Aspiring educators across the country now have a stronger path toward a teaching career. The Teacher Education Scholarship Program (TESP), established under Republic Act No. 11713, offers full financial support to qualified Filipino students pursuing teacher education degrees. The program is implemented by the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), working closely with the Teacher Education Council (TEC) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Benefits
Qualified scholars receive a wide range of financial support each academic year:
- Tuition and school fees – covered under Free Higher Education for public COEs; up to ₱127,000 per year for private Teacher Education-COEs
- Living allowance – ₱50,000 per year for 1st and 2nd year; ₱60,000 per year for 3rd and 4th year
- Books and learning materials – ₱10,000 per year
- Clothing or uniform allowance – ₱2,000 per year
- Dormitory or boarding house allowance – ₱10,000 per year
- Transportation allowance – ₱8,000 per year
- Thesis or project grant – ₱10,000 (one-time)
- Licensure exam review fee – ₱10,000 (one-time)
- Latin honor incentives – ₱5,000 (Cum Laude), ₱7,000 (Magna Cum Laude), ₱10,000 (Summa Cum Laude)
Document Requirements
- PSA Birth Certificate
- Certificate of Good Moral Character
- Latest Certified True Copy of Grades (for tertiary applicants)
- Certificate of Enrollment, SHS Diploma, or Certificate of Graduation
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable) and Affidavit of Guardianship (if applicable)
Qualifications
To be eligible, you must be a Filipino citizen with no existing bachelor’s degree. You must be enrolled in a Teacher Education Center of Excellence (COE) and maintain good academic standing. Applicants cannot receive any other government scholarship, though the Free Higher Education (FHE) benefit is allowed.
Procedure How to Apply
- Access the official application form in TEC Circular No. 01, s. 2026.
- Fill out your complete personal information.
- Provide your academic details, including school, course, and year level.
- Complete your family background section.
- Review the declaration, give your consent, and submit.
Application Form
The official TESP application form is located on pages 12 and 13 of TEC Circular No. 01, s. 2026. Read the instructions carefully before filling it out.
Deadline
There is no fixed application deadline yet. TEC and UniFAST will announce the official opening and closing dates through their websites and social media pages. Check these channels regularly so you don’t miss your chance to apply.