Are you a Senior High School graduate looking for a scholarship? If yes, you may want to check out the newest program from the Office of the President. Before you apply, take time to review the process, qualifications, and requirements. This step helps you see if the program fits you.
The Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP) is a national scholarship offered by the Philippine government under the Marcos administration. It supports top-performing Senior High School graduates who want to pursue college through the CHED track or technical-vocational education through the TESDA track. In addition, the program focuses on courses that match the country’s development needs.
Moreover, BPMSP stands out as one of the largest and most generous government scholarships today. It offers 20,000 slots nationwide and has a budget of about ₱634 million for the 2026–2027 academic year. The program aims to encourage students to continue their education, especially in priority fields.
As a result, students who plan to take courses in Science and Technology have a strong advantage. The scholarship opens more opportunities for applicants in these areas.
Who Can Apply?
As mentioned earlier, this scholarship is based on merit. Therefore, applicants must be top-performing learners from their previous school. In addition, they should come from households with limited financial capacity to support their educational needs. For your guidance, we have listed and summarized the qualifications below.
- Filipino citizens;
- Incoming first‑year college or TVET students;
- Top 5 graduates of their Senior High School, or with at least 95% GWA (High Honors);
- From households with a combined annual income of ≤ ₱2,000,000; and
- Not yet earned any college units or a degree.
Documentary Requirements
The Bagong Pilipinas Scholarship requires applicants to submit specific documents. Just like other government programs, such as the SHS Voucher Program, you need to provide proof of eligibility during the application process. To prepare, you may start gathering these documents early. Doing so can also help you apply for other scholarships in the future if needed.
Most importantly, always submit true and authenticated documents. Avoid any illegal or falsified requirements, as these may affect your application. The table below shows the complete list of requirements you need to prepare.
Higher Education (HE) Track
- PSA Birth Certificate
- SF9 / Form 138 (Learner’s Progress Report Card) – SHS
- Proof of Income (any ONE of the following)
- BIR Certificate of Tax Exemption / Non-Filer
- DSWD / C-MSWD Certificate (4Ps beneficiaries)
- Latest ITR of parents/guardians
- OFW / Seafarer contract or proof of income
- Enrollment Form
- Duly filled and signed Parent / Legal Guardian Certification (Annex L)
- For graduates on or before SY 2015–2016:
TVET Diploma Track
- PSA Birth Certificate
- SF9 / Form 138 (Learner’s Progress Report Card) – SHS
- Proof of Income (any ONE of the following)
- BIR Certificate of Tax Exemption / Non-Filer
- DSWD / C-MSWD Certificate (4Ps beneficiaries)
- Latest ITR of parents/guardians
- OFW / Seafarer contract or proof of income
- Proof of Admission to a TESDA-Registered TVI Diploma Program (any of the following)
- Certificate of Acceptance from the TVI
- Training Agreement
- Enrollment Confirmation issued by a TESDA-registered TVI
- Duly filled and signed Parent / Legal Guardian Certification (Annex L)
- For graduates on or before SY 2015–2016:
How to apply for the Bagong Pilipinas Scholarship?
If you are ready to apply for this scholarship, you may now follow the steps provided. Make sure to complete each step carefully and submit your application on time.
- Prepare All Required Documents
Before applying, make sure you have clear digital copies (PDF or JPG) of the documentary requirements above.
- Visit the Official Application Portal
Go to the official Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program application website: https://bpms.ched.gov.ph/application
- Create and Verify Your Account
Register using a valid email address and an active mobile number.
- Complete the Online Application Form
Fill out all required sections carefully, including your personal details, academic background, household income, chosen scholarship track, and preferred program and institution.
- Upload Documentary Requirements
Upload the prepared documents to the designated sections of the portal:
1. Follow file format and size instructions;
2. Ensure files are not blurred, cropped incorrectly, or incomplete; and
3. Upload only truthful and verifiable documents.
Benefits
Benefits may include free tuition and school fees, stipend or living allowance, book and connectivity allowance, and academic excellence incentives, depending on the scholarship track and institution.
For Higher Education (CHED Track)
- Tuition and Other School Fees
- 100% covered for scholars enrolled in SUCs, LUCs, or eligible private HEIs
- For private HEIs: tuition subsidy may be up to ₱75,000 per semester (depending on school rates)
- Living / Stipend Allowance
- ₱25,000 per semester – SUCs in Metro Manila
- ₱20,000 per semester – SUCs outside Metro Manila
- Book and Connectivity Allowance
- ₱4,000 per semester
- Academic Excellence Incentive
- Additional cash incentive for scholars who rank in the Top 10 per term (per region)
- Amount determined by CHED guidelines
For Technical‑Vocational Education (TESDA Track)
- Tuition and Training Fees
- Fully covered in TESDA‑accredited priority programs
- Training / Living Allowance
- Amount depends on program duration and TESDA guidelines
- Book / Training Materials Allowance
- Provided as applicable under TESDA rules
Conclusion
The Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP), also known as the Bagong Pilipinas Scholarship, is a timely and strategic initiative of the national government. It supports academically outstanding Filipino learners by widening access to quality higher education. It also helps strengthen national development. This blog uses available official legal bases and government issuances as references. As a result, the information presented is accurate, reliable, and grounded in authorized sources.
FAQs
The Bagong Pilipinas Scholarship, formally known as the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP), is a government scholarship that supports academically outstanding Senior High School graduates who wish to pursue college or technical‑vocational education in priority programs.
Eligible applicants must be Filipino citizens, incoming first‑year college or TVET students, belong to the Top 5 of their Senior High School graduating class, or have at least a 95% GWA, and come from households with a combined annual income not exceeding ₱2,000,000.
Benefits may include free tuition and school fees, stipend or living allowance, book and connectivity allowance, and academic excellence incentives, depending on the scholarship track and institution.
The application period typically runs from April to June, depending on official announcements for each academic year.