Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) Scholarship
Education is the cornerstone of personal and societal development, and access to quality higher education is essential for individuals to thrive and contribute to their communities. In many countries, including the Philippines, the government recognizes the importance of higher education and offers various scholarship programs to help students pursue their tertiary education. The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) scholarship program is a financial assistance program provided by the government of the Philippines to help financially disadvantaged Filipino students pursue higher education.
The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) scholarship program is part of the government’s efforts to make quality tertiary education accessible to Filipino students. It is a component of the Republic Act No. 10931 or the “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act,” which was signed into law in 2017.
Eligibility Criteria
Before diving into the application process, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria for the TES Scholarship:
Beneficiary of RA 10931:
To qualify for TES, you must be a beneficiary of Republic Act 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. This act covers students from state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs) who do not pay tuition and miscellaneous fees.
Priority Students:
Priority will be given to students who belong to identified priority groups, which may include but are not limited to:
Indigenous Peoples (IPs)
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
Solo Parents
Senior Citizens
Out-of-School Youth
Students from areas affected by conflict or natural disasters
Socioeconomically disadvantaged students
Academic Performance:
Maintain satisfactory academic progress, typically a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 2.0 or its equivalent, with no failing grades.
Non-Eligibility for Other Scholarships:
TES recipients should not be recipients of any other subsidy or scholarship program.
Scholarship Coverage
The TES scholarship program aims to cover the various costs associated with tertiary education, including but not limited to:
The scholarship covers a significant portion of tuition and other mandatory fees.
Beneficiaries receive a monthly stipend to help cover living expenses while pursuing their education.
This scholarship also includes allowances for books, supplies, and transportation costs, depending on the specific program guidelines.
Application Process
The application process for the TES Scholarship involves several steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate through it:
Prepare Required Documents:
Before you begin your application, gather all the necessary documents. These documents usually include:
Certificate of Registration (COR) from your chosen higher education institution (HEI) or university.
Certificate of Indigency or proof of belonging to a priority group (if applicable).
Proof of academic performance, such as a copy of your grades or transcript of records.
Certificate of Good Moral Character from your previous school or community leader.
Valid ID or Birth Certificate for proof of identity.
**Other documents as required by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) or your specific HEI.
Contact Your Higher Education Institution (HEI):
Visit or contact the financial aid or scholarship office of your HEI. They will provide you with the necessary application forms and instructions. Ensure that you are aware of the specific requirements and deadlines set by your HEI.
Complete the Application Form:
Fill out the TES Scholarship application form carefully and accurately. Make sure all required information is provided, and attach the necessary documents.
Submit Your Application:
Submit your completed application form and all required documents to the scholarship office of your HEI before the specified deadline. It’s crucial to meet the deadlines to ensure that your application is considered.
Wait for the Results:
After submitting your application, the scholarship committee of your HEI will review the applications and select the qualified beneficiaries. This process may take some time, so be patient.
Acceptance and Compliance:
If you are selected as a TES beneficiary, you will receive a notification from your HEI. You may need to sign an agreement to comply with the terms and conditions of the scholarship. This could include maintaining a certain academic performance, attending orientation sessions, and other requirements set by your HEI.
Receive the Subsidy:
Once you have completed the necessary requirements and are officially a TES scholar, you will start receiving the subsidy. The subsidy is usually disbursed through your HEI to cover your tuition and miscellaneous fees.
Conclusion
The Tertiary Education Subsidy Scholarship is a valuable opportunity for Filipino students to pursue higher education without the burden of tuition and miscellaneous fees. By following the application process outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of becoming a TES scholar and achieving your academic goals. Remember to stay informed about the specific requirements and deadlines set by your chosen higher education institution, as they may vary. Higher education is an investment in your future, and the TES Scholarship is a significant step towards realizing your educational aspirations.