CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program

The CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) is a government program implemented by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to provide financial assistance to deserving Filipino students pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree, while helping address the lack of healthcare professionals in underserved communities. Applications must be submitted to the respective State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) on time, or on or before the designated application deadline to avoid problems.

Understanding the MSRS program is essential for aspiring medical students who require financial assistance. This guide will explain eligibility, requirements, benefits, and the step-by-step application process to help you secure this valuable opportunity.

Program Overview

The CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) is established under Republic Act No. 11509, also known as the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act. It is implemented by CHED in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) offering Doctor of Medicine programs.

This scholarship aims to provide opportunities to qualified students, especially those from marginalized areas. In return, scholars must fulfill a mandatory return service obligation by practicing in underserved areas after completing their medical education.

List of Participating Schools

The MSRS program is offered in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and select Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) across the Philippines. Below is a list of participating schools:

State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)

Mariano Marcos State University (Region I)
University of Northern Philippines (Region I)
Cagayan State University (Region II)
Isabela State University (Region II)
Bulacan State University (Region III)
Batangas State University (Region IV-A)
Cavite State University (Region IV-A)
Bicol University (Region V)
West Visayas State University (Region VI)
Bohol Island State University (Region VII)
Cebu Normal University – Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (Region VII)
University of the Philippines School of Health Sciences (Region VIII)
Samar State University – Samar Island Institute of Medicine (Region VIII)
Western Mindanao State University (Region IX)
University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (Region X)
University of Southeastern Philippines (Region XI)
Mindanao State University – General Santos City (Region XII)
University of Southern Mindanao (Region XII)
University of the Philippines Manila (NCR)
Palawan State University (MIMAROPA)
Mindanao State University – Marawi (BARMM X)

Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs)

Saint Louis University (CAR)

Benefits

The MSRS program provides a comprehensive financial package, covering tuition, allowances, and other expenses. Below is the complete list of benefits available under this program:

Tuition and School Fees

SUCs: Full coverage of actual tuition and other fees paid directly to the SUC by concerned CHEDRO.
PHEIs: Coverage up to Php 105,000 per academic year, or 75% of the actual tuition and other school fees, if tuition fees is more than Php140,000, whichever is lower.

Allowances

Living allowance: PHP 30,000 per semester (5,000 per month)
Lodging subsidies: Php 30,000 per semester (5,000 per month).
Book allowance: PHP 13,000 per academic year
Uniform allowance: PHP 3,500 per academic year
Miscellaneous allowance (including connectivity allowance: PHP 6,000 per academic year
Transportation allowance: Php 6,000 per semester (1,000 per month).

Internship and Board Exam Assistance for 5th-year interns include:

Lodging subsidies: Php 30,000 per semester (5,000 per month).
Transportation allowance: Php 6,000 per semester (1,000 per month).
Board exam review and application fees: Php 16,000 (one-time).

Note: All scholars are also enrolled in PhilHealth and provided with GSIS accident insurance.

Target Beneficiaries

The program targets specific groups of individuals to improve healthcare access in underserved areas. The target beneficiary groups for this scholarship include:

Residents of municipalities without government physicians
Residents of Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA)
Individuals from the top 20 poorest provinces or calamity-prone and conflict-affected areas
Residents of low-income municipalities with high poverty rates
Members of ethnic or indigenous communities certified by local government units or the NCIP (National Commission on Indigenous People)
Dependents of community health volunteers
Applicants with a combined annual family income below Php 450,000.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship and Residency
- Must be a Filipino citizen residing in the Philippines.
Educational Qualifications
- Graduating students or graduates of a pre-med program required for a Doctor of Medicine degree.
- Must be enrolled or accepted in a Doctor of Medicine program at a participating SUC or PHEI.
- Must meet the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) score set by CHED and the chosen institution.
Priority Applicants: Preference is given to students who:
- Reside in areas without government physicians, geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA), or conflict-prone locations.
- Come from low-income municipalities or indigenous communities.
- Are dependents of community health volunteers.
- Have a combined annual family income of less than Php 450,000.

Documentary Requirements for Application

Applicants are also expected to prepare the following documents for submission:

General Requirements

Proof of Filipino citizenship (e.g., PSA Birth Certificate or PhilSys ID)
Certificate of Good Moral Character
Certification of Acceptance from the SUC or PHEI
Affidavit of no existing scholarship grant.

Specific Requirements for Priority Applicants

Certification of Residency issued by the barangay
Certificate from the NCIP for indigenous applicants
Tax exemption or social case study signed by a registered social worker
Certification of community health volunteer dependency issued by the Municipal Health Office
Certification from the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) or Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for applicants from calamity-prone or conflict areas

How to Apply for the CHED MSRS Program

To apply, simply follow these steps:

Step 1. Check Eligibility

Review the eligibility requirements and prepare your documentary requirements.

Step 2. Submit Application to the SUC/PHEI

Submit your application form along with the required documents to your chosen participating SUC or PHEI.
Ensure you meet the admission requirements, including the NMAT score.

Step 3. Initial Screening

The SUC or PHEI will review your documents and evaluate your application. Qualified applicants will be endorsed to the CHED Regional Office (CHEDRO).

Step 4. CHED Validation

The CHEDRO validates the SUC/PHEI’s recommendations and prioritizes applicants based on income, residence, and other factors.

Step 5. Final Evaluation

The CHED Central Office will finalize the list of scholars and notify successful applicants.

Step 6. Receive Notice of Award (NOA)

If selected, you will receive a Notice of Award (NOA) and must sign a Scholarship Contract.

Step 7. Sign Service Contract

Approved scholars must sign the Service Contract agreeing to the return service requirement.

Step 8. Enroll in Partner Medical School

Complete enrollment procedures to officially begin the scholarship program.

Return Service Obligation

Scholars are required to fulfill a return service obligation after passing the Physician Licensure Examination. This means working in underserved areas for a period equivalent to the years they received the scholarship. Failure to comply will require scholars to reimburse the full cost of the financial assistance received.

Where to Secure the Application Form

The CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program application form can be accessed through multiple channels. It is available for download online via the official CHED website at https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/MSRS_Form_10-Scholarship-Application-Form.xlsx. Applicants can also secure the form through participating State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) using this link: https://forms.gle/ZB1JdzMiK5XJX7ZU7.

Fees and Processing Time

The CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program (MSRS) does not require any application or processing fees, making it accessible to all eligible applicants. Processing time may vary depending on the CHED Regional Office, but applicants can typically expect updates within a few weeks after submission. It is important to regularly check for announcements to stay informed about the status of your application.

Important Reminders for Applicants

Here are important reminders for applicants of the CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program:

Complete Documents: Submit all required documents to avoid delays or disqualification.
Submit on Time: Follow the deadlines set by CHED Regional Offices or partner institutions.
Double-Check Information: Ensure accuracy and completeness of the details on the application form.
Prepare for Screening: Be ready for possible interviews or assessments during the selection process.
Understand the Return Service Obligation: Read and agree to the terms of the service contract.
Monitor Updates: Regularly check the CHED website or Regional Office for announcements.
Retain Copies: Keep photocopies or digital backups of all submitted documents.

Video: How to Study in Medical School for Free

To learn more about how to apply for and avail of the benefits offered by CHED MSRS and get through the otherwise expensive medical school for free with the added benefits of allowances, you may check out this video from ChinoyMD:

Summary

The CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) program offers financial support to aspiring medical students in exchange for service to underserved communities. It covers tuition fees, allowances, and internship-related expenses, making it a great opportunity for those who dream of becoming doctors but face financial challenges. By following the application process and meeting the eligibility requirements, students can secure this scholarship and contribute to improving healthcare access in the Philippines. If you are looking at options to help you get through medical school without the burden of excessively high tuition fees, then you might want to check out this program offered by CHED.