- Merit-based aid for top students that supports academic excellence in college.
- Focus on job-ready skills aligned with priority and high-demand sectors.
- Digital, transparent system for faster and accountable scholarship delivery.
The Philippine government has launched a new merit-based scholarship to help deserving students access quality higher education and prepare for in-demand careers. Called the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP), the initiative aims to reward academic excellence while aligning education with workforce needs.
The program was formalized through a joint memorandum circular signed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Laoag City. The signing was led by CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, along with Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara and TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez.
CHED said the program strengthens merit in the national scholarship system by identifying high-performing students early and supporting them throughout college. With PHP634 million in government funding, BPMSP will provide scholarships to around 20,000 students nationwide.
Scholars can enroll in public and private higher education institutions offering CHED-identified priority degree programs. These courses are linked to job gaps in key sectors such as education, healthcare, engineering, agriculture, digital technology, creative industries, and finance, helping improve graduates’ employability.
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The scholarship will be managed through a fully digital platform covering application, validation, and monitoring, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
Benefits vary by location and institution. Students in state universities in Metro Manila can receive up to PHP29,000 per semester for living and study expenses, while those in private universities in the capital may receive annual support of up to PHP208,000. Officials said the program will expand career options, strengthen skills training, and better connect education with future jobs.
