The Educational Service Contracting (ESC) programme provides government tuition subsidies for eligible learners entering Grade 7 at participating private junior high schools. Although often searched as an “ESC scholarship,” PEAC describes it as a subsidy. Approval depends on eligibility, priority categories, verification and available school slots; enrolling at a private school does not automatically secure the grant.
What does ESC cover?
The official PEAC ESC page explains the programme and provides a searchable list of participating schools. The subsidy begins in Grade 7 and can continue through four junior high years, subject to promotion and continued eligible enrolment. It is separate from the Senior High School Voucher Programme and college aid such as TES.
How much is the tuition subsidy?
St. Mark Integrated School’s current implementation guidance, citing DepEd Order 011, series of 2026, lists these annual location-based amounts. Confirm the applicable approved amount with your participating school.
| School location | Annual amount |
|---|---|
| National Capital Region | PHP 13,000 |
| Highly urbanised cities outside NCR | PHP 11,000 |
| Other locations | PHP 9,000 |
The listed grant depends on the school’s location. It does not promise a cash allowance of the same amount to a family. Ask the school how the approved subsidy appears on its fee assessment and what remaining tuition or charges you must pay.
For example, if a confirmed grant reduces a school bill, compare the resulting balance with your budget for books, transport, uniforms and meals. Do not assume those costs disappear because tuition is subsidised. Request an itemised assessment before making an enrolment decision.
Who can be considered?
The entry route concerns eligible Filipino learners residing and studying in the Philippines who have completed Grade 6 or hold an accepted equivalent and enter a participating private JHS. The current framework distinguishes social-equity applicants, public-school completers, accepted ALS/PEPT passers and private-school completers, with category-specific conditions.
Priority rules and school slot allocations matter. Applying earlier does not override them. Ask the school to identify your category and current requirements; a public-school background by itself should not be described as an automatic approved award.
Official application documents
PEAC provides the ESC Application Form, Annex D. Its checklist covers identity and residency evidence, school records or accepted equivalent qualifications, financial documentation and additional evidence where a priority category applies.
A family financial-capacity affidavit and supporting income evidence may be required under the applicable category. Follow the school’s verified checklist and current DepEd instructions rather than assuming all students submit identical records. Requirements for school enrolment can also differ from the government eligibility documents.
Prepare clear, complete records. Check the learner’s name, reference number, birth date and previous school across the form and supporting evidence. Leave time to obtain certification or notarisation where required. Ask the school how to handle a missing document before submitting a different one.
How to apply and confirm the deadline
- Check that the specific school and campus participate in ESC.
- Ask its ESC coordinator about current entry eligibility and slot availability.
- Obtain the current Annex D and category-specific checklist.
- Complete the application with a parent or guardian and submit through the authorised school process.
- Keep the receipt and await written evaluation and validation instructions.
There is no verified universal open student deadline for every school in this guide. For example, SMIS publishes September 30, 2027 as its own Grade 7 submission deadline, which has passed. That school-specific date should not be presented as a nationwide deadline or evidence that another school accepts late applications.
If you have already applied, ask for your status and any outstanding requirement. A form receipt, enrolment reservation or verbal assurance is not the same as final subsidy approval.
Keeping an existing ESC grant
Continuing assistance requires promotion and enrolment at an ESC-participating school. Transfers, withdrawal and changes in school status can affect eligibility. Speak with both schools before a transfer and retain the records needed to validate the existing grant.
Related Philippine guides
For college study, see TES, Tulong Dunong and CEU scholarships.
Frequently asked questions
Is ESC a college scholarship?
No. This programme concerns junior high school tuition support.
Does every private school participate?
No. Verify the school and campus through official information.
Is a submitted form an approved subsidy?
No. Evaluation, slots and validation still apply.