The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is a financial assistance program under UniFAST that helps eligible Filipino college students with their education expenses. It provides cash support to qualified students enrolled in eligible higher education institutions, helping reduce the financial burden of pursuing a college degree.
Also Read: List of CHED Scholarship Programs
For Academic Year 2026, qualified TES beneficiaries may receive up to ₱20,000 per academic year or ₱10,000 per semester to help with school-related expenses. Additional assistance may also be available for qualified beneficiaries, such as Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and students taking board or licensure examinations, based on program guidelines.
What is the CHED – Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) Scholarship?
The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is also one of the programs under the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Act (UniFAST) which is also known as the Republic Act No. 10687. This program is one of the grant-in-aid programs of the government that aims to give financial assistance to support the cost of tertiary education for Filipino students.
Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is one of the major components of RA 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act that is intended for students enrolled in their first undergraduate-post-secondary program in state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), private higher education institutions (HEIs), and technical-vocational institutions (TVIs).
How Much Students Receive
Grant amounts depend on the type of school:
- SUC or LUC: ₱20,000 per academic year
- PHEI: ₱27,000 per academic year
Two groups get extra help on top of these figures:
- TES-3A — Students who are persons with disabilities receive an added ₱10,000 per academic year.
- TES-3B — Graduates who take board or licensure exams can claim a one-time reimbursement of ₱8,000.
All benefits remain subject to prioritization and the availability of funds.
Qualifications
Eligibility requirements for TES Program include the following:
- Be a Filipino citizen.
- Be enrolled in your first undergraduate degree program at a State University or College (SUC)
- CHED-recognized Local University or College (LUC)
- Qualified Private Higher Education Institution (HEI)
- Meet your school’s admission and retention policies. This means you must remain enrolled and satisfy your institution’s academic requirements.
- Have not yet completed an undergraduate degree. Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree are not eligible.
- Not have exceeded the maximum residency period for your program (for example, a 4-year or 5-year course plus a one-year grace period).
Requirements
To apply for the UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), students must submit the required documents as instructed by their college or university. While requirements may vary slightly by institution, applicants are generally asked to prepare the following:
- Completed TES Application Form (if required by the school)
- Certificate of Registration (COR) or Proof of Enrollment
- Valid School ID or any government-issued ID
- PSA Birth Certificate (if requested)
- Proof of Income or other supporting documents, if applicable
- Certificate of Indigency or other documents required for priority beneficiaries
- Additional documents that may be requested by the school’s TES Focal Person or UniFAST Office
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Applicants are encouraged to coordinate with their school’s TES Focal Person to confirm the complete list of documentary requirements and submission procedures, as these may differ depending on the institution and the latest UniFAST guidelines.
Important Reminders
Here are some of the important reminders that you have to keep in mind before applying for the TES Program. You should only apply to the following:
- Meeting the TES qualifications does not automatically guarantee that you will receive the subsidy. Beneficiaries are selected based on UniFAST’s prioritization guidelines and the availability of funds.
- Always check with your school’s TES Focal Person for the latest application process, documentary requirements, and submission deadlines.
- Submit complete and accurate documents to avoid delays or disqualification.
- Keep your enrollment active and comply with your school’s academic and retention requirements to remain eligible for the subsidy.
- Beware of unofficial announcements or individuals asking for payment in exchange for TES assistance. The TES program does not require applicants to pay processing fees.
- Follow only official announcements from UniFAST, CHED, and your college or university for updates regarding TES applications and the release of beneficiaries.
Video: Learn More About Tertiary Education Subsidy and its Application Procedures
Check out the video below and learn more about the TES scholarship as well as its application procedures on how to avail of its grant.
Aside from that, you’ll also get to know in advance the eligibility requirements which you can use to assess whether or not you’ll qualify for the said scholarship program. Hence, it’s important to know these things before applying for TES so that you can check out other scholarship programs available if you do not meet the qualifications for the said scholarship program.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES)?
The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is a financial assistance program under UniFAST that helps eligible Filipino college students cover tuition and other education-related expenses.
2. Who can apply for TES?
Filipino students who are enrolled in eligible State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), or qualified private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) may be considered for TES, provided they meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
3. Do I need to submit an application for TES?
It depends on your school. Some institutions automatically identify and endorse qualified students, while others may require interested students to submit an application and supporting documents. Check with your school’s TES Focal Person for the process.
4. Is there an online application for TES?
TES applications are usually processed through participating colleges and universities. Contact your school’s TES Focal Person to find out whether your institution requires an online or in-person submission.
5. Can I receive TES if I am a 4Ps beneficiary?
Yes. Students from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) households are among those given priority during the selection process, subject to the availability of TES slots and funds.
Summary
The UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) helps eligible Filipino college students with their education expenses. If you meet the qualifications, prepare the required documents and coordinate with your school’s TES Focal Person for the application process and deadlines.
Since TES slots are limited, meeting the qualifications does not guarantee that you will be selected. Stay updated through official UniFAST, CHED, and your school’s announcements so you don’t miss any important information.