Is college free in the Philippines, and who qualifies (RA 10931)?
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Educational content; not legal advice.
Short answer
Free tuition applies at STATE-run and state-recognized schools, not everywhere. Under RA 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, 2017), qualified students are exempt from tuition and other school fees in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and CHED-recognized Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) for undergraduate programs (Section 4), and in state-run Technical-Vocational Institutions for post-secondary TVET (Section 5), subject to each school's admission and retention rules. Students in private schools and all TVIs are not left out entirely: the law also created the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES, Section 7) and a Student Loan Program (Section 8), both administered by the UniFAST Board together with CHED and TESDA.
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Frequently asked
Is tuition free at a private college?
No — the free-tuition exemption under RA 10931 covers State Universities and Colleges, CHED-recognized Local Universities and Colleges, and state-run tech-voc institutions. If you are in a private school you may instead apply for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) or the Student Loan Program under the same law.
What is the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES)?
TES (RA 10931 Sec. 7) is a subsidy for Filipino students — including those in private higher-education institutions and all TVIs — that can help cover tuition and stipends for allowances, administered by the UniFAST Board.
Does free tuition cover everything?
Section 4 exempts qualified students from tuition AND other school fees at covered SUCs/LUCs, subject to the school's admission and retention rules. Miscellaneous and other fees at state schools are within the exemption; confirm the specifics with your school's financial-assistance office.
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