The Marcos Administration has officially inaugurated the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP) for Academic Year 2026-2027. Following the ceremonial signing of the Joint Memorandum Circular in Laoag City on January 23, 2026, the government has allocated ₱634 million to support 20,000 top-performing Filipino students.
This flagship initiative, part of the PBBM-GABAY ng Bayan program, is a unified effort by CHED, DepEd, and TESDA to reward academic excellence and bridge the country’s labor gaps in critical sectors.
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Fast Facts
- Scholarship Name: Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP)
- Slots Available: 20,000 for AY 2026-2027.
- The Top 5 Rule: Exclusive to the Top 5 Graduates of every SHS batch.
- Grade Requirement: 95% GWA or higher (High Honors).
- Application Date: Online portal opens in May 2026.
- Total Benefit: Up to ₱208,000 per year for private university students.
What is the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship (BPMSP)?
Unlike traditional grants that focus primarily on indigency, the BPMSP is a merit-based “Triple A” scholarship. It is specifically designed for the Top 5 Graduates of every Senior High School (SHS) in the Philippines, including those from public, private, and the Philippine Science High School system.
Eligibility Requirements & The Top 5 Rule
To qualify for the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP) for 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria as mandated by the Joint Memorandum Circular signed on January 23, 2026:
- Filipino Citizenship: Must be a natural-born Filipino citizen.
- The “Top 5” Rule: Must be among the Top 5 Graduates of your Senior High School graduating class (applies to public, private, and specialized high schools).
- Academic Grade (GWA): A General Weighted Average (GWA) of 95% or higher (High Honors/Highest Honors).
- Note: A baseline of 90% may be considered for specific high-demand STEM priority programs depending on regional slots.
- Income Limit: Combined annual gross income of parents/guardians generally must not exceed ₱2,000,000, with priority given to low-income brackets and 4Ps beneficiaries.
- Student Status: Must be an incoming first-year college student who has never enrolled in any tertiary degree.
- TESDA Pathway: TESDA National Certificate (NC) holders are eligible if they meet the 95% GWA and SHS ranking requirements.
BPMSP 2026 Documentary Requirements Checklist
Prepare Certified True Copies of these documents for the digital portal:
- PSA Birth Certificate.
- SHS Report Card (Form 138) showing a GWA of at least 95%.
- Official Certificate of Ranking (Signed by the Principal confirming “Top 5” status).
- Proof of Household Income (Latest ITR or BIR Certificate of Tax Exemption).
- Certificate of Good Moral Character.
Indicative; subject to final guidelines
What are the scholarship benefits?
The financial package is among the most generous in Philippine history. The total support varies by region and the type of institution (SUC vs. Private HEI).
| Category | Tuition Subsidy | Stipend (Per Sem) | Books & Connectivity | Total Annual Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Univ (NCR) | Up to ₱75,000/sem | ₱25,000 | ₱4,000 | ₱208,000 |
| Private Univ (Provincial) | Up to ₱30,000/sem | Varies | ₱4,000 | ₱98,000 |
| Public Univ (SUCs) | Free (RA 10931) | ₱25,000 | ₱4,000 | ₱58,000+ |
While the regular CHED Merit Scholarship (CMSP) offers a maximum of ₱120,000 per year, the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship provides up to ₱208,000, making it the highest-paying undergraduate merit scholarship currently offered by the Commission
Note: Stipends for scholars in regional SUCs outside Metro Manila are adjusted based on local cost-of-living standards.
If you are planning to enroll in a private university, make sure to check if your chosen campus is among the SM Partner Schools to qualify for the SM College Scholarship.
What are the Priority Programs?
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Agriculture, Forestry, Environmental Science, and related fields
- Health and Allied Health programs
- Information Technology, Computing, and Data-related fields
- Teacher Education in specialized and critical subject areas
- Other development-priority disciplines as determined by CHED
A full list of priority programs will be released in the official BPMSP guidelines.
How to Apply for Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship: Step-by-Step
- Secure your Ranking: Obtain your “Top 5” certification from your school principal by February or March 2026.
- Access the Portal: Visit the Official CHED STUFAPS Portal (The BPMSP digital link will activate in May 2026).
- Register on CHED-TANAW: Create an account using a valid email address.
- Upload & Submit: Fill out the digital form and upload the documentary requirements listed above.
- Monitor Status: Check your email for the validation status and notice of award (NOA).
The Digital Application Process: CHED-TANAW
For the first time, CHED is using the CHED-TANAW platform (National Higher Education Data Visualization Platform) for 100% digital validation.
- CHED-TANAW Portal: Register via the new National Higher Education Data Visualization Platform (official links will be released via CHED Regional Offices in May-June 2026).
- Automated Validation: The system uses real-time analytics to verify your GWA and Rank directly with DepEd and TESDA records.
- Project PEPA: For 4Ps beneficiaries, look out for the Project PEPA (Patuloy na Edukasyon, Patuloy na Pag-Ahon) Caravan, a nationwide drive for 490,000 eligible students.
Mandatory Return Service Agreement (RSA)
Scholars are required to render Return Service in the Philippines for a period equivalent to the years they enjoyed the scholarship. This service can be completed in government agencies, local private firms, or community-based projects to ensure the “investment” stays within the country.
Read also: PCSO Educational assistance
Important Update: Application Portal Not Yet Live!
If you visit the CHED scholarship portal today and don’t see an “Apply” button, don’t panic! The guidelines were just signed on January 23. The official window is expected to open in May or June 2026. Bookmark this page for the direct portal link.
Launching of PBBM-GABAY ng Bayan Programs
This video provides the full coverage of the official launch event where the scholarship guidelines were signed, giving you the direct context of the program’s goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the BPMSP application portal open today?
No. While the guidelines were signed on January 23, 2026, the application portal is expected to go live in May 2026. Bookmark this page for the direct link.
I am not in the Top 5 of my class, can I still apply?
The BPMSP specifically targets the Top 5 graduates. However, if you have a GWA of 90% and above, you may still qualify for the standard CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP). The BPMSP is the “premium” tier of this system.
Can I apply if I already have a DOST or LGU scholarship?
Generally, no. Government rules prohibit “double-dipping” or receiving two sets of financial aid from the national budget. You will have to choose the one that offers the better benefits for your specific course.
What is the “Return Service Agreement” (RSA)?
This is a 1:1 commitment. For every year you receive the scholarship, you must work in the Philippines for one year after graduation. This includes working in local private companies, government agencies, or community projects.
Does BPMSP cover private universities?
Yes! For private HEIs in Metro Manila, the scholarship provides up to ₱75,000 per semester for tuition, plus stipends. This is one of the highest subsidies ever offered by CHED.
What is Project PEPA?
Project PEPA (Patuloy na Edukasyon, Patuloy na Pag-Ahon) is a specific support initiative for 4Ps beneficiaries. If your family is under the 4Ps program, you will get extra assistance and priority during the BPMSP application process.
I am belong the top 5 student in the class
And he continued to study with a child and lacked finances
I hope maka sali po
Paano po mag apply ng
Scholarship
gusto korin po mag apply ng mga scholarships para makatulong sa magulang ko apat po kmi nag aaral dalawa napo kmi college ngaung pasukan isang grade7 at isang grade3. thankz po sana mapansin..
I am a graduating student who wishes to apply for the scholarship program. I sincerely hope to be considered, as I have consistently maintained good academic performance throughout my studies. Since elementary school, I have worked hard to keep my grades high and to remain dedicated to my education.
I am motivated, responsible, and committed to continuing this good performance in college. Being granted this scholarship would greatly help me pursue my goals and further improve myself academically and personally.
How to apply for scholarship, were from Pampanga
How about ABM student can also apply for BPMSP scholarship.
Sana makasali
As a graduating student, I also wanted to join into scholarships po. Apat po kaming nag-aaral, I’m an incoming College student at alam ko pong nahihirapan na si mama magpa-aral sa amin. Kaya po gusto kong makasali sa scholarships. Thank you po.
I hope matulongan nyo po ako for my financial, baka po kasi maka hinto ako sa pag aaral because ang hirap ng buhay, wala rin po enough income isa po akong indigenous people nagmamakaawa po ako at sana matulongan.
I am jay briel sanchez graduate of SHS and want to proceed college but the problems not stable financial to go college,and I’m manifesting to be one of those applicants to a scholar,cause I really want to finished college to find more opportunities of job’s, manifesting mapili kasi ako lang mag isa ehh walang mama at papa
How to avail po?
Paano po 95 yung GWA pero hindi kasali sa top 5 since marami ang With High Honor sa batch, eligible parin po bang mag apply?
I hope there is also Bachelor of arts in Political Science in your prioritize program. Thank you.
And I am not in top 5 in class but I have 93 GWA. I really need a scholar cuz I can only support myself, I have no parents and I really want to finish college.
I am Shane T. Bernados, a graduating SHS student who humbly hopes to be given the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship program. Education has always been very important to me, and since elementary school, I have worked hard to maintain good academic performance and remain dedicated to my studies despite the challenges I have faced.
Coming from a family that is financially unstable, pursuing higher education is not easy for us. However, this situation has only strengthened my determination to succeed and to make the most of every opportunity given to me. I am motivated, responsible, and fully committed to continuing this hard work as I enter college.
Being granted this scholarship would greatly ease our financial burden and would mean more than just support, it would be a source of hope and encouragement for me to continue striving toward my goals. With this opportunity, I am determined to grow further both academically and personally and to build a better future for myself and my family.
Ps. I would like to apply for this opportunity for my granchild Anikha ciara fernanfez who will be graduating this year presently grade 12 from Sual National High _from Sual pangasinan,🎒 consistently with Honors . Since i am already retired . I could hardly afford to support for her education needs coz his father had passed aLready for long.
How to apply for the Scholarship?
1srt year college po anak ko ngaun pasukan,hoping po na isa sya sa mapili
Dahil gustong gusto po talaga nya makapagtapos. Hirap din po kasi kami dahil tatlo silang nag aaral at nag rerent lng po kami ng bahay.
Maraming salamat & God bless🙏🙏
How to apply? Upcoming grade 12 po ako and next year college napo. Gusto ko po makapag college next year. Hindi naman po mababa grades ko, usually 90 average po ako sa cards.
Ako nalang po nag papaaral sa sarili ko, working student po. Gusto ko po sana kumuha ng Scholarship for me na mabawasan ang gastos ko sa mga binabayaran sa school.
Sana po matanggap at makapasok ako.
ABM po kinuha kung strand. Sa college po BSA ang kukunin kong course. Sariling sikap po ako. Ako nalang po ang nag papaaral sa sarili ko. Service crew po ako sa isang Jollibee store dito sa amin. Sa umaga nag aaral at sa hapon nag wowork ako.
Nag stop po ako ng one year at ngayon ay 19 years old nako at nasa grade 12 palang.
How to avail po?i will be taking medical technology this coming june 2026 but sad to say my parents cant afford the tuition fee
Sana makasali ako para sa pag-aaral ko🙏
I want to apply for scholarships. Gusto ko makatapos ng college but we can’t afford sa mga gastosin.
Sana po bwede maka avail anak ko mag college po next school year lagi nman po syang honor student. Nasa construction industry po ang trabaho ko.
Maraming salamat po sana mapansin.
Sana mapansin po,Kasi 2nd year college napo ako tapos need maka scholarship para may pang gastos pag 3rd Kasi nanjan na Yung research study,malaki gagastusin,sana makasali sa scholarship niyo
Is certificate of indigency not needed and is it okay to apply even if my parent is a government employee but there combine gross income does not exceed the requirement?
Need ko po talaga ng scholarship mga ate ko lang po nagpapa aral sakin. Dahil hindi sapat ang kinikita ng tatay ko. Sana po isa ako sa mapili.
Hoping na maka avail po.
Hoping po na Maka Sali o Maka apply o sa scholarship niyo po, gusto ko o Maka pag tapos sa pag aaral, at Maka graduate sa kursong Nursing, para Maka tulog na rin Ako sa mga magulang ko Kase medjo matanda na Akong ama at may maintenance na rin siya, maiahon kami sa hirap. Pag darasal ko po sana Maka apply po Ako.