The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is a financial aid program under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) aimed at helping Filipino students cover the costs of their tertiary education.
Targeted towards underprivileged students enrolled in state universities, local universities, private higher education institutions, and technical-vocational institutions, TES offers substantial benefits including tuition assistance and allowances for various educational expenses.
Eligible students can expect to receive up to PHP 60,000 annually, depending on their institution and specific needs.
This program ensures broader access to quality education, supporting students in their academic pursuits and helping them achieve their dreams.
Understanding the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES)
The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is part of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Act (UniFAST), also known as Republic Act No. 10687.
It is a government grant aimed at helping Filipino students cover the cost of their tertiary education.
TES is a major component of RA 10931, the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, benefiting students enrolled in state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), private higher education institutions (HEIs), and technical-vocational institutions (TVIs).
Key Benefits of the Tertiary Education Subsidy
1. For Private Higher Education Institutions (TES 1)
- Up to PHP 60,000 per academic year for tuition, fees, and other expenses.
2. For State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) (TES 2)
- Up to PHP 40,000 per academic year for allowance and education-related expenses.
3. For Persons with Disability (PWD) (TES 3A)
- PHP 30,000 per academic year.
4. For Board/Licensure Exam (TES 3B)
- PHP 10,000 additional benefits.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for TES, applicants must:
- Be Filipino citizens.
- Be enrolled in their first undergraduate post-secondary program.
- Meet the admission requirements of their chosen SUC, LUC, or private HEI.
Priority is given to:
- Continuing ESGP-PA beneficiaries.
- Continuing program grantees.
- Students in private HEIs without nearby SUCs or LUCs.
- Students listed in the DSWD’s Listahanan 2.0.
- Students ranked by household income if not in Listahanan.
Required Documents
For New Applicants:
- Proof of enrollment.
- PWD identification card (if applicable).
- Certificate of Residency or valid government-issued ID.
- Proof of income for non-Listahanan applicants.
For Continuing Grantees:
- Proof of continued enrollment.
- Documentation for returning students after a leave of absence.
For TES 3B Availment:
- Letter of Availment with receipts for allowable expenses.
Step-by-Step Guide for the TES Application Process
Step 1: Enroll in a state university or college.
Step 2: Coordinate with the TES Focal Person to process the application in the TES Portal.
Step 3: TES Focal Person submits student information in the TES Portal.
Step 4: UniFAST conducts assessment and validation.
Step 5: Check TES Portal for results.
Step 6: Submit required documents to the HEI if qualified.
Step 7: HEI submits documents to CHED Regional Office.
Step 8: UniFAST Board approves the list of TES grantees.
Step 9: HEI receives and distributes TES funds to beneficiaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Tertiary Education Subsidy? The scheme provides financial assistance to students in their first undergraduate post-secondary program.
- Is TES Scholarship available in 2022? Yes, the TES is available every academic year.
- How much is TES Scholarship? Amounts vary:
-
- PHP 60,000 for private HEIs (TES 1).
- PHP 40,000 for SUCs and LUCs (TES 2).
- PHP 30,000 for PWD (TES 3A).
- PHP 10,000 additional for Board/Licensure Exam (TES 3B).
- Is there a grade requirement for TES? No, there is no maintaining grade requirement.
- Is the application for TES open to all year levels? Yes, as long as the applicant meets the requirements.
- Can I still apply for other government scholarships even if I’m a TES grantee? Yes, but check guidelines of other scholarships for restrictions.
- If I transfer schools, can I still be a TES grantee? Yes, if the new school is in the CHED Registry of Programs and Institutions.
Recent Updates
UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES): Fulfilling Dreams of Graduates
Mark Angelo Mendoza, a proud graduate of Bulacan Polytechnic College, expresses gratitude to UniFAST for the Tertiary Education Subsidy that enabled him to complete his studies. As the fourth of five siblings, he, along with his youngest sibling and parents, reside together. Currently working at CHED Regional Office III-UniFAST Unit, Mark acknowledges the significant impact of the program on his life, fulfilling his dreams with the support of UniFAST.
Riza Tabugon Morales, along with her sister, triumphed over 14 years of setbacks to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Despite financial struggles and the responsibilities of motherhood, the transformative impact of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program and the unwavering support of family and friends propelled them forward. This shared accomplishment symbolizes the power of perseverance, education, and gratitude for the opportunities that have opened doors to new beginnings and endless possibilities.
Video: Tertiary Education Subsidy
The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) Program, established under Republic Act 10931, aims to provide financial assistance to qualified Filipino tertiary education students. Administered by UniFAST, an agency under the Commission on Higher Education, the program ensures universal access to quality tertiary education for all eligible students in the Philippines. Implemented to alleviate the financial burden of higher education, the scheme supports students in pursuing their academic goals and achieving success.
Conclusion
The TES program offers significant financial support for underprivileged students pursuing higher education.
Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee acceptance, but applying is worthwhile due to the extensive benefits.
Check eligibility and required documentation before applying, and consider other scholarship options if necessary.
Good luck with your application!