The TES Scholarship, also known as the Tertiary Education Subsidy, is one of the most important government education assistance programs in the Philippines today. It helps eligible college students continue their studies without being overwhelmed by tuition fees and daily school expenses.
Recently, UniFAST, in coordination with CHED and TESDA, continued the implementation of the TES program for qualified students enrolled in higher education institutions across the country.
If you are a Filipino student looking for real, government-backed financial help, this guide will explain everything clearly without confusion.
What Is the TES Scholarship?
The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is a financial assistance program funded by the Philippine government under Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.
This law was signed on August 3, 2017, and it aims to make college and technical education more accessible, especially for students from low-income families.
TES provides direct financial support to eligible students enrolled in:
- State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)
- Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs)
- CHED-recognized Private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
- TESDA-registered Technical-Vocational Institutions (TVIs)
TES Scholarship Overview
The TES Scholarship focuses on Filipino students from low-income backgrounds who are pursuing higher education.
Unlike some scholarships that focus only on grades, TES also considers:
- Family income
- Social background
- Special circumstances
The program is managed by UniFAST, while schools handle the screening and submission of applications.
Also Read: Owwa Scholarship 2025-2026 open for college students
Who Can Apply for the TES Scholarship?
To apply for the TES Scholarship, students must meet the general eligibility requirements set by UniFAST and CHED.
- Must be a Filipino citizen.
- Must enroll in any SUCs, CHED-Recognized LUCs, or Private Schools under the CHED Registry.
- Applicant must be the admission and retention policies of the SUC/LUC.
- Must not be expelled from any higher education institution.
- Must maintain good academic standing.
- Must have completed senior high school or equivalent.
Priority Groups Under TES Scholarship
TES prioritizes students with the greatest financial need, giving higher priority to applicants who belong to specific qualifying groups.
- Students from low-income households
- Beneficiaries listed under DSWD Listahanan
- Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
- Indigenous Peoples (IPs)
- Students from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA)
- Orphans or children of solo parents
Key Features of the TES Scholarship
The TES Scholarship offers practical support, not just promises.
- Financial assistance for tuition and other school fees
- Support for miscellaneous and education-related expenses
- Focus on students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds
- Full subsidy for students in SUCs and LUCs (since tuition is already free under RA 10931)
- Partial or full subsidy for students in private HEIs, depending on financial need
- Continuous evaluation based on academic performance
Documentary Requirements for TES Scholarship
Applicants are usually required to submit the following documents (exact requirements may vary by school):
- Certificate of Registration or Enrollment
- Proof of household income (ITR or equivalent)
- Certificate of Indigency (if applicable)
- Certificate of Residency (commonly required for private HEIs)
- PWD ID (if applicable)
- Assessment of School Fees
Always check with your school’s TES focal person for the final list.
TES Scholarship Benefits
The TES benefits depend on the type of institution and student category.
1. For SUCs and LUCs
- ₱10,000 per semester
- ₱20,000 per academic year
2. For Private HEIs
- ₱13,500 per semester
- ₱27,000 per academic year
3. Additional Support for PWD Students (TES-3a)
- ₱5,000 per semester
- ₱10,000 per academic year
4. TES-3b for Licensure Exam Takers
- ₱8,000 one-time assistance for:
- Licensure exam fees
- Review center fees
- Required documents (NBI, PSA, TOR, etc.)
Note: Release of benefits is done through the school or CHED Regional Offices, depending on implementation.
Where to Apply for TES Scholarship?
There is no nationwide online TES application portal.
All TES applications are school-based.
Schools may accept applications through:
- Official school portals
- Google Forms
- On-site submission
- Official school email instructions
Each institution has its own process and timeline.
TES Scholarship Application Deadline
There is no single national deadline for TES.
Application periods vary by school, depending on:
- Enrollment schedules
- Internal screening timelines
- UniFAST fund releases
For more information, students can visit the UniFAST TES Online Portal.
How to Apply for the TES Scholarship
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Check your eligibility by confirming your enrollment in an eligible institution and your priority status, if applicable.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Prepare all required documents carefully to avoid delays or rejection.
Step 3: Coordinate With Your School
Coordinate with your school’s TES focal person, scholarship office, or Office of Student Affairs for submission.
Step 4: School Evaluation
Your school evaluates and consolidates applications, then submits them to CHED–UniFAST for validation and ranking.
Step 5: Wait for Results
Wait for the results, which are announced through your school or official CHED or UniFAST communications.
Tips for a Successful TES Application
- Fill out all forms accurately
- Submit documents early
- Track your school’s deadlines
- Follow only official announcements
- Contact your CHED Regional Office if needed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the TES Scholarship a government program?
Yes. The TES Scholarship is a government-funded program under RA 10931, managed by UniFAST with CHED and TESDA.
2. Who is eligible for the TES Scholarship?
Filipino students enrolled in CHED-recognized SUCs, LUCs, private HEIs, or TESDA programs, especially those from low-income or priority groups, may qualify.
3. How much is the TES Scholarship allowance?
TES provides up to ₱20,000 per year for SUCs/LUCs and up to ₱27,000 per year for private HEIs, depending on eligibility and funding.
4. Is the TES Scholarship application online?
No. TES applications are school-based, not open online. Students must apply through their school’s TES focal person or scholarship office.
5. Can TES be combined with other scholarships?
TES cannot be combined with another full government scholarship, but it may work with some private or school-based aid, subject to school rules.
Conclusion
The TES Scholarship remains one of the most reliable government education assistance programs in the Philippines. It helps reduce the financial burden of college and gives deserving students a real chance to complete their education.
For many families, TES is not just financial aid, it is hope, opportunity, and a step toward long-term stability.
If you are eligible, apply wisely and stay informed.