CHED–DepEd Launch LINGAP Postgraduate Scholarship for DepEd Personnel; 870 Slots Available

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Education (DepEd) have officially introduced a new postgraduate scholarship designed to strengthen guidance, counseling, and mental-health services in Philippine public schools.

Known as the Learning Initiatives for Nurturing Guidance Associates and Counselors Program, or LINGAP, the scholarship will provide qualified DepEd personnel with an opportunity to pursue advanced studies beginning Academic Year 2026–2027.

CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis and DepEd Undersecretary Wilfredo Cabral, representing Education Secretary Sonny Angara, signed the Joint Memorandum Circular establishing the program on June 10, 2026. A total of 870 scholarship slots will initially be awarded to qualified DepEd employees nationwide.

Who may benefit from LINGAP?

LINGAP is open to qualified DepEd teaching and non-teaching personnel holding permanent or plantilla positions. Both incoming graduate students and personnel who are already enrolled in an eligible postgraduate program may be considered.

The scholarship covers the following degree programs offered by CHED-identified higher education institutions:

• Master’s in Guidance and Counseling
• Master’s in Psychology

The initiative is intended to develop a larger pool of competent guidance counselors, school counselor associates, psychologists, and other professionals who can respond to the academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and mental-health needs of learners.

Scholarship benefits

Successful LINGAP scholars may receive substantial financial support throughout their approved period of study.

The benefits include:

• Coverage of actual tuition and other school fees
• A ₱30,000 monthly stipend, based on the number of covered months in every academic term
• A thesis allowance of up to ₱150,000

The thesis allowance will be released in two tranches. The first 80 percent may be released upon submission of the approved thesis proposal, while the remaining 20 percent may be provided after the approved thesis and signed approval sheet have been submitted.

How long will the scholarship last?

Incoming graduate students may receive financial assistance for up to three academic years, subject to compliance with the scholarship’s academic and administrative requirements.

For personnel already enrolled in an eligible master’s degree, the scholarship period will be determined according to the remaining coursework and academic units needed to complete the program. However, the total period of support cannot exceed three academic years.

Applicants who are already at the thesis-writing stage may receive scholarship assistance for a maximum of one academic year.

Government allocates funds for specialized postgraduate studies

The program is supported by the allocation for Specialized Postgraduate Scholarships for DepEd Personnel under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

Of the more than ₱182 million allocated for postgraduate scholarships addressing the shortage of guidance counselors and education specialists, ₱121.37 million is intended to support at least two qualified DepEd employees from every Schools Division Office.

A separate allocation of ₱60.68 million was provided for qualified personnel pursuing specializations connected with inclusive education programs.

The funding recognizes the urgent need to increase the number of trained professionals who can assist learners experiencing bullying, emotional distress, family problems, academic difficulties, behavioral concerns, mental-health challenges, and other situations requiring specialized support.

Applications will pass through DepEd offices

LINGAP is not being implemented as a regular online scholarship where personnel directly submit applications through a public portal.

The official process requires interested personnel to be nominated and endorsed by their Schools Division Offices. SDOs will receive and evaluate the required documents before forwarding qualified nominees to the appropriate DepEd Regional Office and concerned CHED offices.

This means that interested teachers and non-teaching personnel should coordinate with their respective:

• Schools Division Office scholarship focal person
• Human Resource Development Division or Section
• National Educators Academy of the Philippines focal person
• Personnel or administrative office assigned to scholarship concerns

Applicants should avoid submitting personal information through unofficial social-media links or unverified application forms.

Regional implementation has started

The official call for nominations has already begun circulating through DepEd regional offices.

DepEd Region VIII issued Regional Memorandum No. 908, s. 2026 on July 16, 2026, directing its Schools Division Offices to receive, evaluate, and endorse applications. The region was allocated 49 slots and set July 27, 2026 as its deadline for SDO endorsements.

DepEd CALABARZON has also issued Regional Memorandum No. 464, s. 2026 concerning an online briefing on the implementation of LINGAP. This indicates that the program is already being coordinated in Region IV-A, although the application deadline and detailed submission arrangements may still differ among its Schools Division Offices.

DepEd personnel are therefore advised to closely monitor official announcements from their respective regional and division offices.

Strengthening learner support in public schools

LINGAP is more than an employee scholarship program. It is an investment in the capacity of public schools to provide timely, appropriate, and professional assistance to learners.

By helping DepEd personnel earn advanced qualifications in Guidance and Counseling or Psychology, CHED and DepEd hope to establish stronger learner-support systems and create safer, more inclusive, and mentally healthy school communities.

Qualified personnel interested in the scholarship should begin preparing their employment, academic, performance, medical, and admission documents while waiting for the specific application instructions and deadline from their Schools Division Office.

Important reminder

Application schedules, available slots, participating universities, and documentary requirements may vary by region or Schools Division Office. Applicants should rely only on official memoranda and announcements issued by CHED, DepEd, NEAP, their Regional Office, or their Schools Division Office.