Getting a good education can be life-changing, but for many people—especially those from coconut farming families—it’s not always within easy reach. That’s where the Coconut Scholarship Program from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) comes in, offering vital support to those who need it most.
This scholarship isn’t just about financial aid. It’s about leveling the playing field, giving students from underprivileged coconut farming communities a real shot at higher education. At the same time, it supports the broader development of agriculture and uplifts coconut-growing communities across the country.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for the Coconut Scholarship Program—so you can take that important step toward a brighter future.
About CHED Coconut Scholarship or (COSCHO)
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is the official government body tasked with supervising the higher education system in the Philippines. Formed in 1994 through Republic Act No. 7722, or the Higher Education Act, CHED helps shape policies and programs that improve access to quality education.
CHED Coconut Scholarship for Farmers and their Families (COSCHO)
The Coconut Scholarship Program is made possible through Republic Act No. 11524, also known as “The Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act.” This law created a fund and framework to support education and livelihood programs for coconut farmers and their families.
Detailed instructions on how the scholarship works were laid out in the CHED-PCA Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 of 2023. These guidelines cover how scholars are chosen, what benefits they receive, and how the program is managed.
Program Goals:
1. Promoting Equal Opportunity
The main goal is to provide educational access to coconut farmers and their children, helping reduce poverty and promote fairness in rural communities.
2. Supporting Agricultural Growth
By encouraging students to study agriculture-related courses, the program aims to modernize and boost productivity in the coconut industry.
3. Inspiring the Next Generation
The scholarship promotes youth participation in agriculture by offering support in key areas identified by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). This creates future leaders, innovators, and professionals in the field.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to eligible coconut farmers and their families who are listed in the National Coconut Farmers Registry System. It supports those enrolled—or planning to enroll—in undergraduate programs such as agriculture, agribusiness management, agricultural engineering, agricultural economics, and other PCA-endorsed courses.
This scholarship isn’t just about helping students—it’s about uplifting entire communities and ensuring the future of the coconut industry in the Philippines.
Eligibility CHED Coconut Scholarship (COSCHO)
Before applying for the CHED Coconut Scholarship for Farmers and their Families (COSCHO), it’s important to understand who qualifies. These criteria help determine who can take advantage of this educational opportunity. Let’s walk through the main requirements:
1. Filipino Citizenship – You must be a Filipino citizen to be eligible.
2. Academic Requirements
• For High School Graduates or those about to graduate: A general weighted average (GWA) of at least 80% or its equivalent is needed.
• For Current College Students: You should have taken relevant subjects tied to the degree programs identified by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), with a minimum GWA of 80% from the previous semester.
3. Entry Requirements – You need to meet the admission standards set by participating State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).
4. No Other Government Aid – You must not be receiving any other form of government-funded educational financial aid.
5. NCFRS Registration – Either you or your parent/guardian must be officially listed in the National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS).
6. Income Requirement – Your family’s total annual gross income should not exceed ₱300,000.
Priority Courses CHED Coconut Scholarship (COSCHO)
The scholarship prioritizes the following degree programs in agriculture and related fields:
a. Agriculture and Related Sciences
1. Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
(Specializations: Plant Physiology and Agronomy, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Plant Breeding, Soil Science, Horticulture)
2. Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biotechnology
3. Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
4. Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness / Agribusiness Management
5. Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics
6. Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Chemistry
7. Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Entrepreneurship
8. Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering
9. Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Extension Education
b. Biological, Environmental, and Food Sciences
Biology Fields
10. Bachelor of Science in Biology
11. Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Environmental Sciences
12. Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering
13. Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Fisheries and Food Fields
14. Bachelor of Science in Fisheries
15. Bachelor of Science in Food Engineering
16.Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology
17. Bachelor of Science in Forestry
c. Business, Engineering, and Social Sciences
Business and Development Fields
18. Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
19. Bachelor of Science in Development Management
20. Bachelor of Science in Development Communication
21. Bachelor of Science in Economics
Engineering Fields
22. Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering / Manufacturing Technology
23. Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Social Sciences and Public Service Fields
24. Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
25. Bachelor of Science in Psychology
26. Bachelor of Science in Public Administration
27. Bachelor of Science in Rural Development
28. Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Other Fields
29. Bachelor of Science in Physics
30. Bachelor of Science in Statistics
31. Bachelor of Science in Tourism
Benefits CHED Coconut Scholarship (COSCHO)
COSCHO offers generous financial support that includes:
• Full coverage of tuition and other school-related fees
• Stipends provided directly to scholars or through their institutions
• Allowances for books and internet/data access
The financial support is distributed per semester and per academic year, depending on the type of institution (private or public) the student attends.
REGULAR ALLOWANCES
| ALLOWANCE TYPE | COST PER SEMESTER | COST PER ACADEMIC YEAR |
| a. Stipend | Php 35,000.00 | Php 70,000.00 |
| b. Book allowance and other learning materials | Php 5,000.00 | Php 10,000.00 |
| TOTAL | Php 80,000.00 |
OTHER ALLOWANCES
| ALLOWANCE TYPE | TOTAL COST PER ACADEMIC YEAR |
| a. Thesis and/or OJT allowance | Php 75,000.00 |
| b. One-time attendance in local conference/fora | Php 10,000.00 |
| c. One-time financial assistance for the purchase of a laptop | Php 30,000.00 |
| TOTAL | Php 115,000.00 |
| GRAND TOTAL | Php 195,000.00 |
Service Commitment
After graduation, scholars are expected to complete one year of service in the Philippines for each year they received the scholarship. This must be done within two years of finishing their degree and preferably within:
▶ Government agencies involved in the coconut industry
▶ Other government agencies
▶ Private organizations linked to the Philippine Coconut Industry
Fulfilling this service obligation is a key requirement of the CHED Coconut Scholarship Program.
Also Read : CHED Merit Scholarship Full and Half
Application Process
How to Apply for the CHED Coconut Scholarship: A Simple Guide
If you’re a coconut farmer or part of a coconut farming family and you’re looking to pursue higher education, understanding how to apply for the CHED Coconut Scholarship is key. Don’t worry — the process is straightforward, and we’re here to walk you through it.
Application Period
The CHED Coconut Scholarship for Farmers and their Families (COSCHO) is currently accepting applications from eligible coconut farmers and their family members.
📌 Deadline to Apply: July 31, 2025
This scholarship is designed to help first-time college students begin their academic journey with strong support.
Requirements:
To make your application process smooth and hassle-free, it’s important to have all the required documents ready. These papers help confirm your eligibility and improve your chances of being selected.
Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:
1. Birth Certificate – Must be issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or your local civil registry.
2. Academic Records – Depending on your status:
• For current Grade 12 students: Certified copy of your Grade 11 grades and first semester of Grade 12.
• For SHS graduates: Form 138.
• For current college students: Latest certified grades.
3. Photocopy of Valid ID – A government-issued ID or your school ID will do.
4. PCA Certification – Provided by the PCA Regional Office after endorsement from your local PCA Provincial Office, LCIDCs, or a recognized coconut farmers’ organization. (Note: Only one person per family can apply.)
5. Good Moral Character Certificate – Get this from your most recent school.
6. Proof of Income – Submit any of the following:
• Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of your parents, guardian, or yourself if working.
• BIR-issued Certificate of Tax Exemption or Certificate of No Income.
• Certificate of Indigency from your Barangay.
• Case Study or certificate from the DSWD.
7. Notice of Admission – Must come from a college or university offering degree programs.
8. Proof of Special Group Membership – Only if applicable.
9. Original Barangay Certification – This confirms that your parents, guardians, or siblings haven’t attended college or university yet (if applicable).
Step-by-Step Application Instructions
1. STUDENT APPLICATION
• Scan All Documents Clearly – Make sure all scanned copies are readable.
• Organize Your Requirements – Double-check that nothing’s missing.
• Submit Everything Online – Send your application and all documents to the CHED Regional Office that serves your area.
Before submitting, check CHED’s official site to see your region’s scholarship status — regions are color-coded based on whether applications are open.
BLUE (OPEN)
RED (NOT YET OPEN)
CHEDRO I :Ilocos Region
CHEDRO II :Cagayan Valley
CHEDRO III :Central Luzon
CHEDRO IV :Calabarzon
CHEDRO V :Bicol Region
CHEDRO VI :Western Visayas
CHEDRO VII :Central Visayas
CHEDRO VIII :Eastern Visayas
CHEDRO IX :Zamboanga Peninsula
CHEDRO X :Northern Mindanao
CHEDRO XI :Davao Region
CHEDRO XII :Koronadal
CHEDRO IX – BARMM :Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
CHEDRO X – BARMM :Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
CHEDRO XII – BARMM :Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
CARAGA :CARAGA Region
MIMAROPA :MIMAROPA Region
NIR :Negros Island Region
2. At the CHED Regional Office:
They’ll review all applications, check eligibility, and rank qualified applicants.
3. OSDS (Office of Student Development Services):
They verify the ranked list and finalize the selection by assigning award numbers to those who qualify.
By following these steps and submitting your application through the right CHED Regional Office, you’re officially on your way to applying for the Coconut Scholarship Program.
Contact Details:
If you have any questions or need clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out to your CHED Regional Office.
Final Thoughts:
The CHED Coconut Scholarship Program is more than just financial aid—it’s a stepping stone for coconut farmers and their families to access quality education and create a better future.
With CHED’s continuous support and strong commitment, this program helps scholars reach their educational goals and contribute meaningfully to the agricultural sector.
Taking this step to apply isn’t just about schooling—it’s the beginning of a rewarding journey filled with growth, learning, and opportunity.
So to all aspiring scholars: grab this chance, believe in what’s possible, and take that first step toward a brighter future.
Notice: Information Disclaimer
Please note that scholarshipclick is not a scholarship provider or engage in hiring activities. It is strictly an informational resource designed to help users understand the various scholarships and grants available.
We don’t process applications, but we do provide helpful guides and resources on how to apply for scholarships and navigate the admissions process.
As always, we recommend checking the legitimacy of any information you come across.
All details on this site are provided for informational purposes only. Be sure to confirm anything important with the official sources listed at the end of our pages.
References:
Commission on Higher Education. (n.d.). CHED Certificate of Program Compliance (CoPC). Retrieved from
CHED Regional Office.