How to Apply for ESC (Education Service Contracting) Voucher
The Education Service Contracting (ESC) program is a government voucher program that subsidizes the tuition fees of qualified students attending participating private high schools and senior high schools. Under the ESC program, DepEd pays a portion of the student's tuition directly to the private school, making private education more affordable. The program aims to decongest public schools and provide more options for students and parents. The ESC is now under the Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary and Technical Education (UniFAST) for senior high school, but the concept remains the same.
ESC Voucher at a Glance
Cost
Government subsidy of P7,500-17,500 per student per year depending on the level. The application itself is FREE.
Timeline
Application during enrollment period; processing by DepEd within the school year.
Key Fact
The ESC voucher goes directly to the school to offset tuition; the student does not receive cash.
Who Can Apply?
The ESC voucher program is available to students who meet specific eligibility requirements. The following categories of students may apply:
JHS Completers for SHS
Junior High School completers enrolling in Senior High School at participating private schools are eligible for the ESC voucher or SHS voucher program.
Elementary Graduates for Private JHS
Students from public elementary schools enrolling in participating private junior high schools, particularly in areas with overcrowded public schools.
Income / Academic Qualifiers
Must meet income or academic requirements set by DepEd/UniFAST. Priority is often given to students from low-income families.
Enrolled in Participating School
Must be enrolled in a DepEd-accredited participating private school that is part of the ESC program.
Requirements for ESC Voucher Application
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| ESC Application Form | Obtained from the participating private school or from the DepEd Division Office. The school usually provides this during enrollment. |
| Report Card (Form 138 / SF9) | The official report card from the previous school showing grades and completion status. Also known as School Form 9 (SF9) under the K-12 system. |
| PSA Birth Certificate | A certified copy of the student's birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This verifies identity and age. |
| Certificate of Completion / Diploma | Certificate of completion or diploma from the previous level (elementary for JHS applicants, or junior high school for SHS applicants). |
| Proof of Family Income | For income-based qualification. May include BIR Income Tax Return (ITR), Certificate of Indigency from barangay, payslips, or a sworn statement of income. |
| Learner Reference Number (LRN) | The unique 12-digit number assigned to each student in the DepEd Learner Information System (LIS). This is found on the report card or obtainable from the previous school. |
| 2x2 ID Photos | Recent 2x2 ID photos with white background. Usually 2-4 copies are required. |
| Enrollment in Participating ESC Private School | The student must be formally enrolled in a private school that is accredited and participating in the ESC program. The school itself processes the voucher application with DepEd. |
| Fee | FREE -- The application is free. The voucher subsidizes tuition; the student does not pay for the voucher itself. |
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an ESC Voucher
The following steps outline the complete process for applying for an ESC voucher. In most cases, the participating private school assists the student and family throughout the application process.
Find a Participating ESC Private School
Not all private schools are part of the ESC program. You need to find a private school that is accredited by DepEd and is a participating ESC school. The list of participating schools is available from the DepEd Division Office in your area. You can also visit or call the DepEd Regional Office or check the DepEd website for the list.
Tip: Ask the private school directly if they are an ESC-participating school before enrolling. Most participating schools will advertise this during enrollment season.
Enroll at the Participating Private School
Once you have identified a participating ESC private school, proceed with the enrollment process. Bring all the required documents listed above, including your report card, PSA birth certificate, certificate of completion, LRN, and ID photos. The school will process your enrollment and inform you about the ESC voucher application.
Important: You must be formally enrolled in the school before the ESC application can be processed. The voucher is tied to enrollment at a specific participating school.
The School Assists in Filing the ESC Application with DepEd
In most cases, the participating private school handles the bulk of the ESC application process. The school will provide the ESC application form, help you fill it out, and compile all the required documents. The school then submits the application to the DepEd Division Office on behalf of the student.
Note: The student and parent/guardian may need to sign certain forms and provide additional documents if requested by the school or DepEd. Stay in contact with the school's registrar or guidance office for updates.
DepEd Processes and Approves the Voucher
The DepEd Division Office reviews the application, verifies the student's eligibility, and checks the school's accreditation status. Once approved, DepEd issues the ESC voucher allocation for the student. The school will be notified of the approval and the voucher amount allocated.
Timeline: Processing usually occurs within the enrollment period and early part of the school year. The exact timeline depends on the volume of applications and DepEd's processing capacity.
DepEd Pays the Subsidy Directly to the School
Once the voucher is approved, DepEd pays the subsidy amount directly to the participating private school. The student does not receive any cash. The voucher amount is applied to the student's tuition fees. If the tuition is higher than the voucher amount, the remaining balance is paid by the student's family. If the voucher covers the full tuition, the student pays nothing.
Tip: Some schools may require the family to pay the full tuition upfront and then refund the voucher amount once DepEd releases the funds. Clarify the payment arrangement with the school during enrollment.
Complete Example: Carlos Gets an ESC Voucher for Senior High
Carlos graduated from a public junior high school in Pasig City. He wanted to attend a private senior high school with a better STEM track. He enrolled at a participating ESC private school. The school helped him apply for the ESC voucher. DepEd approved a P17,500 annual subsidy. The private school's tuition was P25,000. Carlos's family only paid P7,500 for the year.
Found a Participating ESC School
Carlos and his parents researched private senior high schools in Pasig City that offered a STEM track and were part of the ESC program. They visited the DepEd Division Office of Pasig to get the list of participating schools and found one with a strong STEM program.
Enrolled and Submitted Requirements
Carlos enrolled at the participating private school. He submitted his JHS report card (SF9), PSA birth certificate, certificate of completion, LRN, 2x2 photos, and a certificate of indigency from their barangay as proof of family income.
School Filed the ESC Application
The school's registrar helped Carlos fill out the ESC application form and compiled all his documents. The school submitted the batch of ESC applications, including Carlos's, to the DepEd Division Office of Pasig.
Voucher Approved by DepEd
DepEd processed the application and approved Carlos for a P17,500 annual ESC voucher subsidy. The school received the notification of approval and informed Carlos and his family.
Subsidy Paid to School; Family Pays Balance
DepEd released the P17,500 subsidy directly to the private school. The school's total tuition was P25,000. Carlos's family only needed to pay the remaining P7,500 for the entire school year.
Cost Summary for Carlos
The ESC voucher application itself was completely free. Carlos's family saved P17,500 on tuition for the school year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose any private school?
No. You can only use the ESC voucher at participating ESC-accredited private schools. Not all private schools are part of the ESC program. The school must be accredited by DepEd and must have applied for and been accepted into the ESC program. A list of participating schools is available at the DepEd Division Office in your area. Always verify with the school or DepEd before enrolling.
Is the ESC voucher automatic?
No, the ESC voucher is not automatic. You must apply for it through the participating private school. The school will assist you in filing the application with DepEd. Eligibility is assessed based on requirements set by DepEd/UniFAST, and the voucher is subject to approval and availability of slots.
What if my family cannot afford the remaining balance?
If the tuition exceeds the ESC voucher amount and your family cannot afford the remaining balance, some schools offer additional financial aid or scholarships to help cover the gap. You can also inquire about installment payment plans. Additionally, check if you qualify for other government financial assistance programs. Talk to the school's finance office or guidance counselor about available options.
Can I use ESC for college?
No. The ESC voucher is for K-12 basic education only (junior high school and senior high school). For college or tertiary education financial assistance, check the UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), CHED scholarships, or other government scholarship programs. The concept is similar, but the programs are managed by different agencies.
What is the voucher amount?
The ESC voucher amount varies depending on the level and location. Generally, the subsidy ranges from P7,500 to P17,500 per student per year. The exact amount is determined by DepEd and may be adjusted each school year. For Senior High School under the SHS Voucher Program, the amount may differ. Check with the DepEd Division Office or the participating school for the current year's voucher rates.
Can I transfer schools and keep the voucher?
If you transfer to another school, you will need to reapply for the ESC voucher at the new participating school. The voucher is tied to enrollment at a specific participating school. If the new school is also an ESC-participating school, they can assist you in filing a new application. However, approval is not guaranteed and is subject to slot availability.
Important Reminders
- Enroll early during the enrollment period: ESC voucher slots are limited. Enrolling early at a participating school gives you a better chance of securing a voucher.
- Verify that the school is ESC-participating: Before enrolling, always confirm with the school or the DepEd Division Office that the school is part of the ESC program for the current school year.
- Prepare all documents before enrollment: Having complete documents from the start will prevent delays in processing the ESC application. Missing documents may cause your application to be deferred or denied.
- The voucher goes directly to the school: The student or family does not receive cash. DepEd pays the subsidy directly to the participating private school to offset tuition.
- Keep copies of all submitted documents: Retain photocopies of the ESC application form and all supporting documents for your records. You may need them for future reference or renewal.
- The ESC voucher must be renewed each school year: The voucher is typically valid for one school year. You may need to reapply or renew the following year, depending on DepEd's policies and your continued eligibility.
- Check for other financial assistance programs: In addition to ESC, DepEd and other agencies offer various scholarships and financial aid programs. Ask the school guidance office about other options you may qualify for.
- Contact DepEd for the latest guidelines: ESC program rules and voucher amounts may change each school year. Always check with the DepEd Division Office or the DepEd website for the most current information.
Need Help?
Contact DepEd
- DepEd Central Office: DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City
- Hotline: (02) 8633-7228 / 8633-7229
- Action Center: 1800-10000-DepEd (1800-10000-33733)
- Email: action@deped.gov.ph
- Website: www.deped.gov.ph
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the DepEd you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest DepEd first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.