CHED UniFAST program: tertiary Education Subsidy Guide 2021

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Access to quality tertiary education is a vital component of national development and individual empowerment. Recognizing the importance of providing financial assistance to deserving students, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has established the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Subsidy (UniFAST).

In this blog post, we will delve into the comprehensive guidelines of CHED UniFAST, outlining the processes, eligibility criteria, and benefits of this program.

Overview of the CHED UniFAST

UniFAST, or the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education, is responsible for putting Republic Act 10931 into effect, which assures that worthy Filipinos have equal access to educational opportunities.

Eligible students will be able to pursue postsecondary education at State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and CHED-recognized Local Universities and Colleges without having to pay tuition or other school expenses (LUCs). Additionally, students who want additional financial assistance can apply for a short-term loan.

Among the four programs under RA 10931, this article will cover the questions, clarifications, and answers under the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES).

Who can avail of the TES?

The priority beneficiaries for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) are:

  • Continuing ESGP-PA scholars in the SUCs effective AY 2018-2019;
  • Students who are part of households included in the Listahanan 2.0, ranked according to the estimated per capita household income; and
  • Students not part of the Listahanan 2.0, ranked according to estimated per capita household income based on submitted documentation of proof of income to be determined by the UniFAST Board;

Provided, further, that such prioritization shall not apply to Filipino students in cities and municipalities with no existing SUC or LUC campus.

What are the conditions for the TES grant?

TES grantees can only enroll in the following:

For Higher Education:

  • undergraduate course/program in any SUC campus that has Board approval;
  • undergraduate courses with Certificates of Program Compliance (COPCs) in CHED-recognized LUCs; and
  • undergraduate courses with Government Recognition in private institutions listed in the UniFAST Registry of Quality-Assured Institutions and Programs

For TVET:

  • TVET program with Certificate of Program Registration (CoPR) and officially listed in the TESDA Compendium of Registered Programs in any public or private technical-vocational institution (TVI)

Beneficiaries enrolled in higher education programs will enjoy a full academic year of the grant amount, subject to yearly renewal based on their continued studies.

Beneficiaries enrolled in TVET programs will enjoy a full-year grant amount or the amount equivalent to the recommended period of completion of the program whichever is shorter. (Section 24-c of RA 10931)

Who cannot avail of the TES?

The following students are not eligible to avail of TES benefits (Section 28. IRR of RA 10931):

For Higher Education:

  • Students enrolled in programs and/or institutions not included in the Registry of CHED-recognized programs and institutions;
  • Students who have exceeded the Maximum Residency Rule (MRR) of their program.

For TVET:

  • Learners enrolled in TVET programs, not in the Registry of TESDA
  • Learners enrolled in TESDA-registered programs in any TVI who availed of government-funded StuFAPS other that Free TVET.

What are the benefits of TES?

SUCs, LUCs LGU-run TVIs and TESDA TTIs:

  • Allowance for books, supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses, including a reasonable allowance for the documented rental or purchase of personal computer or laptop, and other education-related expenses;
  • Allowance for room and board costs incurred by the student.

Private HEIs and TVIs:

Students enrolled in private HEIs and TVIs are entitled to the following benefits (Sections 23 and 24. IRR of RA 10931):

  • Tuition and other school fees, which shall be equivalent to the tuition and other school fees of the nearest SUC and State-run TVI in their respective area.
  • Allowance for books, supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses, including a reasonable allowance for the documented rental or purchase of personal computer or laptop, and other education-related expenses
  • Allowance for room and board costs incurred by the student.

Are there additional benefits for TES beneficiaries who are persons with disability (PWD)?

Yes. PWD students will be given additional allowance to cover expenses such as special services, personal assistance, transportation, equipment and supplies that are reasonably incurred. (Section 23-d IRR of RA 10931)

Are there additional benefits for TES beneficiaries in a program requiring a professional license or certification?

Yes. Students enrolled in programs requiring professional licenses or certifications will be given the one-time cost of obtaining the first professional credentials or qualifications, which may include notarial fees, review classes fees, insurance premium fees, and documentation fees. (Section 23-e IRR of RA 10931)

Conclusion

The CHED UniFAST program serves as a crucial mechanism in promoting equitable access to tertiary education for financially disadvantaged students in the Philippines. By providing financial assistance through the Tertiary Education Subsidy, the program alleviates the burden of education-related expenses and empowers students to pursue their academic aspirations. Understanding the comprehensive guidelines of CHED UniFAST is essential for both eligible students seeking financial assistance and higher education institutions responsible for its implementation.

Source: Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education

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