By GMA News Published May 21, 2026 3:21pm + Add GMA on Google Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google. Students seeking financial assistance for college may now apply for the government’s Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP), with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) opening applications for the first semester of Academic Year 2026–2027.In an advisory on Thursday, CHED said applications are now being accepted online, with the deadline set on June 30, 2026, or until available slots are filled.Here’s how to apply: Applicants must complete their application through the official BPMSP portal:Go to bpms.ched.gov.ph Fill out the required personal and academic details Upload all necessary supporting documents Review and submit the application before the deadlineCHED reminds applicants to ensure all information provided is accurate and complete to avoid delays or disqualification.Check eligible schools and coursesOnly selected institutions and programs are covered under the scholarship.Applicants are advised to check the official list of Delivering Higher Education Institutions (DHEIs) and priority programs at:bpms.ched.gov.ph/priority-listsWho can applyThe scholarship is open to incoming first-year Filipino students from households with a combined annual income of up to P2 million.For the Higher Education (HE) track, applicants must either:Belong to the Top 5 of their graduating senior high school class, or Have a minimum General Weighted Average (GWA) of 95%For the Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) track, applicants must have at least a 90% GWA.Applicants must also be enrolling in identified priority programs and must not yet have earned any college units or degrees.Benefits and priority fieldsUnder the HE track, scholars may receive:Free tuition and other school fees Stipends and allowances Academic excellence incentives for top-performing scholarsPriority fields include:Healthcare Engineering Education Agriculture and fisheries Digital technology Financial services Creative industries Science and mathematicsMeanwhile, scholars under the TVET track may receive:Tuition coverage Stipends Book or connectivity allowancesPriority areas include:Agriculture Information and communication technology Healthcare Advanced manufacturing and semiconductor-related programsCHED emphasized that applications will only be accepted until June 30, 2026, unless slots are filled earlier.The agency also warned the public against fake scholarship announcements circulating online.“Beware of fake scholarship posts. Verify information through official CHED social media accounts and website only,” it said.With the application window now open, eligible students are encouraged to apply early to secure a slot under the program. —Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA News