Pursuing a college education is a major step toward a brighter future, but for many Filipino students—especially those from low-income families—the cost can be a heavy burden. To help address this issue, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) created the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), a financial assistance program designed to lessen the economic challenges that prevent students from completing higher education.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the CHED–Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), including who can qualify, what documents are required, how and where to apply, and other important details.
Important Note: Although the official nationwide release of the TES schedule for AY 2025–2026 has yet to be announced by CHED, several institutions—including the Philippine College of Science and Technology in Region I—have already begun accepting applications. This guide will continue to include updates from schools as new information becomes available.
About CHED UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) was formed on May 18, 1994, under Republic Act No. 7722, known as the Higher Education Act of 1994. It is a key government agency under the Office of the President, tasked with overseeing higher education institutions and post-secondary programs in the Philippines.
Working alongside the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), CHED administers the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) to support qualified Filipino learners in need.
What is TES?
• TES stands for Tertiary Education Subsidy
• It is a grant-in-aid initiative under Republic Act 10931
• The program assists eligible students who face financial difficulties or those studying in localities without public universities
• TES provides monetary support to students enrolled in CHED-recognized higher education institutions whose households have a combined annual gross income of Php 300,000 or below
• Beneficiaries may also include students who are part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or those classified as solo parents
Overall, the Tertiary Education Subsidy aims to make college more accessible to deserving Filipino students, helping them pursue their studies and eventually contribute to their community and the country’s development.
Eligibility
To be considered for the CHED Unifast Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), applicants must meet the following requirements:
▶ All Enrolled Filipino Undergraduate Students
a. Students must be registered in a college or university recognized by CHED, such as:
• State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)
• Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs)
• Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs)
b. Both the academic institution and the degree program must have official CHED recognition.
▶ Program Duration
a. Students should finish their program within the prescribed period—typically four (4) or five (5) years—with an additional one-year (1) grace period allowed if necessary.
Prioritization
TES gives preference to applicants according to specific categories to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most. Priority is given to the following:
1. Listahanan Students
Students identified under the most recent Listahanan database are given priority across SUCs, LUCs, Private HEIs, and Private Non-Sectarian Local Institutions (PNSLs).
2. 4Ps Beneficiaries
Students who are part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are ranked based on household per capita income and prioritized in SUCs, LUCs, Private HEIs, and PNSLs.
3. Other Poor Students
Any remaining available slots are assigned to other financially disadvantaged students in Private HEIs who do not fall under the first two priority groups and do not have access to SUCs, LUCs, or PNSLs.
Ineligibility
The CHED Unifast Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is not available to the following:
a. Foreign citizens
• Anyone who is not a Filipino citizen.
b. Non-students
• Individuals who are not currently taking up a higher education course.
c. Students enrolled in institutions or programs outside the CHED Registry of Programs and Institutions
• Learners studying in schools or programs that do not have recognition from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
d. Students pursuing a second undergraduate post-secondary degree
• Those who are already taking another undergraduate program.
e. Students already covered by TDP, CHED Scholarship Programs (CSPs), or other national government-funded StuFAPs
• Learners who are currently receiving financial assistance from programs such as the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP), CHED Scholarship Programs (CSPs), or other Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs).
f. PNSL applicants not living in the municipality of the school
• Private Non-Sectarian Local Institution (PNSL) applicants who do not reside in the same city or town as the higher institution they are attending.
g. Applicants who provided forged documents
• Individuals who submit falsified, altered, or fraudulent records in their application.
Benefits CHED UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy
Students approved for the CHED UniFAST TES for Academic Year 2025–2026 may receive the following:
1. For SUCs and LUCs
• ₱10,000 every semester
• ₱20,000 every academic year
2. For Private HEIs
• ₱13,500 per semester
• ₱27,000 per academic year
3. Extra Support for PWD Students (TES-3a)
• Additional ₱5,000 each semester
• Additional ₱10,000 annually
4. TES-3b for Licensure Exam Takers (One-time reimbursement)
Up to ₱8,000 to cover:
• Licensure examination fees
• Review center payments
• Notarial expenses
• Supporting documents such as NBI, PSA, and TOR
Funds are released either through the school or through the CHED Regional Offices, depending on the assigned distribution method.
Also Read : DOST S&T Undergraduate Scholarship Program 2026: Complete Guide
Application Process CHED UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy
TES applications are submitted through your school, not through a centralized nationwide online system. This means your college or university is responsible for screening applicants and uploading the official lists to the UniFAST Portal.
General Requirements
Begin by preparing the documents listed below and making sure that all necessary attachments are complete:
Applicants are required to submit the following:
• Certificate of Registration (COR) or Certificate of Enrollment (COE)
• Photocopy of Person with Disability (PWD) ID, if applicable
Below are the full documentary requirements depending on the applicant type:
For New Applicants
• A Certified True Copy or system-generated copy of the list of enrolled student-applicants, including the required student details. This must be submitted together with the certified electronic copy of the Certificate of Registration/Enrollment (CORS/COEs) as proof of enrollment and the fees charged by the school.
• A Certified True Copy or electronic copy of the list of enrolled students with disabilities, including the required validated student information and the certified copy of their PWD ID issued by the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO). This additional requirement applies to students attending private HEIs located in cities or municipalities without an SUC or CHED-recognized LUC.
• A Certified True Copy or electronically generated copy of the list of enrolled student-applicants with an attached original Certificate of Residency. This certificate must show the student’s name, address, and date issued, signed by the Punong Barangay. Alternatively, a valid government ID showing the student’s name and residence may be submitted.
Applicants who are not included in the Listahanan database must also provide Proof of Income of all household members who earn income, which may be any of the following:
• Latest employment contract or income documents for Overseas Filipino Workers and seafarers
• Employment contract, recent payslips, latest Income Tax Return (ITR), or BIR Form 2316 for regular wage earners
• A case study report issued by the licensed Social Welfare and Development Officer of the applicant’s city or municipality for informal sector earners
For Continuing Grantees
• A Certified True Copy or electronically generated list of enrolled continuing student-grantees that includes required orientation details as proof of enrollment and the tuition and fees charged by the HEI. This document is used for validation and billing.
• For grantees who returned after taking a leave of absence and did not enroll in the previous term, a certified or electronic copy of the list of enrolled student-applicants showing the total number of units enrolled, proof of fees charged by the HEI, and an attached document confirming that the transferee is an existing grantee.
For Availment of TES 3B
• A Letter of Availment addressed to the CHED Regional Office. The letter must contain a complete summary of allowed expenses, including the exact amounts, official receipts (OR), or acknowledgment receipts (AR). One or more of the following supporting documents must also be attached based on the claims:
• Professional Regulation Commission application form or examination fees
• OR/AR for notarial service fees
• OR for Review Center fees
• OR for insurance premium payments
• OR for issuance of Transcript of Records and Certificate of Good Moral Character
• OR for PSA, BIR, or NBI documents or receipts issued by other institutions for expenses required for licensure examination compliance
How to Apply CHED UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy
Below is an easy-to-understand guide on how students can apply for TES:
▶ Step 1: Inquire at Your School About TES Applications
Start by checking your school’s official Facebook page or visiting the registrar or guidance office for instructions.
▶ Step 2: Get Your Documents Ready
Common requirements may include:
• Certificate of Registration (COR)
• School ID or any valid government ID
• Extra documents for PNSL, PWD students, transferees, or returnees
(Requirements may vary depending on the school. Refer to the general list mentioned earlier.)
▶ Step 3: Fill Out and Submit Your Application
• Enter your Information in the official application form, or
• Follow the submission process provided by your school.
▶ Step 4: Wait for Confirmation
If you are eligible, your records will be reviewed and validated by CHEDRO and UniFAST.
▶ Step 5: Receive Your TES Grant
After validation, you’ll be informed by your school or CHED regarding the status and release of your grant.
Keep in mind: Submitting your application does not automatically mean approval. Selection still depends on prioritization guidelines and the availability of funds.
Where to Apply
TES applications are not filed on a national portal.
All applications must go through your school. Each SUC, LUC, or private HEI may have its own method, such as:
• School online portal
• Google Form
• Physical submission at the registrar
• Instructions sent through official campus email
If your school has not posted an announcement yet, keep checking their website or Facebook page for updates.
Deadline CHED UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy
For AY 2025–2026, application periods differ per school.
Some institutions may start earlier, while others might have limited slots and shorter application windows.
Always confirm the exact schedule with your school registrar or UniFAST focal person.
School-Based TES Application Links (AY 2025–2026)
The schools listed so far are those that have publicly shared their TES announcements on Facebook. Other schools may also be accepting applications even if they are not listed. Be sure to follow your school’s official page or contact the registrar for the latest 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
Before submitting your application for the CHED UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) Program, here are the key points you need to keep in mind:
For Higher Education Applicants
• Only apply for undergraduate degrees offered in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) with Board approval.
• Programs offered in CHED-recognized Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) must have valid Certificates of Program Compliance (COPCs).
• For private schools, the courses must have Government Recognition and be included in the UniFAST Registry of Quality-Assured Institutions and Programs.
For TVET Students
• The TVET program you are applying for must carry a valid Certificate of Program Registration (COPR).
• It must also be officially listed in the TESDA Compendium of Registered Programs, whether the training center is public or private.
Additional Disqualification Conditions (for New Applicants)
You are not eligible if:
• You are a foreign national.
• You are not currently enrolled as a student.
• Your school or program is not listed in the CHED Registry of Programs and Institutions.
• You are already taking a second undergraduate program.
• You are a beneficiary of TDP, CSPs, or other government-funded StuFAP programs.
• Under the PNSL category, you reside outside the municipality or city where the HEI is located.
• Any requirements submitted are found to be falsified.
Conditions for Continuing Grantees
Current TES grantees may lose eligibility if:
• They fail to enroll for a term without filing an LOA, or miss two semesters within one year.
• They are suspended or expelled for at least one academic term.
• They do not meet the school’s admission or retention policies.
• They do not finish their degree within the allowable timeframe.
• They transfer to a non-SUC institution if they are beneficiaries of the concluding ESGP-PA program.
• They submit falsified documents.
Guidelines for Continuing TES Grantees Who Transfer
• Notify your current school of your transfer decision and follow both institutions’ transfer procedures.
• ESGP-PA grantees are only allowed to transfer to another SUC.
• Listahanan and other qualified students may move to another HEI included in the CHED Registry.
• PNSL grantees not listed under the Listahanan category must transfer to another PNSL HEI in the same municipality or city.
Final Thoughts
The CHED Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) aims to lighten the financial burden of your education. Make sure to understand the guidelines, determine if you meet the requirements, and submit your application.
This is your opportunity to secure support that can help you reach your educational goals.
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References:
1. Philippine Go. (n.d.). What is CHED? Retrieved from
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2. Philippine Go. (n.d.). [Title of the Article]. Retrieved from
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3. Facebook. (n.d.). How to Apply CHED – Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) | Philippine Scholarships. Retrieved from
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4. UniFAST. (2024). TES 2024 infographics [PDF file]. Retrieved from
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5. Commission on Higher Education. (2024, November 26). TES application schedule for AY 2024-2025 [Status update]. Facebook.
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6. UniFAST. (n.d.). Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES). Retrieved November 27, 2024, from
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7. Facebook. (2022). Facebook.com.
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8. PHINMA Upang Facebook Page. Facebook.com.
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