your application:
- Double-check your documents: Ensure all required documents are complete, accurate, and properly certified.
- Meet the deadline strictly: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application.
- Proofread meticulously: Review your application thoroughly for any errors or typos before submitting.
- Highlight academic achievements: If you have any academic awards or recognitions, include them in your application to showcase your academic excellence.
- Seek guidance from school counselors: Your school counselor can provide valuable insights and assistance throughout the application process.
FAQ
Who can apply for the CHED Merit Scholarship?
- Filipino citizens.
- Graduating senior high school students or high school graduates.
- Students with a strong academic record (minimum GWA depends on scholarship type).
- Students with financial need (combined family income must not exceed PhP 400,000).
What are the different scholarship types?
- Full Scholarship: Covers full tuition and fees (requires a GWA of 96% or equivalent).
- Half Scholarship: Covers half of tuition and fees (requires a GWA of 93% to 95% or equivalent).
What documents do I need to apply?
- Birth certificate (certified true copy).
- Academic records (transcripts or report cards).
- Proof of income (parents’ or guardian’s ITR, BIR exemption certificate, etc.).
What is the deadline to apply?
July 15, 2024. Don’t miss it!
Can I apply for other scholarships while receiving the CHED Merit Scholarship?
No, you can only benefit from one government-funded financial assistance program.
Where can I find more information or apply?
While the official CHED website doesn’t list a specific application portal yet, you can check with your school counselor or regional CHED office for details.
By following these steps and meeting the eligibility criteria, you’ll be well on your way to securing the CHED Merit Scholarship
CHED Merit Scholarship Program
