If you are planning to apply for a CHED scholarship, one of the first things you need to confirm is whether your chosen college course is on the official priority list. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) does not fund every degree program it strategically focuses financial support on courses that directly address the Philippines’ critical workforce and development needs.
This guide presents the complete list of CHED Priority Courses based on the latest CHED Memorandum Order, organized by order, with practical notes to help you determine whether your course qualifies.
Why CHED Priority Courses Matter
CHED scholarship programs including the flagship CHED Bagong Pilipinas Scholarship are not open to all college courses. Applicants must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in a course that falls under CHED’s officially designated priority areas.
These priority courses are selected based on two major frameworks: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Mathematics) and key national growth sectors identified by the government as critical to the Philippines’ economic and social development.
If your course is not on this list, you may still be eligible for other scholarship programs, but you will likely not qualify for most CHED-administered grants. Confirming your course eligibility before applying saves you time and prevents unnecessary document preparation.
Complete List of CHED Priority Courses
1. Science and Mathematics Education
- Applied Mathematics / Mathematics
- Applied Physics / Physics
- Biochemistry
- Applied Statistics / Statistics
- Biology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- Human Biology
- Marine Biology
- Marine Science
- Meteorology
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- Volcano and Seismology Related Fields
2. Information Technology
With the rapid expansion of the Philippine digital economy and the BPO industry, IT-related courses remain among the most consistently supported by CHED.
- Computer Science
- Cyber Security
- Game Development and Animation / Entertainment and Multimedia Computing
- Information Technology
- Library and Information Science
3. Engineering and Technology
Engineering is the largest cluster on the CHED priority list, reflecting the country’s infrastructure, industrialization, and modernization goals.
- Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
- Aircraft Maintenance Technology
- Aviation Related Programs
- Ceramic Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering / Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Engineering Technology
- Food Engineering
- Geodetic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Industrial Technology
- Manufacturing / Production Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering Technology
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Robotics Engineering
- Sanitary Engineering
- Structural Engineering
4. Architecture and Related Programs
- Architecture
- Environmental Planning
- Fine Arts
- Interior Design
- Landscape Architecture
5. Business and Management
Not all business courses qualify. CHED is selective in this cluster, focusing on programs with direct applicability to economic competitiveness and tourism.
- Accountancy
- Business Analytics (straight program or as a major)
- Hospitality Management / Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Tourism Management / Tourism
⚠️ Important Note: If you are taking a general Business Administration course not specifically listed above, it will likely not qualify under most CHED scholarship programs. Always double-check with your CHED Regional Office before assuming eligibility.
6. Health Profession Education
Given the country’s ongoing demand for healthcare workers both locally and internationally, health profession courses are a consistent CHED funding priority.
- Doctor of Dental Medicine
- Doctor of Optometry
- Medical Technology / Medical Laboratory Science
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Occupational Therapy
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Public Health
- Radiologic Technology
- Respiratory Therapy
- Speech and Language Pathology
7. Maritime Education
The Philippines is the world’s top supplier of maritime professionals, and CHED recognizes this sector as a strategic national priority.
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
8. Social Sciences
Social development, community welfare, and peace-building are recognized as equally critical to national progress.
- Community Development
- Human Services (Guidance and Counseling)
- Indigenous Peoples Studies / Education
- Peace Studies / Education
- Psychology
- Social Work
9. Teacher Education
CHED specifically prioritizes education programs that address critical gaps in the Philippine basic education system.
- Culture and Arts Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Secondary Education majors in Science and Mathematics
- Special Needs Education
- Sports and Exercise Science
10. Multi and Interdisciplinary Cluster
- Agribusiness
- Agro-Forestry
- Climate Change
- Data Science and Analytics
- Disaster Risk Management
- Renewable / Sustainable Energy
How to Use This List When Applying for a CHED Scholarship
Finding your course on this list is the first step but there are a few practical things to keep in mind:
Verify the exact course name: CHED is specific about program names. “Business Administration” is not the same as “Business Analytics.” “Information Management” may or may not be treated the same as “Information Systems.” When in doubt, ask your school registrar or your CHED Regional Office for written confirmation.
Check the specific scholarship’s course requirements: Some CHED programs have their own sub-list of qualifying courses within the broader priority framework. Always read the full scholarship guidelines, not just the priority course list.
Contact your CHED Regional Office: If you are unsure whether your course qualifies, call or visit your regional office directly. This is the most reliable way to get a definitive answer before you invest time in preparing your application.
Quick Reference: CHED Priority Course Clusters
| Cluster | Number of Fields Covered |
|---|---|
| Science and Mathematics | 16 fields |
| Information Technology | 5 fields |
| Engineering and Technology | 25 fields |
| Architecture and Related Programs | 5 fields |
| Business and Management | 4 fields |
| Health Profession Education | 13 fields |
| Maritime Education | 1 field |
| Social Sciences | 6 fields |
| Teacher Education | 5 fields |
| Multi and Interdisciplinary | 6 fields |
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This list is based on the latest available CHED Memorandum Order at the time of publication. CHED priority courses are subject to revision. Always refer to the official CHED website or your regional office for the most current and binding list of priority programs.
