Thinking of pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree but worried about the cost? The CHED-SIKAP Grant is here to help! This scholarship provides essential financial support for graduate students—especially current and former faculty and staff members from higher education institutions (HEIs)—to help cover educational expenses.
Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
About CHED SIKAP GRANT
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) was created on May 18, 1994, under Republic Act No. 7722, known as the Higher Education Act of 1994. Operating directly under the Office of the President, CHED oversees all higher education institutions (HEIs) and post-secondary programs across the Philippines.
The CHED SIKAP Grant—short for “Scholarships for Instructors’ Knowledge Advancement Program”—is designed to support both teaching and non-teaching HEI personnel who wish to pursue graduate-level studies. This program is part of CHED’s broader goal to uplift the quality of higher education by investing in the professional growth of educators and staff.
The program follows the updated guidelines set forth by CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 06, Series of 2020, revised under CMO No. 15, Series of 2019. It is open to both new and continuing graduate students enrolled in approved programs at officially designated Delivering Higher Education Institutions (DHEIs).
Applicants must be employed—or must have been employed within the last 12 months—by a CHED-recognized HEI. This includes institutions certified by CHED, the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) in BARMM, and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) that have Institutional Recognition from CHED.
Ultimately, the CHED-SIKAP Grant is part of CHED’s effort to nurture academic excellence and support career advancement in the Philippine higher education system.
Eligibility Criteria and Ineligibility Criteria Details
Eligibility CHED SIKAP:
Whether you’re applying for full-time or part-time graduate studies, you must meet these eligibility criteria:
For All Applicants (Full-Time or Part-Time):
1. Must be a Filipino citizen.
2. Must be teaching or non-teaching staff employed in:
• A public or private HEI (excluding LUCs) that is institutionally recognized by CHED and certified by the Office of Institutional Quality Assurance and Governance (OIQAG),
• An HEI based in BARMM and recognized by MBHTE, or
• A CHED-recognized LUC with Institutional Recognition.
3. Must hold full-time employment in an HEI and have no other current job or contract with a non-HEI institution.
4. Must be currently enrolled in—or admitted to—a recognized graduate program covered by the grant.
5. Must be physically and mentally fit, certified by a licensed government physician and an HEI guidance counselor or a government-accredited psychiatrist/psychologist.
6. Must sign a Return Service Agreement with the sending HEI (SHEI).
7. Must be no older than 50 years old within six months of applying to ensure time for completing the service obligation.
8. Must have no pending responsibilities from previous CHED grants or research projects.
9. Must be officially endorsed by the SHEI as part of its staff development plan.
Additional Requirements:
For Ongoing Applicants:
➤ Must be in good academic standing and not currently on an extension of studies.
For Full-Time Study:
➤ Must have an approved full-time study leave with no teaching or workload obligations during the scholarship period.
For Part-Time Study:
➤ Must have a permit to study issued by the SHEI.
For full application details, guidelines, and access to official CHED CMOs, visit the CHED-SIKAP portal at: https://ched.gov.ph/sikap/
Ineligibility for the CHED SIKAP Program
Won’t be eligible for the CHED SIKAP grant if any of the following situations apply to you:
1. You’re already receiving a government-funded scholarship or grant—including those with an approved Notice of Award or signed contract.
2. You haven’t cleared or settled requirements from a previous scholarship or grant, even if you were just part of the project team.
3. You didn’t disclose that you have a relative (up to the 4th degree by blood or marriage) working in the CHED Regional Office processing your application.
4. You have a relative (up to the 4th degree) who is currently a scholar under the SIKAP or HUSAY programs.
5. You hold an administrative or supervisory role that allows you to appoint or assign staff.
6. You’ve been found guilty of a crime or administrative violation—or if there are any ongoing cases against you.
7. You’re not employed at a recognized Higher Education Institution (HEI) when you submit your application.
8. You already hold the same level of degree you’re applying for (e.g., you already have a PhD and are applying for a PhD grant).
9. You’re enrolled in more than one graduate program at the time of applying.
10. You have failing, dropped, or incomplete grades from previous graduate-level subjects.
11. You’ve extended your studies beyond the allowed time frame.
12. Your academic performance has been unsatisfactory.
13. You were transferred to another program because you didn’t meet the academic standards or couldn’t complete the original one.
14. You work and study at the same HEI (whether regular, COS, contractual, or job order)—unless you are:
• A person with disability (PWD)
• A solo parent
15. You’re currently part of a faculty or staff development program from your Sending HEI (SHEI).
16. You were removed from a CHED or government-funded scholarship due to failure to complete the program or violating the contract.
17. You applied to more than one CHED Regional Office at the same time.
18. You failed to meet the eligibility requirements or submitted incomplete documents.
Important: Double-check every item before submitting your application. If you’re disqualified and still apply, your application may be automatically rejected. When in doubt, always reach out to your local CHED Regional Office.
CHED SIKAP Grant: Prioritization and Application Guide (2025)
Who Gets Priority?
The CHED-SIKAP program gives priority to applicants who meet both institutional and national development goals.
Here’s who is prioritized:
New Master’s degree students who are faculty members earning a salary grade of 18 or below (or equivalent) and are included in their Higher Education Institution’s (HEI) Manpower Development Plan.
Priority Order:
1. Faculty from HEIs that lack government recognition or a Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC).
2. Faculty members enrolled in programs that focus on:
• Agriculture and Fisheries
• Natural Sciences
• Energy
• Engineering
• Health and Guidance Counseling
• Other fields as identified by CHED
3. HEI staff with key technical roles needed to help their institutions achieve Government Recognition or COPC.
4. Those who have earned micromasters or microcredits through the HUSAY program.
➡️ Always refer to https://ched.gov.ph/sikap for the most current information.
Benefits:
Get financial support for your graduate studies through CHED SIKAP.
CHED SIKAP Scholarship Package – Full-Time Study
| Component | Master’s | Doctorate |
| Tuition and Other Fees | Actual tuition and other fees | Actual tuition and other fees |
| Monthly Stipend × number of months per term | ₱41,000.00 | ₱54,000.00 |
| Thesis / Dissertation / Capstone Allowance | ₱150,000.00 | ₱250,000.00 |
CHED SIKAP Scholarship Package – Part-Time Study
| Component | Master’s | Doctorate |
| Tuition and Other Fees | Actual tuition and other fees | Actual tuition and other fees |
| Student Subsidy (per term) | ₱40,000.00 | ₱50,000.00 |
| Coverage of Subsidy | Books, learning materials, transportation, connectivity, accommodation (if applicable) | Same as Master’s |
| Thesis / Dissertation Allowance | ₱150,000.00 | ₱250,000.00 |
Also Read : CHED Coconut Scholarship for Farmers and their Families
Application Process:
Each step is crucial for a smooth and successful application.
STEP 1➡️ Check the eligibility requirements
STEP 2 ➡️ Complete the documentary requirements
STEP 3 ➡️ Submit the application package to SHEI
STEP 4 ➡️ Endorsement of application packages to concerned CHEDRO
STEP 5 ➡️ Generate application number after endorsement of SHEI
Important Dates to Remember – 2025 Application Deadlines
As per the Office of the Chairperson Memorandum for FY 2025:
Batch 1 – August 2025
• Application Deadline: August 4, 2025
• CHED Regional Office Release of Notice of Award: August 18, 2025
Batch 2 – September 2025
• Application Deadline: September 8, 2025
• CHED Regional Office Release of Notice of Award: September 22, 2025
✅ Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute. Prepare and submit your documents early.
How to Apply for the CHED-SIKAP Grant
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all the required qualifications.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
You’ll need the following:
1. SHEI Endorsement Form
2. Application Form
• Full-Time here | Part-Time here
3. Certificate of Employment with Compensation
4. Approved Study Leave (for full-time study)
5. Certificate of clearance from previous grants, trainings, publications, etc.
6. NBI Clearance
7. Medical Certificate (physical and mental fitness, with medical records)
8. Proof of Admission to the Delivering HEI
9. Transcript of Records (for all degrees attained)
10. Return Service Agreement and Draft Re-entry Action Plan
11. Publications from the last five years, if any
12. Certificate of Award, if applicable
📌 Download official forms and templates from https://ched.gov.ph/sikap/
Step 3: Submit to Your Sending HEI (SHEI)
Give your completed application to your current HEI. They will screen, rank, and shortlist candidates.
Step 4: SHEI Endorsement to CHEDRO
Your HEI will forward shortlisted applications to your designated CHED Regional Office before the deadline.
Step 5: Applicant Number Assignment
CHEDRO will send shortlisted applicants a link (via Google Form) to generate their official applicant number.
Contact Details:
Need Help or Have Questions?
For more information or clarification, contact your CHED Regional Office. They’re ready to guide you through the process.
📍 If you’re from BARMM, please reach out to the nearest CHED Regional Office for assistance.
| CHEDRO | Landline | Mobile | Address | |
| CHEDRO 1 | (072) 682-9623 ext. 2012 | 0927-726-6350 | [email protected] | Government Center, Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union |
| CHEDRO 2 | (078) 396-0689 | 0955-517-0775 | [email protected] | Regional Development Center, Carig, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan |
| CHEDRO 3 | (045) 042-6659 | 0970-805-1207 | [email protected] | Regional Government Center, Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga |
| CHEDRO 4 | – | – | [email protected] | City Hall Compound, Jose P. Laurel Highway, Brgy. Marawoy, Lipa City |
| CHEDRO 5 | (052) 431-0567 | 0946-082-6886 / 0912-711-5944 | [email protected] | CHEDRO Building, EM’s Barrio South Brgy. 2, Legaspi City |
| CHEDRO 6 | (033) 327-2029 (loc 207) | 0912-874-0505 / 0945-772-2141 | [email protected] | Magsaysay Village, La Paz, Iloilo City |
| CHEDRO 7 | (032) 414-9195 | 0955-196-2055 | [email protected] | National Government Center, Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City |
| CHEDRO 8 | (053) 888-1343 | 0959-796-1909 | [email protected] | Athletic Road, Brgy. 43-B, Quarry District, Tacloban City, Leyte |
| CHEDRO 9 | (062) 991-7648 | – | [email protected] | Polytechnic Compound, Baliwasan Chico, Zamboanga City |
| CHEDRO 10 | – | 0905-230-5133 / 0961-417-4306 | [email protected] | Mon James Hayes St., Brgy. 40, Cagayan de Oro City |
| CHEDRO 11 | (082) 295-3418 loc 103 / (082) 295-7696 loc 607 | 0932-702-9646 | [email protected] | Loyola St., Bo Obrero, University of Southeastern Philippines Compound, Davao City |
| CHEDRO 12 | (083) 228-1130 | 0951-254-2997 | [email protected] | Regional Center, Brgy. Carpenter Hill, AH26, Marbel, Koronadal City |
| CHEDRO CAR | (074) 442-4052 | 0968-734-0719 | [email protected] | BSU Compound, La Trinidad, Benguet |
| CHEDRO NCR | (02) 8403-2208 / (02) 8403-2196 | 0905-686-2630 | [email protected] | Metal Casting Building, Quezon City University, 673 Quirino Highway, San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City |
| CHEDRO MIMAROPA | (02) 8922-1850 | – | [email protected] | HEDC Building, C.P. Garcia Avenue, UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City |
| CHEDRO CARAGA | (085) 817-0896 | – | [email protected] | Caraga State University (CSU), Ampayon, Butuan City |
| CHEDRO NIR | (02) 8403-2208 / (02) 8403-2196 | 0905-686-2630 | [email protected] | Kagawasan Avenue, Dumaguete City |
🕒 Contact during office hours and check the official website regularly for updates, new forms, and announcements.
Final Thoughts CHED SIKAP:
Thinking about applying for the CHED-SIKAP Grant or looking for more info? Reach out to the CHED Regional Office closest to you — they’re there to help and can provide the right support and details you need.
Just remember to get in touch during office hours, and always refer to the official CHED website or trusted announcements to stay up to date.
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 CHED SIKAP:
1. Commission on Higher Education (Philippines). (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commission_on_Higher_Education_(Philippines)]
2. Ched. Retrieved from [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_sC__Y8XKbbDWQLzfQFHUPvCETey4thq/view]
3. Manila Bulletin. Manila Bulletin article.. Retrieved from [https://mb.com.ph/2021/08/18/ched-urges-teaching-non-teaching-personnel-of-heis-to-apply-for-sikap-grant-extends-application-deadline/#google_vignette]
4. SIKAP | Commission on Higher Education (https://ched.gov.ph/sikap/)
5. Commission on Higher Education (CHED). (2025). CMO No. 9, s. 2025: Updated Guidelines for SIKAP. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/CMO-NO.-9-S.-2025-Updated-Guidelines-for-SIKAP.pdf
6. Commission on Higher Education (CHED). (2025). Memorandum of Cooperation: FY2025 SIKAP. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/MOC-FY2025-SIKAP.pdf
7. Commission on Higher Education (CHED). (2025). SIKAP Official Page. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://ched.gov.ph/sikap/