Department of Health (DOH) Pre-Service Scholarship Program 2025: Complete Guide

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The Department of Health (DOH) Pre-Service Scholarship Program (PSSP) was one of the most recognized government-funded scholarships in the Philippines, created to support aspiring healthcare professionals. The program gave financially challenged but academically deserving students the chance to study allied health courses without worrying about tuition and living expenses, while preparing them to serve in the Philippine health sector.

Although the DOH stopped accepting new scholars in 2024, the Pre-Service Scholarship remains an important reference for students seeking opportunities in nursing, medical technology, pharmacy, and other allied health programs. This guide explains its history, benefits, requirements, and what students can do now that the program has been transitioned.

What is the DOH Pre-Service Scholarship?

The DOH Pre-Service Scholarship Program was a financial assistance program offered by the Department of Health to undergraduate students pursuing priority health-related courses.

The primary goal was to produce qualified healthcare professionals who would serve in underserved communities and government health facilities, helping address the shortage of medical workers in the Philippines.

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Benefits of the DOH Pre-Service Scholarship

Scholars enjoyed wide-ranging benefits designed to fully support their studies and daily needs:

  • Free Tuition and Miscellaneous Fees – Covered by the DOH through partner schools.

  • Monthly Stipend – Allowance for food, transportation, and study materials.

  • Book and Uniform Allowance – Financial support to buy essential supplies.

  • Clinical Training Support – Assistance during internships and on-the-job training.

  • Return Service Employment – Guaranteed job opportunities in DOH facilities after graduation.

This made the PSSP one of the most competitive scholarships for aspiring nurses and allied health students.

Courses Covered by the Scholarship

The DOH Pre-Service Scholarship supported several allied health programs, including:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

  • Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy

  • Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology

  • Midwifery Programs

  • Other CHED-approved allied health courses

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants to the DOH PSSP needed to meet strict qualifications. Typical requirements included:

  1. Filipino Citizen – Must be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines.

  2. Academic Standing – High school graduate or currently enrolled in an allied health program with at least 85% GPA.

  3. Age Limit – Usually between 16–25 years old.

  4. Good Moral Character – Certificate from school and barangay.

  5. Health Clearance – Must be medically fit to study and work in healthcare.

  6. Income Requirement – Belong to a low-income household, verified by the DSWD or barangay.

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Application Process

Before it was phased out in 2024, here’s how the application process typically worked:

Step 1: Partner School Application

Students applied directly through DOH-accredited schools offering allied health programs.

Step 2: Submit Requirements

Required documents included:

  • Birth Certificate (PSA)

  • Form 137 / Transcript of Records

  • Certificate of Good Moral Character

  • Income Certificate / 4Ps ID

  • Medical Certificate

Step 3: Screening

Applications were evaluated by both the partner school and the DOH Regional Center for Health Development (CHD).

Step 4: Confirmation

Successful applicants were announced by the DOH CHD and given scholarship orientation.

Obligations of DOH Scholars

The DOH PSSP had a Return Service Agreement (RSA), requiring scholars to give back by serving in public health facilities after graduation.

  • Service Obligation – Scholars served 2 years for every 1 year of scholarship support.

  • Work Assignment – Deployment to government hospitals, rural health units, and community health centers.

  • Commitment – Scholars who failed to complete their service were required to refund the financial support.

What Happened to the DOH Pre-Service Scholarship?

In 2024, the Department of Health announced that the Pre-Service Scholarship Program was discontinued, with no new intakes starting Academic Year 2024–2025.

Instead, the responsibility for health-related scholarships was transitioned to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The change was made to consolidate scholarship management and funding under CHED, while the DOH continues to support in-service health workers through other training programs.

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Alternatives to the DOH Pre-Service Scholarship

Even though the DOH PSSP has ended, students still have several options:

  • CHED Scholarships – CHED now manages scholarships for priority health programs, including nursing and allied health.

  • Philippine Army Nursing Scholarship – For those willing to serve in the military health sector.

  • LGU-Funded Scholarships – Many provinces, cities, and municipalities offer nursing and allied health scholarships.

  • Private and NGO Scholarships – Some foundations continue to support students in medicine and allied health.

How to Stay Updated

Students interested in similar opportunities should:

  1. Follow the DOH official Facebook page (facebook.com/DOHgovph) for announcements.

  2. Check with DOH Centers for Health Development (CHD) in your region.

  3. Regularly visit the CHED website (ched.gov.ph) for updated scholarship calls.

Final Thoughts

The Department of Health Pre-Service Scholarship Program (PSSP) played a critical role in shaping the country’s healthcare workforce by supporting financially struggling but deserving students. While the program has officially ended, its legacy continues through the scholars currently serving in government hospitals and health facilities.

For aspiring nurses, medical technologists, and other allied health students, the best step now is to look into CHED-managed scholarships and LGU-funded programs. These ensure that the next generation of health professionals still receives the support needed to finish their studies and serve the Filipino people.

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