Accessing higher education is crucial for unlocking opportunities and achieving one’s dreams. However, for many Filipino students, especially those from low-income households, the financial burden of pursuing tertiary education can be overwhelming.
Recognizing this challenge, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has introduced the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program as a solution to ease the financial barriers hindering students’ access to higher education.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the CHED-Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program, covering qualifications, requirements, how to apply, where to submit, and more.
Disclaimer: While the official CHED nationwide TES schedule for AY 2025–2026 is not yet released, some schools, such as the Philippine College of Science and Technology (Region I), have already opened their TES applications. This guide covers everything you need to know about TES, plus the latest school-based updates as they come in.
Table of Contents
About CHED UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) was established on May 18, 1994, through Republic Act No. 7722, also known as the Higher Education Act of 1994. CHED is a vital government agency in the Philippines, operating under the Office of the President.
It plays a crucial role in regulating and governing higher education institutions and post-secondary educational programs in the country.
In collaboration with the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), CHED offers the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program to deserving Filipino students.
What is TES?
- TES stands for Tertiary Education Subsidy.
- It is a grant-in-aid program established by Republic Act 10931.
- TES supports qualified disadvantaged students and those studying in cities and municipalities without public universities.
- The Tertiary Education Subsidy is a scholarship program that aims to provide financial assistance to students who are enrolled in a CHED-recognized higher education institution and belong to a household with a combined annual gross income not exceeding Php 300,000.
- Additionally, the student must be a beneficiary of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or a solo parent.
- This program aims to ease the financial strain of higher education for deserving Filipino students, enabling them to pursue their academic goals and make positive contributions to their communities and the nation.
Eligibility:
To qualify for the CHED Unifast Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), applicants must meet the following criteria:
- All Enrolled Filipino Undergraduate Students
- Must be enrolled in a CHED-recognized college or university, including:
- State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)
- Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs)
- Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs)
- Both the school and the program must be CHED-recognized.
- Must be enrolled in a CHED-recognized college or university, including:
- Program Duration
- Must not be overstaying in the program and should complete the course within the allowed time frame of (four (4) or five (5) years, plus a one-year (1) grace period if needed.
Prioritization:
The TES prioritizes students based on specific categories to ensure that the subsidy benefits those most in need. The following students are given priority:
- Listahanan Students
- Priority is given to students under the most updated Listahanan for all SUCs, LUCs, Private HEIs, and Private Non-Sectarian Local Institutions (PNSLs).
- 4Ps Beneficiaries
- Students included in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are ranked according to household per capita income for all SUCs (State Universities and Colleges), LUCs (Local Universities and Colleges), Private HEIs (Higher Education Institutions), and PNSLs (Private Non-Sectarian Local Institutions).
- Other Poor Students
- Remaining slots are allocated to other poor students in Private HEIs without access to SUCs, LUCs, or PNSLs, who are not included in the first and second prioritization categories.
Ineligibility
The following individuals are ineligible for the CHED Unifast Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES):
- Foreign citizens
- Individuals who are not Filipino citizens.
- Non-students
- Individuals who are not currently enrolled in a higher education program.
- Students enrolled in HEIs or programs not included in the CHED Registry of Programs and Institutions
- Students enrolled in institutions or programs not recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
- Students already in their 2nd undergraduate post-secondary program
- Individuals who are already pursuing a second undergraduate degree.
- Students who are already beneficiaries of the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP), CHED Scholarship Programs (CSPs), and national government-funded StuFAPs
- Students who are already receiving other government-funded financial assistance programs like the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP), CHED Scholarship Programs (CSPs), or Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs).
- For student-applicants under the PNSL category
- Applicants under the Private Non-Sectarian Local Institutions (PNSLs) category who are not residing in the city or municipality where the higher education institution is located.
- Applicants who submitted falsified documents
- Individuals who submit fake or altered documents to support their application.
If you’re not eligible for the CHED for Future Statisticians (Estatistikolar), don’t worry. You can explore other government scholarships and other CHED scholarships here that might interest you.
Benefits
Grantees of the CHED Unifast Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) for the Academic Year 2025-2026 will receive the following financial assistance:
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 Benefits for PWD Students (TES-3a)
- +₱5,000 per semester
- +₱10,000 per academic year
4. TES-3b for Licensure Exam Takers (One-time reimbursement)
Up to ₱8,000 for:
- Licensure exam fees
- Review center fees
- Notarial fees
- Required documents (NBI, PSA, TOR, etc.)
These benefits are sent through your school or through CHED Regional Offices, depending on the disbursement mode.
Application Process:
TES applications are school-based, not nationwide online application. This means your college or university will manage the screening and uploading of applicant lists to the UniFAST Portal.
General Requirements:
Start by gathering the following requirements and providing the necessary attachments:
Applicants must provide the following documents:
- Certificate of Registration (COR) or Certificate of Enrollment (COE)
- Photocopy of Person with Disability ID (if applicable)
Below are the detailed documentary requirements for each applicant:
For New Applicants:
- Certified True Copy or electronically-generated copy of the list of enrolled student-applicants, including required student information, along with the certified electronically generated Certificate of Registration/Enrollment (CORS/COEs) as proof of enrollment and applicable fees charged by the HEI.
- Certified True Copy or electronically-generated copy of the list of enrolled student-applicants who are Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), with attached certified copy of their PWD identification card issued by the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) of a student’s city or municipality. Additional requirement for students enrolled in private HEIs located in municipalities or cities with no SUC or CHED-recognized LUC.
- Certified True Copy or electronically-generated copy of the list of enrolled student-applicants, along with the attached Original Copy of the Certificate of Residency, stating the full name of the student-applicant, address, and date of issuance duly signed by the Punong Barangay. Alternatively, an electronic copy of any valid government-issued identification may be submitted, provided that the full name and residence of the student is reflected on the ID.
Additionally, applicants who are not part of the Listahanan shall submit documentation of Proof of Income of all income-earners in the grantee’s household, which may include:
- The latest copy of the contract or proof of income for Overseas Filipino Workers and seafarers.
- Employment contract, pay slips, latest Income Tax Return (ITR), or Bureau of Internal Revenue Form 2316 for fixed-income earners.
- A case study prepared and issued by the licensed Social Welfare and Development Officer of the grantee’s city or municipality, especially for income-earners in the informal sector.
For Continuing Grantees:
- Certified True Copy or electronically-generated copy of the list of enrolled student-continuing grantees with the required student orientation as proof of enrollment and applicable fees charged by HEI. This will serve as a document for validation and billing purposes.
- For continuing grantees who return to school or his/her studies after failing to enroll for one academic term and have submitted their LOA, certified true copy or electronically-generated copy of the list of enrolled student-applicants with a total number of units enrolled as proof of enrollment, and applicable fees charged by HEI with the attached document that the student-transferee is a grantee.
For Availment of TES 3B:
- A Letter of Availament addressed to the CHED Regional Office, containing a summary of all allowable expenses with their actual amount and official receipt or acknowledgment receipt. This should be accompanied by any of the following attached documents as claimed:
- Professional Regulation Commission application form or examination fees.
- OR/AR for notarial fees.
- OR for Review Center Fees.
- OR for insurance premium fees.
- OR for issuance of Transcript of Records and Certificate of Good Moral Character.
- OR for issuance of PSA, BIR, and NBI documents. OR/AR of other entities or institutions for expenses necessary to comply with the requirements for licensure examinations.
How to Apply
Here is a student-friendly version of the TES application steps:
- Step 1: Ask Your School About TES Applications
- Visit your school Facebook Page, registrar, or guidance office.
- Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
- These usually include:
- Certificate of Registration (COR)
- School ID or government ID
- Additional documents for PNSL, PWD, transferees, or returning students
- (Requirements differ per school.) For the general Requirements you can see it above.
- These usually include:
- Step 3: Submit Your Details
- Put your Information on the application form or
- Follow the instructions given by your school.
- Step 4: Wait for Confirmation
- If you qualify, CHEDRO and UniFAST will validate your records.
- Step 5: Claim Your TES Grant
- Once validated, you will receive updates from your school or CHED.
It is important to remember: Submitting an application does NOT guarantee approval. Selection still depends on prioritization and availability of funds.
Where to Apply
TES applications are NOT submitted on a national website.
All TES applications must be submitted through your school.
Each SUC, LUC, and private HEI has its own procedure.
Examples may include:
- Online school portal
- Google Form
- On-site submission at the Registrar
- Official school email instructions
If your school has not yet released their TES announcement, continue monitoring their Facebook page or official website.
Deadline
For AY 2025–2026, deadlines vary per school.
Some schools may open applications early, while others may have limited slots and shorter schedules.
Note: Always check with your school registrar or UniFAST Focal Person for the exact deadline.
School-Based TES Application Links (AY 2025–2026)
This list includes only some of the schools that have posted their TES application announcements on Facebook. Other schools may already be accepting applications even if they are not listed here. Please check your school’s official page or Registrar for updates.
| School Name | Application | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Philippine College of Science and Technology (PhilCST) | Visit the Registrar’s Office | 🟢 Ongoing |
| PHINMA-University of Pangasinan | Form here → | 🔴 Passed the Deadline (September 14, 2025) |
| HGBaquiran College | Form here → | 🔴 Passed the Deadline (November 6, 2025) |
| Legacy College of Compostela | Form here → | 🟢 Ongoing until (December 5, 2025) |
| Luna Colleges, Tayug Pangasinan | Form here → | 🔴 Passed the Deadline (August 30, 2025) |
| Dr. Aurelio Mendoza Memorial Colleges | Form here → | 🟢 Ongoing until (November 14, 2025) |
| Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University | Form List here → | 🟢 Ongoing |
| Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (Talisay Campus) | Form here → | 🟢 Ongoing until (November 21, 2025) |
| Negros Oriental State University | Form here → | 🟢 Ongoing until (December 10, 2025) |
| University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (Jasaan) | Form here → | 🟢 Ongoing until (November 25, 2025) |
Important Reminders and Eligibility Criteria for the CHED UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy Program
Here are some essential reminders to consider before applying for the CHED UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy(TES) Program:
- For Higher Education: Applicants are advised to apply only to undergraduate courses or programs on any State Universities and Colleges (SUC) campus with Board approval. Moreover, undergraduate courses or programs offered should possess Certificates of Program Compliance (COPCs) in CHED-recognized Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) and have Government Recognition in private institutions listed in the UniFAST Registry of Quality-Assured Institutions and Programs.
- For TVET: TVET programs should have a Certificate of Program Registration (COPR) and official listing in the TESDA Compendium of Registered Programs in any public or private technical-vocational institution (TVI).
Additional Grounds for Ineligibility (for New Applicants):
- Foreign citizens are ineligible.
- Non-students are not qualified.
- Enrollment in HEIs or programs not included in the CHED Registry of Programs and Institutions is grounds for disqualification.
- Individuals already pursuing their second undergraduate post-secondary program are ineligible.
- Current beneficiaries of the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP), CHED Scholarship Programs (CSPs), and other national government-funded StuFAP programs are not eligible.
- Student applicants under the PNSL category who are not residing in the city or municipality where the HEI is located are ineligible.
- Submission of falsified documents will result in disqualification.
Continuing Grantees:
- Failure to enroll for one academic term without leave of absence (LOA) or for at least two academic terms within a year.
- Suspension or expulsion from the HEI for one academic term or more.
- Not meeting the admission and retention requirements of the HEI.
- Failure to complete the bachelor’s degree within the prescribed period.
- Transferring to HEIs other than SUCs under the concluding Expanded Students’ Grant-In-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA).
- Submission of falsified documents.
For continuing TES grantees transferring to other HEIs, adhere to these rules:
- Inform the current HEI of the intent to transfer and follow the transfer procedures of both HEIs.
- Continuing ESGP-PA grantees may only transfer to another SUC.
- Listahanan and other grantees may transfer to one HEI listed in the CHED Registry of Programs and Institutions.
- PNSL grantees not in the Listahanan Category may transfer to another PNSL HEI in the same municipality or city.
Final Thoughts:
Final Thoughts
The CHED Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is here to support you by making education more affordable. Take the time to learn about the program, check if you qualify, and apply.
This is your chance to get the help you need to achieve your goals.
References:
- Philippine Go. (n.d.). What is CHED? Retrieved from [https://philippinego.com/gov/what-is-ched/#history](https://philippinego.com/gov/what-is-ched/#history)
- Philippine Go. (n.d.). [Title of the Article]. Retrieved from [https://philippinego.com/4942/](https://philippinego.com/4942/)
- Facebook. (n.d.). How to Apply CHED – Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) | Philippine Scholarships. Retrieved from [https://philippinescholarships.com/ched-tertiary-education-subsidy-tes/#google_vignette]
- Facebook. (n.d.). CHED-UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) 2023-2024 – CHED Scholarship. Retrieved from [https://chedscholarship.com/ched-unifast-tertiary-education-subsidy-tes/#benefits] Enhanced-tes-2024.pdf
- UniFAST. (2024). TES 2024 infographics [PDF file]. Retrieved from https://unifast.gov.ph/assets/pdf/infgrfx/TES2024.pdf
- Commission on Higher Education. (2024, November 26). TES application schedule for AY 2024-2025 [Status update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=908414284741292&set=pcb.908416941407693
- UniFAST. (n.d.). Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES). Retrieved November 27, 2024, from https://unifast.gov.ph/tes.html
- Facebook. (2022). Facebook.com. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=798381769209823&set=a.310832724631399
- PHINMA Upang Facebook Page. Facebook.com. https://www.facebook.com/up.csdl/posts/pfbid026XVxT2DUDywYT2cxEoPXcGvoU2CmH7ghvB5P1GMqG1JUKK98ic7hHJBviDxkDKjAl
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