The Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), established through Republic Act No. 10931, offers free tuition and financial assistance to qualified Filipino students. Administered by the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), this program ensures accessible and affordable education in state universities, local colleges, and state-run technical-vocational institutions. By removing financial barriers, this initiative aims to enhance participation across all socioeconomic classes.
TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), as a co-implementer of UAQTEA, provides free technical-vocational education and training (TVET), empowering learners with tools, training, and skills for better employment opportunities. This guide outlines the qualifications, application process, and benefits under the program to help students pursue their education without financial strain.
Program Overview
Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), is a law and a program enacted to provide free tuition, subsidies, and loans to eligible students in higher education and technical-vocational institutions. It aims to level the educational playing field for Filipinos, especially those from underprivileged households, ensuring no financial constraints hinder their studies.
The program comprises four components:
- Free Higher Education (FHE): Covers tuition and other fees in state universities and local colleges.
- Free Technical-Vocational Education and Training (FTVET): Offered by TESDA for technical courses.
- Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES): Grants for tuition, living allowance, and other expenses.
- Student Loan Program (SLP): Loans for undergraduate and graduate students.
UniFAST ensures the efficient implementation of these benefits and collaborates with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), TESDA, and educational institutions.
Top Courses Offered
TESDA offers a variety of in-demand programs under the UAQTEA initiative. These courses equip learners with practical skills for employment. Some popular courses include:
- Information Technology (IT): Programming, graphic design, and software development.
- Healthcare: Caregiving, massage therapy, and health services.
- Construction Trades: Welding, electrical installation, and masonry.
- Agriculture: Organic farming, aquaculture, and food processing.
- Automotive Services: Vehicle maintenance and repair.
These programs are tailored to meet industry standards, ensuring employability upon graduation.
Benefits
TESDA’s involvement in the programs under the UAQTEA focuses on free technical-vocational training and skill development. Learners also get to receive the following benefits depending upon the specific program component they are categorized under:
- Free Technical-Vocational Education and Training (FTVET)
- Free tuition and school fees.
- Training support fund.
- National Competency Assessment and Certification.
- Allowances for uniforms, toolkits, and instructional materials.
- Accident insurance.
- Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES)
- Financial aid of up to PHP 20,000 per academic year.
- Additional financial support for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
- Coverage for dormitory fees, transportation, books, and other school-related expenses.
- Student Loan Program (SLP)
- Short-term loans for undergraduate and graduate students.
- Coverage for tuition, books, and other educational expenses.
- Applicable to specialized programs like medicine and law.
- Free Higher Education (FHE) in SUCs and LUCs
- Exemption from tuition and other school fees, such as admission, laboratory, library, and registration fees.
- Access to CHED-recognized quality higher education institutions.
Tertiary Education Subsidy and Additional Benefits
In addition to these benefits, the program beneficiaries may also qualify for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), which provides further financial support. Eligible students can receive:
- ₱20,000 per academic year for miscellaneous expenses.
- Additional assistance for persons with disabilities (PWDs) amounting to ₱10,000 annually.
- ₱7,500 per semester under the Tulong Dunong Program for supplementary aid.
These benefits aim to equip students with the skills needed for in-demand jobs locally and internationally. It also reduces the financial burden on students, allowing them to focus on completing their courses successfully.
Target Beneficiaries
It was designed to prioritize specific groups to maximize its impact on providing accessible education and training opportunities. These target beneficiaries include:
- Learners who have completed at least 10 years of basic education.
- Individuals who have undergone NCAE, YP4SC, or other career profiling assessments.
- Filipino citizens not holding a college degree or National Certificate (NC) III or higher (except those pursuing bundled Level IV programs or diploma courses).
- Students without existing scholarship grants from other government agencies.
- Individuals listed in the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Listahanan 3.0 for underprivileged households.
- Persons with disabilities (PWDs) eligible for additional financial support.
- Enrollees in their first TESDA-registered post-secondary TVET program.
- Students aiming to develop technical skills for employment opportunities.
Qualifications
To qualify for the program, applicants must at least meet the following criteria:
- Must have completed at least ten years of basic education or equivalent requirements set by the course’s Training Regulations.
- Undergone profiling through the National Career Assessment Examination (NCAE), Youth Profiling for Starring Careers (YP4SC), or similar tools.
- Not a college graduate or holder of a National Certificate (NC) III or higher, except for those pursuing Level IV bundled programs or diploma courses.
- No existing scholarship grants from other government agencies.
- A Filipino citizen.
Meeting these qualifications ensures fair access to TESDA’s UAQTEA offerings, particularly for underprivileged and academically capable students.
Documentary Requirements
Applicants for the program must prepare and submit the necessary documents to prove their eligibility and complete their application. These requirements include:
- Valid government-issued ID proving Filipino citizenship.
- Educational records, such as Form 137, diploma, or certificate of completion.
- Results from NCAE, YP4SC, or other career profiling assessments.
- Certificate of indigency or proof of low-income status (if applicable).
- Barangay clearance or residency certificate.
- Recent 2×2 ID photos (as specified by the training center).
- Duly accomplished application form from the TESDA-accredited training center.
Additional Documents
Each component of the TESDA UAQTEA program also requires specific documents such as:
Free Technical-Vocational Education and Training (FTVET)
- Certificate of indigency (if applicable).
Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES)
- Proof of enrollment in a TESDA-registered program.
- Household data from DSWD Listahanan 3.0.
National Competency Assessment
- Completed application form for competency assessment.
- Copy of training certificate or academic records.
- Two 1×1 ID photos with white background.
- Proof of payment for retakes (if applicable).
Student Loan Program (SLP)
- Completed application form.
- Proof of enrollment in an eligible TESDA program
- Financial capability or need assessment documents.
Note: Additional documents may be required by the specific training program or institution.
How to Apply for and Avail of the Benefits of the UAQTEA
Applying for this TESDA program is quite a straightforward process. Applicants simply need to follow these steps:
Step 1. Choose a TESDA-Registered Course
Browse TESDA’s list of registered programs and select one that matches your career goals. Popular courses include welding, caregiving, IT programming, and electrical installation.
Step 2. Check Eligibility Requirements
Ensure you meet all the qualifications, including educational background and profiling assessments.
Step 3. Prepare Necessary Documents
Gather and prepare copies of the required documents. Make sure to double check the list of requirements to ensure that you have everything you need before sending in your application.
Step 4. Visit a TESDA Training Center
Submit your documents to the nearest TESDA-accredited training institution. Some centers may conduct interviews or aptitude tests.
Step 5. Enroll in the Program
Once accepted, you’ll be guided on course schedules, orientation, and training materials.
Step 6. Avail Benefits During Training
As a beneficiary, you’ll receive financial assistance, free assessments, and toolkits throughout your training.
Where to Secure the Application Form
The application form to avail of the benefits of the program can be obtained from the nearest TESDA Regional or Provincial Office. You can also visit TESDA-accredited training institutions to inquire about the form and other requirements. For added convenience, some training centers may provide the form online through their official websites. It is also available online at the TESDA portal (https://www.tesda.gov.ph/barangay/).
Fees and Processing Time
The UAQTEA is designed to be free of charge, with no application or tuition fees required for eligible applicants. Additional benefits, such as allowances for toolkits, uniforms, and instructional materials, are also provided at no cost to the student. Processing time for applications varies depending on the training center but is generally completed within a few weeks upon submission of complete requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your reference, here’s a list of some of the most common questions and answers regarding the programs under the UAQTEA umbrella:
1. Is the program available to private school students?
Yes, students enrolled in CHED-recognized private institutions may avail of TES or student loans under RA 10931.
2. Can I apply if I already have a National Certificate (NC) III?
Applicants with an NC III may only qualify if pursuing bundled Level IV programs or diploma courses.
3. Are there application deadlines?
Application periods vary depending on the availability of slots in TESDA training centers. Check with your chosen institution for updates.
Video: Understanding the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA)
Here’s a quick overview of how to avail of the benefits of the UAQTEA. This video will guide you through the application steps, eligibility requirements, and available courses to help you make an informed decision about your education.
Summary
The Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA) provides free tuition and financial assistance to qualified students through TESDA. By enrolling in technical-vocational programs, learners gain access to training, allowances, toolkits, and competency assessments at no cost. To qualify, applicants must meet educational and profiling requirements and submit their applications to TESDA-accredited centers. With numerous courses and benefits, UAQTEA opens doors to better career opportunities for Filipinos nationwide. Start your journey today and make education your pathway to success.