The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is UniFAST student aid processed through participating higher education institutions. The revised 2026 guidelines apply from the first semester of AY 2026–27. Funding depends on the student’s approved category, institution and available funds. Filing an application does not automatically qualify you for a payment.
What is TES?
TES supports eligible undergraduate students at covered state universities and colleges, CHED-recognised local universities and colleges, and participating private institutions. Consult the official UniFAST programme page and the guidelines directory. A school’s TES or financial aid coordinator is the practical first contact for application and status questions.
How much is the subsidy?
The revised 2026 TES guidelines distinguish priority categories. The following figures concern the listed Section 3(1) beneficiaries; they are not a universal entitlement for every student.
| Category | Semester amount | Annual equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| SUCs and covered LUCs, Section 3(1) | PHP 10,000 | PHP 20,000 |
| Private HEIs, Section 3(1) | PHP 13,500 | PHP 27,000 |
| Specified additional solo-parent dependent and Indigenous categories, Section 3(2) | PHP 5,000 | PHP 10,000 |
The guidelines also provide specified additional disability and licensure-related support. Other provisions, including assistance for students at risk of dropping out and private institutions in areas without a nearby public institution, have separate conditions. Ask which approved category applies before calculating a personal award.
For a useful budget, distinguish tuition already covered under free higher education from cash or other support you actually receive. Record confirmed aid separately from a pending TES application. A programme’s maximum benefit is not the same as money already available for this month’s expenses.
Who qualifies and receives priority?
The revised priority framework includes students in the latest validated Listahanan or 4Ps household lists, ranked under the specified household-income process. Additional identified categories have their own agency verification requirements. Eligible enrolment, programme recognition and funding availability still apply.
New applicants are excluded if they are foreign citizens, not students, enrolled in unrecognised programmes, already in a second undergraduate programme, or receiving specified overlapping national student assistance such as TDP or CHED scholarship support. The guidelines include exceptions for certain one-time assistance, so ask the coordinator about a specific grant instead of assuming every payment creates a conflict.
What documents are needed?
The institution submits the application list through its HEI portal. For qualified new grantees, documentary validation includes a Certificate of Registration or Enrolment and institutional certification. If the institution fails to submit required documents, the guidelines provide a direct documentary submission route to the CHED Regional Office with enrolment evidence and a signed student or government-issued ID.
Additional disability support requires the specified PWD identification. Follow the school’s current checklist for your category; do not treat a generic internet list as a replacement for that checklist.
Prepare legible copies with matching names, student numbers and academic periods. Keep originals available if verification is requested. Send documents through the designated official channel, and keep a record of what was received rather than relying only on an informal message.
How to apply and check status
- Ask your institution whether it participates in TES and accepts applications for the relevant term.
- Obtain its current notice, category rules and document checklist.
- Provide accurate enrolment and household information.
- Let the HEI submit your application through the official process.
- Monitor the school’s validation and award announcements.
Application timing follows the official call and the institution’s enrolment calendar. There is no verified universal student closing date for all schools in this guide. Cross-matching and name matching occur before a qualified list is released; a submitted name is not yet an approved subsidy.
Continuing grantees and changes
Returning, transferring and continuing students remain subject to validation. Inform the coordinator about a leave of absence, transfer or course change so the required records and eligibility period can be assessed. Do not submit contradictory records to different schools.
Related Philippine aid
See Tulong Dunong, Gokongwei/GBF programmes and Equitable Excellence; the latter has U.S.-specific eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply directly through a scholarship blog?
No. Begin with your institution’s official TES process.
Does every applicant receive PHP 27,000?
No. The amount depends on category, institution, validation and funds.
Can I combine TES and TDP?
The revised guidelines exclude that overlap for new applicants.