THE COMMISSION on Higher Education urged teachers and non-teaching personnel to pursue their graduate studies for free through the commission’s Scholarships for Instructors’ and Staff Knowledge Advancement Program.

The program covers present and former higher education institution personnel of CHED-recognized higher education institutions. Applications will be accepted until August 31, 2021.

Applicants should be open for full-time study and enroll in graduate programs with Certificate of Program Compliance or CHED-issued program permit from CHED-recognized HEIs.

“Our government is committed to provide quality education accessible for all – at hindi natin kinakalimutan ang ating mga guro at kawani ng mga pamantasan. Patuloy na nagsusumikap ang ating Komisyon na itaas ang antas ng kalidad ng edukasyon para sa ating mga estudyante at para isulong ang professional advancement ng ating mga guro at kawani,” CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera III said.

“The SIKAP program will help make our HEI personnel more competitive and hopefully be at par with our ASEAN counterparts and its number of faculty with advanced degrees,” he added.

Former teaching and non-teaching personnel employed with HEIs within the last 12 months at the time of application can also pursue advanced studies through the program.

“Sa pamamagitan ng SIKAP Grant program, magkakaroon ng pagkakataon ang mga dating guro at kawani ng mga pamantasan na kinikilala ng CHED na palakasin ang kanilang mga credentials at makakuha ng magandang trabaho sa hinaharap. I encourage everyone to allow CHED and this government to assist our former teachers and HEI personnel in need – through this program and other initiatives within the capacity of CHED,” De Vera said.

Those who will be accepted will receive a monthly living allowance of up to P30,000 for those undertaking their masters degree and P43,000 for those taking their doctorate degree, thesis or dissertation, apart from free tuition and other fees.

Applicants may send their online application to bit.ly/chedsikap.

For the complete list of eligibility requirements and to know more about SIKAP grants, refer to CMO 6, s. 2020 and its implementing guidelines found at ched.gov.ph/sikap.