It is known to all that studying to be a doctor is one of the costliest degree of all. Thus, aspiring doctors settle for other courses in turn causing a deficit of medical practitioners in our country. But good news to all who dream of being doctors; Duterte Administration has introduced a new program to help them.

Those who study to become physicians may now avail full tuition subsidy through the education program implemented by CHED. Under “Cash Grants to Medical Students Enrolled in State University and Colleges (CGMS-SUCs), qualified scholarship grantees will get one hundred percent tuition subsidy.


It is not only for new students, but even current students who will enroll for Academic Year 2017 to 2018 under the degree Medicine in selected state universities and colleges can also enjoy the CGMS-SUCs program.

Here are the list of universities and colleges that offer the said scholarship program:

  • University of Northern Philippines
  • Mariano Marcos State University
  • Cagayan State University
  • Bicol University
  • West Visayas State University
  • University of the Philippines – Leyte
  • Mindanao State University
  • University of the Philippines – Manila

According to CHED Commissioner Spokesperson Prospero De Vera, the said program aims to solve the continuing lack of doctors in the country due to the high cost of medical education, overseas migration, and brain drain. Through this program, the Duterte administration wants to solve this problem by subsidizing the tuition fee of medical students and facilitating their residency and practice in the different parts of the country.

To qualify for the CGMS-SUCs, you would need to meet the following requirements:

– Pass the admission requirements of SUC
– Enroll in authorized Doctor of Medicine programs of SUCs
– Maintain a general weighted average (GWA) of at least a passing grade
– Carry a regular academic load and complete the degree within the period allowance in the university

After a student successfully graduated through this scholarship, he or she needs to render at least one year service in the country for every year of cash grant received from the scholarship. This is called the Return Service System.

Under this policy, doctors will be ensured to stay and serve the country in exchange for the public subsidy given for their education. They can either serve in government or private hospitals, local government health facilities or serve in remote locations. PhilStar

How to Apply for CHED Scholarship and their Requirements
List of State-Funded Universities and Colleges with Free Tuition Fee