Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship 2026: Requirements & Top 5 Rule
The Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP) is the flagship academic grant of the Marcos Administration, officially launched on January 23, 2026. Designed to produce “global-ready” Filipino professionals, the program targets the best and brightest students from low- to middle-income families to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder academic excellence.
Quick Summary:
- Slots: 20,000 nationwide for SY 2026-2027.
- Criteria: Must be in the Top 5 of your SHS batch with a 95% GWA.
- Max Benefit: Up to ₱208,000 annual support for private HEI students.
What is the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship?
The BPMSP is a merit-based initiative implemented by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in partnership with DepEd and TESDA. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the government has opened 20,000 scholarship slots nationwide.
Eligibility: The “Top 5” and Income Requirements
To qualify for the 2026 BPMSP, applicants must meet the following updated criteria:
- The Top 5 Rule: You must be among the top five (5) graduates of your Senior High School graduating class (applicable to all public and private SHS nationwide).
- Academic Grades: A General Weighted Average (GWA) of 95% or higher (High Honors or Highest Honors).
- Household Income: Combined annual gross income must not exceed ₱2,000,000.
- 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 graduated SHS with the required 95% GWA.
Scholarship Benefits: How Much Will You Receive?
The financial package depends on your school type and location.
| Category | Annual Benefit | Tuition Subsidy |
|---|---|---|
| Private HEI (Metro Manila) | Up to ₱208,000 | Up to ₱75,000 included |
| Private HEI (Outside NCR) | Up to ₱98,000 | Included in total |
| SUC/LUC (Metro Manila) | ₱58,000 | FREE (under RA 10931) |
| SUC/LUC (Outside NCR) | ₱38,000 | FREE (under RA 10931) |
Priority Programs for BPMSP 2026
The BPMSP supports degree programs in fields considered essential to national and regional development, including:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Agriculture, Forestry, Environmental Science, and related disciplines
- Health and Allied Health programs
- Information Technology, Computing, and Data-related fields
- Teacher Education in specialized and critical subject areas
- Other development-priority disciplines to be identified by CHED
Note: The complete and official list of BPMSP priority programs will be released through the final implementing guidelines.
Read also: SM College Scholarship 2026
Documentary Requirements
Prepare these for the centralized online application:
- PSA Birth Certificate.
- SHS Report Card (Form 138): Showing a GWA of at least 95%.
- Certificate of Ranking: A document from your principal confirming you are in the Top 5 of your class.
- Proof of Income: Latest ITR of parents or a Certificate of Tax Exemption.
How to Apply for Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship
The application process is now fully digital. Students are encouraged to apply through the official regional portals to ensure faster validation.
- Official CHED Portal: https://ched.e.gov.ph/stufaps
- Application Period: Online applications generally open in May 2026, but students must secure their “Top 5” certificate from their principal as early as February.
The Return Service Agreement (RSA): Serving the Nation
All BPMSP scholars are required to comply with a Return Service Agreement (RSA) as part of their scholarship commitment. The return service is intended to promote nation-building and civic responsibility.
Scholars may be required to render service in:
- Government agencies
- Community development programs
- Research and innovation initiatives
- Other qualified national development activities
Specific details and duration of the return service will be provided in the official implementing guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP) is a merit-based scholarship initiative of the Marcos Administration, implemented through CHED. It provides financial assistance to academically outstanding senior high school graduates from low- to middle-income households who are enrolling in priority degree programs.
The BPMSP is open to incoming first-year college students who are Filipino citizens, graduated from Senior High School with High Honors or Highest Honors (95% GWA and above), and are enrolling in a CHED-recognized HEI offering a BPMSP priority program.
Yes. TESDA National Certificate (NC) holders may apply for the BPMSP provided they meet the High Honors/Highest Honors requirement (95% GWA) in Senior High School and have not earned any college units or tertiary degree.
The BPMSP supports enrollment in priority programs aligned with national and regional development needs. These include STEM, agriculture, health and allied health, information technology, computing, data-related fields, and teacher education in critical subject areas. The full list will be released by CHED in the official guidelines.
Qualified scholars may receive tuition and other school fees, a stipend, and book and connectivity allowances. The exact benefit amounts will be announced once the final BPMSP implementing guidelines are released.
Yes. All BPMSP scholars are required to complete a Return Service Agreement (RSA) after earning their college degree. The return service may be rendered through government service, community programs, research initiatives, or other approved national development activities.
San po nag a apply?
Where and how to apply online?