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.
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.
Benefits
Grantees of the CHED Unifast Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) for the Academic Year 2024-2025 will receive the following financial assistance:
Grantees Enrolled in SUCs and CHED-Recognized LUCs
- ₱20,000 per Academic Year, or
- ₱10,000 per semester
Covers tuition, school fees, and other education-related expenses
Grantees Enrolled in Private HEIs
- ₱27,000 per Academic Year, or
- ₱13,500 per semester
Covers tuition, school fees, and other education-related expenses
Additional Benefits
- TES 3A
- Persons with Disability (PWD)
- ₱10,000 per Academic Year or
- ₱5,000 per semester
- Persons with Disability (PWD)
- TEST 3B
- Board/Licensure Examination
- ₱8,000 Maximum One-time Reimbursement
- Board/Licensure Examination
Application Process:
To apply for the CHED UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), follow these step-by-step instructions for a smooth and successful application journey:
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
To apply for the CHED Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) for the Academic Year 2024-2025, follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility:
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria set by the TES program (e.g., enrolled in a CHED-recognized HEI, not exceeding the maximum study duration, etc.).
- Prepare Required Documents:
- Gather all necessary documents, such as your school ID, proof of enrollment, and any required certifications or forms from your institution.
- Coordinate with Your HEI:
- Contact your designated TES Focal Person at your HEI to confirm that you are included in the list of applicants and to get guidance on the application process.
- Complete the Application:
- Submit your application via the TES Online Portal of UniFAST. Make sure to follow any additional instructions provided by your HEI.
Where to Apply
Applications for the TES are submitted through the TES Online Portal of UniFAST.
Your HEI will submit your application through the portal on your behalf, so it’s important to coordinate with your institution’s TES Focal Person for assistance.
TES Application Schedule AY 2024-2025
| Region | Schedule |
|---|---|
| I – Ilocos Region and | Nov 26-28, 2024 |
| II – Cagayan Valley | Nov 26-28, 2024 |
| III – Central Luzon | Nov 29 and Dec 2-3, 2024 |
| MIMAROPA | Nov 29 and Dec 2-3, 2024 |
| CALABARZON | Dec 4-6, 2024 |
| V – Bicol Region | Dec 9-11, 2024 |
| Caraga | Dec 9-11, 2024 |
| VI – Western Visayas | Dec 12-13 and 16, 2024 |
| VIII – Eastern Visayas | Dec 12-13 and 16, 2024 |
| VII – Central Visayas | Dec 17-19, 2024 |
| NCR | Dec 17-19, 2024 |
| X – Northern Mindanao | Dec 20, 23 and 26, 2024 |
| XI – Davao Region | Dec 20, 23 and 26, 2024 |
| IX – Zamboanga Peninsula | Dec 27, 2024 and Jan 2-3, 2025 |
| BARMM A | Dec 27, 2024 and Jan 2-3, 2025 |
| XII – Soccsksargen | Jan 6-8, 2025 |
| BARMM B | Jan 6-8, 2025 |
| Cordillera Administrative Region | Jan 9-10 and 13, 2025 |
Note:
All participating HEIs (Higher Education Institutions) and schools in each region are assigned a specific schedule to submit their students’ applications through the TES Online Portal of UniFAST. Interested students should coordinate with the designated TES Focal Person of their respective HEI to ensure inclusion in the list of applicants for submission in the portal.
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
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📌Important Notice: Information on CHED TES
This information on the CHED Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is provided for dissemination and educational purposes, serving as a reliable reference for students. It is regularly updated to reflect the latest guidelines, schedules, and opportunities related to the TES program, helping students stay informed about available benefits and application processes.
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