Are you a Filipino aspiring to become a doctor but worried about the costs? The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) offers a life-changing opportunity through its Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program. Rooted in the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act (R.A. 11509), this program supports deserving students with full scholarships and allowances in exchange for public service. Let’s walk you through everything you need to know to get started!
What is the MSRS Scholarship?
MSRS is a government-funded program that provides financial support to qualified Filipino students pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree. In return, scholars are expected to serve in public health facilities after graduation, especially in communities that need medical professionals the most.
This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to make healthcare more accessible across the Philippines, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- A Filipino citizen residing in the Philippines.
- A graduate or graduating student of a recognized pre-med course and currently enrolled (or planning to enroll) in a Doctor of Medicine program.
- Have taken the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) with the score required by the medical school.
- Passed the entrance exams and other admission requirements of a participating State University or College (SUC) or Partner Private Higher Education Institution (PHEI).
The program gives priority to applicants who are:
- From families with a combined annual income of less than Php 450,000.
- Residents of areas without government physicians, GIDAs (Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas), or low-income municipalities.
- Members of ethnic or indigenous communities.
- Dependents of community health volunteers.
Because of the limited slots, scholars are chosen based on both their academic prowess and socioeconomic standing. Priorities are given to applicants coming from disadvantaged backgrounds and communities.
The following pointing system applies to all CHED’s Doktor Para sa Bayan applicants.
| 2c. Municipality Class/City | Weight |
|---|---|
| Category 1: Assessment | 10 |
| Category 2: Residence | |
| 2a: Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA), calamity-prone and conflict areas | 20 |
| 2b. Certificate of Ancestral of Domain Title (CADT) Area / Indigenous Community | 10 |
| 2c. Municipality Class / City | 10 |
| Category 3: Income (Annual Gross Income) | 5 |
| Category 4: Affiliation | 5 |
| Category 5: National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) | 20 |
| Category 6: General Weighted Average (GWA) | 20 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
What Courses Are Covered?
The scholarship specifically covers the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
What Are the Scholarship Benefits?
Under the MSRS program, tuition and other school fees are fully covered for scholars enrolled in SUCs. For those enrolled in private universities, the scholarship covers up to Php 100,000 per semester for actual tuition and fees. If the total exceeds this amount, the private school provides the remaining balance as its counterpart support. This setup ensures that scholars in both public and private institutions can pursue their medical education without worrying about financial barriers.
Aside from the tuition fees, scholars need not worry about their living expenses. CHED MSRS will provide the following benefits during your 4 years in med school. These allowances are to be sent to your university, which will then take care of the disbursement to each scholar.
During the fifth year or the internship program, each scholar will get a total of Php 148,000.
Scholars also get PhilHealth insurance and GSIS accident insurance.
How to Apply
Step 1: Secure a Certificate of Acceptance from your target SUC/PHEI.
Here is the list of the participating universities and colleges for A.Y. 2025-2026.
| Region | HEIs |
|---|---|
| I | 1. Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMSU) |
| 2. Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) | |
| 3. University of Northern Philippines (UNP) | |
| II | 4. Cagayan State University (CSU) |
| 5. Isabela State University (ISU) | |
| III | 6. Bulacan State University (BulSU) |
| IV-A | 7. Batangas State University (BatSU) |
| 8. Cavite State University (CVSU) | |
| 9. Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) | |
| V | 10. Bicol University (BU) |
| VI | 11. West Visayas State University (WVSU) |
| VII | 12. Bohol Island State University (BISU) |
| 13. Cebu Normal University – Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (CNU-VSMMC) | |
| VIII | 14. University of the Philippines School of Health Sciences (UPSHS) |
| 15. Samar State University – Samar Island Institute of Medicine (SSU-SSI) | |
| IX | 16. Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) |
| X | 17. University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTSP) |
| XI | 18. University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) |
| XII | 19. Mindanao State University (MSU) – General Santos City |
| 20. Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) | |
| 21. University of Southern Mindanao (USM) | |
| NCR | 22. University of the Philippines (UP) Manila |
| MIMAROPA | 23. Palawan State University (PSU) |
| CARAGA | 24. Caraga State University (CSU) |
| BARMM X | 25. Mindanao State University (MSU) Marawi |
| NIR | 26. University of St. La Salle (USLS) – Bacalod |
Step 2: Prepare required documents
- MSRS Application Form
- Certificate of Good Moral Character
- Affidavit of no existing scholarship grant
- Birth Certificate or other proof of identity
- Certification of Acceptance from SUCs/PHEIs
Additional requirements for priority groups (if applicable):
- Certification of Residency issued by the barangay
- Tax exemption, tax declaration, or social case study
- Certification as members of indigenous people or minority group/NCIP certificate
- MHO certification stating that the applicant is a dependent of a community health volunteer
- LDRRMO or DSWD certification stating that the applicant is from a calamity-prone and conflict areas
Step 3: Submit your application
Submit your application directly to the SUC or partner PHEI offering the medicine program, and wait for the results.
What Happens After You Graduate?
Upon completing your degree and passing the licensure exam, you’re required to serve in government health facilities, especially in underserved or rural areas. The return service duration is equivalent to the number of years you received the scholarship, and previous graduates reported receiving a starting salary equivalent to SG24.
This service helps address the shortage of doctors in remote municipalities and ensures that healthcare reaches the Filipinos who need it the most.
Additional Tips for Applicants
- Apply early: Secure your documents and school admission as early as possible.
- Double-check eligibility: Make sure you meet all requirements and belong to the priority groups if applicable.
- Be sincere about public service: This isn’t just a scholarship; it’s a commitment to serve communities in need.
- Keep records: Always keep copies of your documents and monitor updates from CHED and your school.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can be a Doktor Para sa Bayan scholar?
Filipino citizens enrolled in or accepted to a Doctor of Medicine program at a participating school, with priority given to underserved or low-income applicants. - Are private schools included?
Yes, but only selected partner private schools. Tuition is covered up to ₱100,000 per semester. - What is the return service requirement?
Scholars must serve in government health facilities for the same number of years they received the scholarship. - Can current med students apply?
Yes, if they meet all the eligibility and school requirements. - How do I apply?
Review and follow the application process here.
Final Thoughts
The CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) is a national mission. If you’re passionate about medicine and making a difference, this program not only supports your education but also empowers you to bring healthcare to where it’s needed most. If you live in a remote area, come from a low-income family, or are part of any disadvantaged group, this could be your pathway to becoming a doctor and a hero to your community.
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