Looking to pursue higher education without the financial burden? The TES Scholarship—officially known as the Tertiary Education Subsidy—is a government-backed program designed to help Filipino students achieve their academic dreams. Whether you’re enrolled in a public college or a private university, the TES grant can support your educational expenses and even cover costs for licensure exams.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about the TES Scholarship: from eligibility and benefits to the step-by-step application process.
Also Read: Martingale Foundation Scholarship 2025 in UK
What is the TES Scholarship?
The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is a major initiative under Republic Act 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. Signed into law on August 3, 2017, this legislation makes tertiary education more accessible to financially disadvantaged Filipino students.
Administered by UniFAST (Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education), TES aims to support students in state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), and private higher education institutions (HEIs) through tuition assistance and other subsidies.
Key Benefits of the TES Scholarship
Depending on the institution where you are enrolled, TES offers generous financial aid:
For SUCs, LUCs, LGU-run TVIs, and TESDA TTIs
Students attending public universities or technical institutions may receive:
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Up to PHP 40,000 annually for:
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Books and learning materials
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Daily transportation
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Board and lodging
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Computer or gadget expenses
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For Private HEIs and TVIs
Students in private institutions are eligible for:
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Up to PHP 20,000 per academic year for tuition and other mandatory school fees
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Up to PHP 40,000 for education-related needs (similar to those listed above)
Extra Allowance for Licensure Programs
Students enrolled in programs that require licensure or certification exams may receive an additional PHP 10,000. This covers:
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Review class fees
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Notarial and documentation expenses
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Insurance and credentialing costs
Also Read: McKay Scholarship 2025: Complete Guide for Parents of Students with Disabilities in Florida
Eligibility Criteria For TES Scholarship 2025
Not sure if you qualify? Here’s a checklist of the general requirements:
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You must be a Filipino citizen
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Enrolled in an eligible program under an SUC, LUC, or CHED-recognized private HEI
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Not under academic dismissal or expulsion
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Meet residency and admission policies of your chosen school (including not exceeding the Maximum Residency Rule)
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Not previously a recipient of any disqualifying academic sanction.
Who Gets Priority for TES?
Priority is given to applicants under specific socio-economic conditions, including:
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Current TES or ESGP-PA grantees
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Students listed under DSWD’s Listahanan 2.0, ranked based on household income
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Non-Listahanan applicants who can submit proof of low household income
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Students from areas without access to SUCs or LUCs
Required Documents
Prepare these documents when applying for the TES Scholarship:
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Assessment of Fees from your institution
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Certificate of Registration or Enrollment
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Certificate of Residency (if required)
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PWD ID (only for Persons With Disabilities applying for further assistance)
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Proof of income or certification from barangay (for non-Listahanan applicants)
Also Read: How to Start a Scholarship Fund to Honor a Loved One
How to Apply for the TES Scholarship (Step-by-Step)
Wondering how to get started? Here’s how the TES application process works:
Step 1: Enroll in Your HEI
Make sure you’re enrolled in an eligible course at a TES-participating institution.
Step 2: Connect with the TES Focal Person
Each school has a designated TES focal person. They will guide you through the internal application and documentation process.
Step 3: School Encodes Data
Your school will encode your information into the TES Portal managed by UniFAST.
Step 4: UniFAST Conducts Verification
Your submitted information will undergo nationwide validation and ranking, including identity checks and income verification.
Step 5: Grantee List is Released
The list of qualified grantees will be visible through your school’s TES Portal. If you’re selected, the school will notify you.
Step 6: Submit Documentary Requirements
Submit all necessary documents to your school, which will be validated by CHED Regional Offices.
Step 7: Masterlist Approval
The final list of approved grantees is signed off by the UniFAST Board and funds are distributed to schools.
Step 8: Receive Your Grant
Your institution will release the funds directly to you or apply it toward tuition and other educational expenses.
Note: There’s no direct online application form for students—you must apply through your school.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the TES Scholarship still open in 2025?
Yes! The TES application is currently open. Interested students are encouraged to apply through their respective school’s TES focal person.
2. Do I need to maintain a specific grade or GWA?
No, there is no minimum grade requirement to continue receiving TES—unlike many traditional scholarships.
3. Can students from private schools apply?
Yes, as long as the private HEI is CHED-recognized and listed in the UniFAST program registry.
4. Can I receive TES if I already have another scholarship?
In most cases, TES can be combined with other government aid programs, but not always. Check with your school or UniFAST for confirmation.
5. How long can I receive TES?
As long as you remain enrolled in an eligible program, maintain your school’s retention policy, and have not exceeded the Maximum Residency Rule, you can continue receiving TES annually.
Conclusion
The TES Scholarship Program is a beacon of hope for thousands of Filipino students striving for a better future through education. By easing the financial burden of higher education, TES empowers you to focus on learning, growth, and professional development. If you’re a student struggling with tuition and academic costs, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Start by talking to your school’s TES focal person, gather the required documents, and take the first step toward achieving your academic dreams with the support of the TES Program.