CHED Caraga Scholarship 2025 – Eligibility, Requirements, Application Guide, and Benefits

by

Suppose you’re targeting the CHED Caraga scholarship. In that case, you’re mainly looking at three pillars: the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) for high-performing students, UniFAST programs like the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) for grants-in-aid, and Free Higher Education (R.A. 10931) for students at SUCs and CHED-recognized LUCs. CHED Caraga (Region XIII) manages regional calls, screening, and coordination with HEIs across the Caraga provinces. For AY 2025–2026, CHED Caraga publicly announced an online application window for CMSP and provided a dedicated scholarship portal for submissions.

What “CHED Caraga” Means (Region XIII)

“CHED Caraga” refers to the CHED Regional Office in Region XIII, which posts official calls, timelines, and contact points for local applicants. They use a public website and social channels to announce CMSP slots and related updates, including TES orientations with UniFAST. Keep those pages pinned during application season.

ched caraga scholarship at a Glance (Programs & Paths)

CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP)

CMSP is the flagship merit program. In Caraga, the application period for AY 2025–2026 ran May 20 to June 20, 2025, with applications filed via the CHED Caraga Scholarship Portal. CHED Caraga also publicized available CMSP slots (e.g., a post citing 86 slots for AY 2025–2026). Expect competition and strict screening. Always confirm dates and slots for the next cycle on the official pages.

TES & Tulong Dunong (UniFAST)

TES is a grant-in-aid under R.A. 10931. As of UniFAST’s current page, TES provides ₱20,000 per AY for SUC/LUC students and ₱27,000 per AY for private HEI students, with added support for PWDs (₱10,000/AY) and one-time board exam taker reimbursement (₱8,000). TDP is a subsidy under TES that may grant ₱7,500 per regular semester to eligible students, subject to prioritization and funds. Prioritization for AY 2024–2025 onward emphasizes Listahanan and 4Ps households.

RA 10931 Free Higher Education (FHE)

If you enroll in a SUC or CHED-recognized LUC, tuition and 13 other school fees are covered for qualified students meeting admission and retention rules, with exceptions (e.g., second degree, overstaying). The law is the national framework behind free tuition at public HEIs.

Eligibility & Selection

Merit (CMSP): CHED evaluates academic strength (grades/ranking), correct program/enrollment status, and documentary completeness. Regions may highlight national priority programs when available. Need (TES/TDP): UniFAST prioritizes students in Listahanan and 4Ps, then other indigent students based on the latest guidelines and available funds. Read the CSP policy memo (CMO 08 s.2019) and the TES/TDP pages to align your profile and documents.

See also  University of Toronto Scholarships for Filipinos 2025: Fully Funded, Merit & Graduate Awards Guide

Academic Track (Merit)

Aim for consistent high performance across senior high or your latest college term, choose recognized programs, and maintain clean conduct. Competitive slots (as cited by CHED Caraga for AY 2025–2026) require a complete, accurate, and timely application.

Financial-Need Track (TES/TDP)

Prepare proofs of need (Listahanan confirmation if you have it, 4Ps membership, or barangay certificates/COE per TES/TDP guidance). Follow the TES documentary requirements (e.g., COR/COE; PWD ID if applicable). Keep in mind: benefits and prioritization are subject to funds and updated UniFAST rules.

Benefits & Coverage (By Program)

  • CMSP (Merit): Financial assistance whose specifics are released with each annual call and accompanying regional guidance. Check the Caraga CMSP page and portal for exact coverage and slot counts per AY. (chedcaraga.ph, scholarship.chedcaraga.ph)
  • TES (UniFAST): ₱20,000/AY (SUC/LUC), ₱27,000/AY (private HEI); PWD add-on ₱10,000/AY; board exam taker reimbursement ₱8,000; prioritization rules apply. (unifast.gov.ph)
  • TDP (under TES): ₱7,500 per regular semester, subject to eligibility and funds. (unifast.gov.ph)
  • Free Higher Education (RA 10931): Tuition + 13 school fees in SUCs/LUCs for qualified students (admission/retention rules; exceptions in law). (unifast.gov.ph, Lawphil)

Requirements Checklist (Documents & Forms)

Create a tidy folder (physical + cloud) with clear filenames:

  • Valid government ID; PSA birth certificate (as required by your call)
  • Certificate of Registration/Enrollment (for TES/TDP) or Form 138/TOR (for CMSP, transferees, or continuing applicants)
  • Certificate of Good Moral Character
  • Proofs of need (Listahanan/4Ps documentation, or community certificates as per TDP guidelines)
  • Passport-size or 2×2 photo(s) with correct background, filename format, and date
  • Any program-specific forms from the CHED Caraga Scholarship Portal or the UniFAST site (download only from official pages)

How to Apply (Step-by-Step for Caraga)

  1. Identify your target program. Decide if you’re applying for CMSP (merit) or TES/TDP (need-based) and check if you also qualify for FHE (if enrolling in an SUC/LUC). (unifast.gov.ph)
  2. Read the current call. For CMSP, review the CHED Caraga CMSP page and note the application window (e.g., May 20–June 20, 2025 for AY 2025–2026). For future cycles, dates may change—always verify. (chedcaraga.ph)
  3. Register in the official portal. Use the CHED Caraga Scholarship Portal for CMSP submissions; create an account and follow upload instructions. (scholarship.chedcaraga.ph)
  4. Prepare documents early. TES/TDP have specific forms; CMSP may require distinct attachments. Use correct filenames (e.g., Lastname_Firstname_DocumentType.pdf). (unifast.gov.ph)
  5. Submit ahead of the deadline. CHED Caraga clearly states late applications won’t be accepted. Aim for 7–10 days early to allow for fixes. (chedcaraga.ph)
  6. Watch your email/portal. Respond quickly to clarifications, and prepare for possible interviews or validation steps.
  7. Track results and next steps. If successful, read your award notice and retention conditions carefully.

Need help? CHED Caraga lists CSP contact numbers and email for scholarship queries. Save them in your phone for quick follow-ups. (chedcaraga.ph)

Retention Rules & Compliance

  • Stay eligible: Follow the admission/retention rules of your HEI (especially for FHE) and any award-specific conditions. (unifast.gov.ph)
  • Maintain academic standing & conduct: CMSP is competitive; keep grades strong and avoid disciplinary issues.
  • Stay within program timelines: Don’t overstay beyond the prescribed duration + grace period (applies to FHE; similar logic is used in TES). (unifast.gov.ph)
  • Renew/validate on time: Some programs require periodic reporting (e.g., COR each term for TES/TDP). (unifast.gov.ph)
See also  Mapúa University Scholarships: How to Apply, Requirements, and Benefits

17 Proven Tips to Win

  1. Apply early (submit at least a week before the deadline). (chedcaraga.ph)
  2. Use the correct portal (CHED Caraga Scholarship Portal) and avoid third-party sites. (scholarship.chedcaraga.ph)
  3. Align with priorities (if CHED releases national priority programs, select an eligible course you truly want). (ro11.ched.gov.ph)
  4. Craft a clear personal statement (merit: achievements & goals; need: constraints & impact).
  5. Organize documents (PDF, legible scans, correct naming conventions).
  6. Ask for a recommendation early (teacher, adviser, community leader).
  7. Keep grades consistent (avoid sharp drops near application season).
  8. Double-check eligibility (FHE exceptions, TES prioritization). (Lawphil, unifast.gov.ph)
  9. Monitor CHED Caraga channels (slots, notices). (Facebook)
  10. Prepare for validation (have originals on hand; keep digital copies in cloud).
  11. Follow file specs (photo background, file size/format).
  12. Use a scholarship tracker (status, dates, notes).
  13. Plan your budget (know tuition/fees even if applying for FHE; track living costs). (unifast.gov.ph)
  14. Meet HEI deadlines (admission requirements can affect CMSP/TES eligibility).
  15. Look at alternatives (LGU aid, campus grants) if you miss a window.
  16. Ask the focal office (use CHED Caraga CSP contacts for clarifications). (chedcaraga.ph)
  17. Stay updated on rule changes (UniFAST/TES guidelines evolve). (unifast.gov.ph)

Timeline & Calendar (AY 2025–2026)

  • February–April: Shortlist programs (CMSP vs. TES/TDP vs. FHE). Confirm HEI admissions and priority courses if posted. (ro11.ched.gov.ph)
  • May–June: CMSP window (Caraga cited May 20–June 20, 2025 for AY 2025–2026). Submit early via the official portal. (chedcaraga.ph)
  • July–August: Watch for validation/results; enroll on time; complete TES/TDP requirements if applicable. (unifast.gov.ph)
  • September–December: Maintain grades/standing; keep receipts/records for any reimbursements; update your tracker.
  • January–March (next AY prep): Re-check guidelines; plan renewals or new applications.

Budgeting Smartly with Mixed Aid

Even with FHE covering tuition + 13 school fees at SUCs/LUCs, you still need to budget for living costs (transport, meals, rent, materials). If awarded CMSP, TES, or TDP, assign funds to essentials first (books, connectivity, emergency buffer). Keep a Google Sheet with monthly targets, proof of payments, and term-by-term scholarship inflows. If your status changes (e.g., PWD support eligibility or board exam fees later on), update your plan and align with UniFAST guidelines. (unifast.gov.ph)

See also  EBD Scholarship 2025: Application, Benefits, Requirements, Official Guide

Common Mistakes & Fixes

  • Relying on third-party sites with unverified dates/links → Use only the CHED Caraga site/portal and official UniFAST pages. (chedcaraga.ph, scholarship.chedcaraga.ph, unifast.gov.ph)
  • Submitting on the last day → portals get busy; submit a week early. (chedcaraga.ph)
  • Missing a required doc → print the official checklist; request barangay/COE docs early (TDP). (unifast.gov.ph)
  • Assuming “automatic” renewal → follow retention and reporting steps every term. (unifast.gov.ph)
  • Ignoring FHE exceptions → verify you’re not in an excluded category (e.g., second degree). (Lawphil)

Templates & Tools

Email – Recommendation Request

Subject: Scholarship Recommendation – [Your Name], [Program]
Dear [Prof./Sir/Ma’am Last Name],
I’m applying for CHED Caraga’s merit/grant program and would be grateful for your recommendation. I’ve attached my résumé and brief goals. Deadline: [date]. Thank you!
Sincerely, [Your Name], [Contact]

File-Naming Convention
Lastname_Firstname_DocumentType_AY2025-2026.pdf (e.g., DelaCruz_Ana_COR_AY2025-2026.pdf)

Scholarship Tracker (Columns)
Program | Portal | Deadline | Submitted | Follow-ups | Result | Notes

FAQs about Ched Caraga Scholarship

1) What are the main scholarships I can apply for in Caraga?
Three pillars: CMSP (merit), TES/TDP (grants-in-aid under UniFAST), and Free Higher Education (RA 10931) if you’re in an SUC or LUC and meet rules. (chedcaraga.ph, unifast.gov.ph)

2) When is the application period?
For AY 2025–2026, CHED Caraga publicized May 20–June 20, 2025 for CMSP. Future cycles can differ—always check the latest call. (chedcaraga.ph)

3) Where do I submit my application?
Use the CHED Caraga Scholarship Portal for CMSP. For TES/TDP, follow your HEI and UniFAST instructions as posted on official pages. (scholarship.chedcaraga.ph, unifast.gov.ph)

4) How many CMSP slots are available?
CHED Caraga posted 86 CMSP slots for AY 2025–2026. Slot counts change yearly—verify the current announcement. (Facebook)

5) How much is the TES grant?
As posted by UniFAST: ₱20,000/AY (SUC/LUC) and ₱27,000/AY (Private HEI), plus add-ons for PWDs (₱10,000/AY) and board exam takers (₱8,000 one-time); subject to prioritization and funds. (unifast.gov.ph)

6) What does Free Higher Education cover?
At SUCs/LUCs, qualified students get tuition + 13 other school fees covered, subject to admission/retention rules and legal exceptions. (unifast.gov.ph, Lawphil)

7) Who can I contact for help in Caraga?
Use the CHED Caraga CSP contacts (mobile numbers and email) listed on their official Contact Us page; save them for quick follow-ups. (chedcaraga.ph)

Conclusion

Winning a Ched Caraga scholarship is all about matching your profile to the right track (CMSP merit vs. TES/TDP need), submitting early through the official portal, and keeping tight control of your documents and deadlines. Anchor your plan on the official CHED Caraga site/portal, UniFAST (TES/TDP) pages, and your HEI’s notices—these are the sources that matter for eligibility, benefits, and timing. If you’re entering a SUC/LUC, check your FHE status too.

External link (official):
https://chedcaraga.ph ← Always verify current calls, slots, and portal links here. (chedcaraga.ph)

Leave a Comment