CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program 2024

In the Philippines, aspiring doctors face high costs for medical education. The CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program offers scholarships to talented students who can’t afford medical school.

This article explores program details, application process, requirements, benefits, and community service. It not only tackles financial barriers but also benefits scholars and underserved communities.

Discover how this program empowers aspiring doctors to serve their communities while achieving their career goals. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

About CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program

CHED, the Commission on Higher Education, is a government agency tasked with overseeing the higher education system in the Philippines.

Established under Republic Act No. 7722, known as the Higher Education Act of 1994, and further amended by Republic Act No. 8545, CHED plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and accessibility of tertiary education.

In alignment with Republic Act (RA) No. 7722 and Republic Act (RA) No. 11509, also referred to as the “Doktor Para Sa Bayan” Act, CHED, through the Office of Student Development and Services (OSDS), encourages eligible institutions to take part in the CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program for the Doctor of Medicine program.

All state universities and colleges (SUCs) and affiliated private higher education institutions (PHEIs) offering medical programs are directed to comply with the implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA No. 11509 for the MSRS program.

The MSRS program aims to provide opportunities to deserving Filipino students willing to fulfill the mandatory return service, prioritizing applicants residing in areas without government physicians, Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA), or among the top twenty (20%) provinces and/or municipalities as identified by the PSA.

Additionally, preference is given to individuals from calamity-prone and conflict areas, low-income municipalities with high poverty rates, ethnic groups or indigenous communities as certified by respective local government units and the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), dependents of community health volunteers, and those with a combined annual family income below Php450,000.00.

Furthermore, in line with the objectives of Republic Act No. 7722 and Republic Act No. 11509, private higher education institutions (PHEIs) offering accredited Doctor of Medicine programs are encouraged to participate as partner institutions in the implementation of the Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) program.

Eligibility:

Before applying for the scholarship program for Doctor of Medicine degrees, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria. These criteria cover the essential qualifications and commitments necessary for pursuing medical education effectively.

List of Eligibility Requirements:

1. Citizenship and Residence: Applicants must be Filipino citizens residing in the Philippines.

1. Educational Background:

• Must be a graduating student or a graduate of an appropriate undergraduate program required for a Doctor of Medicine degree.

• Currently enrolled in a Doctor of Medicine degree program from an accredited higher educational institution (HEI) recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), including direct entrants to integrated programs like INTRAMED who have satisfactorily completed the required years.

1. Admission Requirements:

• Passed entrance examinations and fulfilled other admission requirements for the Doctor of Medicine degree program at specified State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) or private higher educational institutions (PHEIs).

• Achieved a National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) score mandated by CHED and required by the chosen educational institution.

1. Financial Requirement:

• The combined annual gross income of the applicant’s parent/s or guardians should not exceed Php450,000.00.

1. Contract Agreement: Applicants must be willing to sign the Scholarship Contract for the MSRS program, as provided under IRR of RA 11509.

These comprehensive requirements ensure that applicants are academically qualified, financially deserving, and committed to their medical education.

Application Process:

Are you ready to begin your CHED Medical Scholarship journey? We’re here to help simplify the process for you! In this section, you’ll find easy-to-follow steps on what you need, how to apply, deadlines, and the selection process, all explained for better understanding.

Requirements:

When applying to the program, applicants must submit the following minimum documentary requirements:

1. Proof of Filipino citizenship, such as any government-issued document demonstrating citizenship. This could be a certified true copy of the Birth Certificate from the Local Civil Registry or the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Philsys ID.

1. Certificate of Moral Character

1. Additional requirements for priority groups (as applicable):

• Certification of Residency issued by the barangay.

• Certification as members of indigenous people or minority group, including the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) certificate.

• Certification from the DOH-Bureau of Local Health Systems and Development indicating dependency on a community health volunteer.

• Certification from the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) or the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for applicants from calamity-prone and conflict areas.

1. Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents or guardian, not exceeding four hundred fifty thousand pesos (Php450,000.00). For priority groups, provide Tax Exemption or Tax Declaration from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) / Social Case Study duly signed by a registered Social Worker where the applicant resides.

1. Certification of Acceptance from SUC/PHEI

1. Affidavit of no existing scholarship grant or with Return Service Obligation

1. Additional Requirements set by the Institution:

• NMAT Result

• Certificate of General Weighted Average (GWA) / General Point Average (GPA)

• All interested and eligible candidates can submit their Scholarship application through their respective State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) or Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs).

The CHED/CHED Regional Office and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)/ Partner Higher Educational Institutions (PHEIs) together with other stakeholders are responsible for managing the application process, handling necessary documentary requirements, conducting the selection process, and implementing general provisions of the program.

Applicants are advised to coordinate with the respective entities for further guidance and assistance.

Application Deadline:

The application deadline for the Medical Scholarship Program for AY 2023-2024 has already passed. While this may be disappointing, it’s important to stay positive and hopeful. Remember, opportunities often come around again.

You may want to consider bookmarking this article for updates on the program’s relaunch for the academic year 2024-2025. By staying informed and proactive, you can position yourself to take advantage of future scholarship opportunities.

Additionally, keep in mind that slot allocation per region is based on various factors including population projections and healthcare needs, as provided by the Department of Health (DOH). Unused slots in one region can be redistributed to meet the needs of other regions.

Keep pursuing your goals and continue striving for excellence in your studies. Your determination will pave the way for future achievements.

Online Scholarship Application Procedure:

1. Fill out the Scholarship Application Form for CHED MSRS Scholarship-Med.

1. Upload and fill out the required documents on the assigned Google Drive. Ensure to rename the files to be uploaded as (Last Name, First Name, Middle Name & Temporary/Student ID number) and in pdf format.

Reminder:

Please review the reminder displayed on the last part of the Google form per type of scholarship.

Application and Selection Process:

1. Advocacy and Dissemination:

• The CHED/CHED Regional Office (CHEDRO) and SUC/PHEI, in coordination with other stakeholders, shall advocate and disseminate information on the program, its application and selection process, and general provisions.

1. Submission of Application:

• Interested applicants shall comply with the qualification requirements stated in Sections A and B of these guidelines and shall submit applications through the SUC/PHEI.

1. Screening and Selection Process:

• Applicants shall undergo screening and selection process as defined by the SUC/PHEI for admission to the medical program/course using the Evaluation Sheet provided in Annex A.

1. Endorsement to CHEDRO:

• The SUC/PHEI shall endorse the list of scholarship applicants to CHEDRO for evaluation and validation along with the following:

• Results of the preliminary evaluation conducted (Annex A).
• Application with complete supporting documents.
• Scholar’s Commitment to Render Service Obligation (Annex B).

1. Validation by CHEDRO:

• CHEDRO shall validate the results from the SUC/PHEI, giving priority to deserving applicants as provided in Section 3 of the IRR, as follows:

• Those residing in a municipality without government physicians.

• Those residing in GIDA or from the top 20 poorest provinces and/or municipalities as identified by the PSA, calamity-prone, and conflict areas.

• Those belonging to the ethnic group or indigenous population/communities as certified by respective Local Government Units and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

• Those dependents of community health volunteers.

• Those residing in low-income class municipalities with high poverty incidence.

• Those whose combined annual gross family income is less than Php450,000.00.

1. Endorsement of Approved Scholars:

• CHEDRO shall endorse the list of approved/accepted scholars to concerned SUC/PHEI.

1. Actions by SUC/PHEI:

The SUC/PHEI shall:

• Notify the applicants about the status of their application. All accepted scholars shall be enrolled accordingly.

• Inform the scholar, through the SUC/PHEI, to submit the accomplished Scholarship Contract for Doctor of Medicine (Annex C) to CHEDRO.

• Submit the list of enrolled scholars to CHEDRO along with a copy of the notarized Scholarship Contract for documentation.

1. Record-keeping and Submission to CHED:

• Keep a record of the notarized Scholarship Contract (Annex C).

• Submit to CHED Office of Student Development and Services (OSDS) the list of enrolled scholars as a basis for the release of allotment and fund transfer to concerned CHEDRO.

Partner Universities for CHED Medical Scholarship:

If you’re considering applying for the CHED Medical Scholarship, it’s essential to know the partner universities where you can pursue your medical education.

Below is a list of universities categorized by region that participate in the program. Whether you’re in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, or the National Capital Region, you’ll find reputable institutions where you can embark on your medical journey. Take a look and explore your options!

The Benefits and Programs of the Scholarship encompass various forms of financial assistance and support aimed at facilitating the educational journey of scholars in the MSRS Program.

From tuition subsidies to allowances for essential expenses, this scholarship program strives to alleviate the financial burden on students pursuing a career in medicine.

Benefits and Programs of the Scholarship:

Financial assistance for the MSRS Program includes various benefits outlined in Section 6 of the IRR:

For scholars in SUCs:

• Free tuition and other school fees as specified in Section 3(d) of the IRR, directly paid to the SUC by CHEDRO.

• Allowances for prescribed books, supplies, equipment, clothing/uniform, transportation, internship, medical board review, licensure, annual medical insurance, PHIC enrollment, accident insurance, and other education-related expenses.

For scholars in PHEIs:

Similar allowances as SUC scholars, provided by CHEDRO through the SUC/PHEI.

Allowances and subsidies for scholars are provided per semester and academic year:

During Regular Semesters:

During Internship Program/5th Year Medicine:

Enrollment to National Health Insurance Program (PhilHealth) and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Accident Insurance is also provided, with payments made directly to the respective institutions.

Annual Enrollment:

These comprehensive benefits and programs aim to support scholars throughout their medical education journey, ensuring they can focus on their studies without undue financial stress.

Contact Details:

For inquiries or further information, please do not hesitate to contact your respective CHED Regional Office.

Final Thoughts:

As we conclude our exploration of the CHED and its invaluable Medical Scholarship program, remember that education is the key to unlocking countless opportunities in the medical field.

Whether you’re a current applicant or an aspiring scholar, seize this chance to pursue your dreams in medicine. Stay informed, motivated, and take decisive steps towards securing your future in healthcare.

The CHED Medical Scholarship isn’t just a financial aid program; it’s a gateway to a fulfilling career dedicated to healing and service.

Embrace this opportunity, and let your passion for medicine propel you towards success. Your journey starts here – make it count!

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The PhilScholar website does not offer scholarship programs or engage in hiring activities. It serves solely as an informational platform providing details on scholarships and grants available for educational purposes.

While the PhilScholar website does not directly facilitate applications, users can find guides and informational articles related to admissions and scholarship application processes.

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Users are encouraged to verify any details independently before making decisions based on the content provided.

For additional verification or inquiries, references are provided at the end of the content section.

References:

1. De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute. (n.d.). CHED Medical Scholarship – Return Service Program. Retrieved from [https://www.dlshsi.edu.ph/academics/scholarships/scholarship-application-procedures-students/ched-medical-scholarship-return-service-program/](https://www.dlshsi.edu.ph/academics/scholarships/scholarship-application-procedures-students/ched-medical-scholarship-return-service-program/)