Key Takeaways
- CHED Priority Courses are required for students applying for the CHED Scholarship.
- Courses are split into National and Regional Priority Programs.
- Students in these programs can receive up to ₱120,000 in benefits.
- CHED recently updated the list through a CHED Memorandum Order.
- Applications are open to qualified students in both public and private higher education institutions.
What are CHED Priority Courses?
CHED Priority Courses are specific degree programs recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as eligible for its scholarship program. To qualify for the CHED Merit Scholarship, students must be enrolled in one of these courses.
These are divided into two categories:
- National Priority Programs: Courses eligible nationwide.
- Regional Priority Programs: Courses specific to the developmental needs of individual CHED regions.
List of CHED Priority Courses 2025
A. National Priority Courses
1. Science and Mathematics
- Applied Mathematics / Mathematics
- Applied Physics / Physics
- Biochemistry
- Applied Statistics / Statistics
- Biology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- Marine Biology
- Human Biology
- Marine Science
- Meteorology
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- Volcano and Seismology Related Fields
2. Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Cyber Security
- Game Development and Animation
- Entertainment and Multimedia Computing
- Information Technology
- Library and Information Science
3. Engineering and Technology
- Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Ceramic Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Food Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Electronics Engineering / Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Geodetic Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Robotics Engineering
- Manufacturing / Production Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Sanitary Engineering
- Industrial Technology
- Structural Engineering
- Aviation Related Programs
- Engineering Technology
- Mechatronics Engineering Technology
- Aircraft Maintenance Technology
4. Architecture and Related Programs
- Fine Arts
- Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
- Interior Design
- Environmental Planning
5. Business and Management
- Business Analytics (straight or major)
- Accountancy
- Hospitality Management / Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Tourism Management / Tourism
6. Health Profession Education
- Nursing
- Doctor of Optometry
- Midwifery
- Doctor of Dental Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Occupational Therapy
- Public Health
- Medical Technology / Medical Laboratory Science
- Respiratory Therapy
- Radiologic Technology
- Speech and Language Pathology
7. Maritime Education
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
8. Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Community Development
- Peace Studies / Education
- Human Services (Guidance and Counseling)
- Indigenous Peoples Studies / Education
9. Teacher Education
- Special Needs Education
- Culture and Arts
- Early Childhood Education
- Sports and Exercise Science
- Secondary Education Majors in Science and Mathematics
10. Multi and Interdisciplinary Cluster
- Agro – Forestry
- Agribusiness
- Disaster Risk Management
- Climate Change
- Renewable / Sustainable Energy
- Data Science and Analytics
B. Regional Priority Courses
Region I
- Bachelor of Physical Education
- Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education
- Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education
Region II
- Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
- Bachelor of Elementary Education
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Human
- Resource Development
- Bachelor of Science in Criminology
- Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship
Region III
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (all majors)
- Bachelor of Elementary Education
- Bachelor of Secondary Education (all majors)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Region IV
- Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation
- Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology / Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Electronics / Communications Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Region V
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication
- Bachelor of Arts in Accounting Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Financial Management
- Bachelor of Science in Criminology
- Bachelor of Science in Office Administration
Region VI
- Bachelor of Elementary Education
- Bachelor of Science in Criminology
- Bachelor of Science in Fisheries
- Bachelor of Science in Food Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Packaging Engineering
Region VII
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication
- Bachelor of Science in Naval Engineering / Architecture
- Bachelor of Science in Office Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Public Administration
- Bachelor of Secondary Education majors in English, Filipino, Social Studies and Values
Region VIII
- Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Science in Travel Management
- Bachelor of Secondary Education majors in Filipino and Social Science
- Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education
Region IX
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Criminology
- Bachelor in Islamic Education
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Bachelor in Early Childhood Education
Region X
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
- Bachelor of Science in Development Communications
- Bachelor of Science in Ecology
- Bachelor of Science in Forestry
- Bachelor of / Bachelor of Science in Performing Arts
Region XI
- Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science in Theology
- Bachelor of Physical Education
- Bachelor of Technical Vocational Education
- Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education
- Creative and Performing Arts
Region XII
- Bachelor of Science in Criminology
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
- Bachelor of Science in Fisheries
- AB Islamic Education
- Bachelor of Elementary Education
CAR
- Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship
CARAGA
- Bachelor of Science in Fisheries
- Bachelor of Science in Agroforestry
- Bachelor of Science in Geology
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
- Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management
MIMAROPA
- Bachelor of Elementary Education
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (all majors)
- Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Education
- Bachelor of Secondary Education (all majors)
NCR
- Bachelor in Multimedia Arts
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Supply Chain / Logistics Management
- Bachelor of Science in Criminology
- Bachelor of Secondary Education (all majors)
Are CHED Priority Courses available in Private Universities?
Yes. Students from both public and private universities are eligible, as long as their school is a CHED-recognized higher education institution (HEI) and the student is enrolled in a CHED priority course.
Who is eligible for CHED Merit Scholarship?
To qualify for the CHED Scholarship:
- You must be Filipino.
- A graduating high school senior or a college freshman.
- Enrolled in a CHED Priority Course.
- Must not be a recipient of any other government scholarship.
- Belong to a family with a combined annual income of ₱400,000 or below (can be waived with supporting documents).
CHED Merit Scholarship Benefits 2025–2026
Qualified students can receive up to ₱120,000 per academic year:
| Scholarship Type | Tuition & Fees | Monthly Stipend | Book/Internet Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Scholarship | ₱40,000 | ₱35,000 | ₱5,000 |
| Half Scholarship | ₱20,000 | ₱17,500 | ₱2,500 |
How to Apply for CHED Merit Scholarship 2025–2026
1. Check Eligibility
Confirm you meet the academic and income requirements.
2. Gather Documents
- High school report card or grades
- Certificate of indigency or ITR
- Certificate of good moral character
3. Apply Online via CHED Portal
Submit your documents through the official CHED Scholarship Application Portal during the application period.
4. Wait for Evaluation and Results
Qualified scholars will be contacted via email or through the CHED regional office.
Expert Advice
“The identification of priority programs is aimed at steering qualified applicants toward courses that support national and regional development, ensuring they receive financial assistance and improve their employment prospects.”
– Dr. Christopher Pio O. Pulido, Supervising Education Program Specialist, CHED Region XI
Sources
National Priority Courses: Based on CHED Memorandum Order No. 7, series of 2023, which provides the updated list of priority programs for the CHED Merit Scholarship covering Academic Years 2023–2024 to 2027–2028.
Regional Priority Courses: Memorandum from the Chairperson detailing the region-specific priority courses for CHED Scholarship Programs, effective Academic Year 2021–2022.
