How to Apply for TESDA Scholarship (TWSP/PESFA)
TESDA offers scholarship programs that provide free technical-vocational training to qualified Filipinos. The two main scholarship programs are TWSP (Training for Work Scholarship Program) and PESFA (Private Education Student Financial Assistance), which cover tuition, training fees, and sometimes living allowances.
🎯 TESDA Scholarship Programs at a Glance
- TWSP - Covers training at TESDA Technology Institutions (TTIs) and public TVIs
- PESFA - Covers training at private TVIs (Technical Vocational Institutions)
- Both programs are 100% FREE for qualified scholars
- Includes tuition, training fees, and assessment fees
- Some programs provide additional allowances for transportation and materials
- Open to all Filipinos who meet the eligibility requirements
TWSP vs. PESFA: What's the Difference?
| Feature | TWSP | PESFA |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Training for Work Scholarship Program | Private Education Student Financial Assistance |
| Training Venue | Public TVIs and TESDA TTIs | Private TVIs (private schools & training centers) |
| What's Covered | Training costs, assessment fee, starter toolkit (in some programs) | Tuition fee, training costs, book allowance, assessment fee |
| Allowance | Transportation/daily allowance (varies by program) | Book allowance and other applicable allowances |
| Courses Available | Priority courses based on industry demand | TESDA-registered programs at private TVIs |
| Who Can Apply | All qualified Filipinos (priority: unemployed, out-of-school youth) | All qualified Filipinos (priority: those who cannot afford private training) |
Eligibility Requirements
General Requirements for Both TWSP and PESFA
- Filipino citizen
- At least 15 years old (minimum age varies by course)
- Must not be a current beneficiary of another TESDA scholarship for the same qualification
- Must pass the pre-qualification assessment (if required for the course)
- Must commit to completing the entire training program
Priority beneficiaries: Unemployed individuals, out-of-school youth, displaced workers, OFW returnees, rebel returnees, persons with disabilities (PWDs), indigenous peoples, and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for TWSP
Visit Your Nearest TESDA Office
Go to the TESDA Provincial or District Office in your area and inquire about available TWSP scholarship slots:
- Ask about available courses with TWSP scholarship
- Check which TVIs/TTIs have open slots
- Inquire about the schedule and batch openings
- Get the list of requirements for application
Choose a Course and Training Center
Select from the available TWSP-funded courses and training centers:
- Choose a course that matches your interest and career goals
- Consider the course duration and schedule
- Select a training center convenient to your location
- Check if the course has specific prerequisites
Prepare and Submit Requirements
Gather and submit the following documents:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| TESDA Scholarship Application Form | Available at the TESDA office or training center |
| PSA Birth Certificate | Original and photocopy |
| Valid Government ID | PhilID, Voter's ID, or other valid ID with photo |
| High School Diploma / ALS Certificate | Or equivalent educational credential |
| 2x2 ID Photos | 4 pieces, white background |
| Barangay Certificate | Certificate of residency from your barangay |
| Proof of Eligibility (if applicable) | 4Ps ID, PWD ID, IP Certificate, OFW documents |
Undergo Screening and Selection
TESDA will evaluate your application:
- Application review by TESDA Provincial/District Office
- Interview or pre-assessment (for some courses)
- Priority given to disadvantaged groups (4Ps, OSY, PWDs, IPs)
- Notification of acceptance via SMS, email, or posted at TESDA office
Enroll and Start Training
Once accepted as a TWSP scholar:
- Sign the scholarship agreement/contract
- Enroll at the designated training center
- Receive your training schedule and materials
- Attend all training sessions (absences may result in termination of scholarship)
- Complete the training program and take the NC assessment
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for PESFA
📋 PESFA Application Process
PESFA follows a similar process but is for training at private TVIs. Here's how to apply:
Step 1: Choose a Private TVI - Find a TESDA-registered private training center - Check if they accept PESFA scholars - Confirm the course is PESFA-eligible
Step 2: Get a Referral from TESDA - Visit your TESDA Provincial Office - Request a PESFA referral/endorsement letter - TESDA will verify your eligibility
Step 3: Submit Requirements to the TVI - Same documents as TWSP (see table above) - Plus TESDA referral/endorsement letter - The TVI will process your enrollment
Step 4: Sign Scholarship Agreement - Between you, the TVI, and TESDA - Outlines your obligations as a scholar - Includes commitment to complete the program
Step 5: Complete Training - Attend all sessions - Meet all course requirements - Take the NC assessment after completion
Coverage: PESFA covers: - Tuition and training fees - Assessment fee - Book allowance - Other applicable allowancesComplete Example: Applying for TWSP Scholarship
Scenario: Maria Santos, 20, out-of-school youth from Batangas
Background:
- High school graduate, unable to afford college
- Wants to learn a trade for employment
- Interested in food service/cookery
- 4Ps beneficiary
Process:
1. Visited TESDA Provincial Office in Batangas City
2. Inquired about TWSP scholarship slots
3. Available courses with TWSP:
- Cookery NC II (3 months) - 15 slots
- Bread & Pastry Production NC II (2 months) - 10 slots
- Computer Systems Servicing NC II (3 months) - 20 slots
4. Chose Cookery NC II at TESDA TTI Batangas
5. Submitted requirements:
✓ Application form
✓ PSA Birth Certificate
✓ PhilID
✓ High School Diploma
✓ 4 pcs 2x2 photos
✓ Barangay Certificate
✓ 4Ps ID (for priority consideration)
6. Underwent interview at TESDA office
7. Accepted as TWSP scholar within 1 week
8. Signed scholarship agreement
9. Completed 316 hours of Cookery training (3 months)
10. Took Cookery NC II assessment - PASSED
Benefits received:
✓ Free training (₱0 tuition)
✓ Free assessment (₱600 covered by TWSP)
✓ Daily transportation allowance: ₱100/day
✓ Starter toolkit after completion
Result:
✓ Received Cookery NC II
✓ Got hired as kitchen staff at a restaurant
✓ Total cost to Maria: ₱0Other TESDA Scholarship Programs
Special Training for Employment Program (STEP)
Short-term community-based training for livelihood and microenterprise development. Usually 1-4 weeks duration. Prioritizes marginalized communities.
Barangay Skills Training Program
Skills training at the barangay level in partnership with LGUs. Focuses on livelihood skills like food processing, dressmaking, and agriculture.
Universal Access to Quality TVET Act (UAQTEA)
Under RA 10931, free TVET training in state-run institutions for qualified Filipino students, including free assessment and certification.
OFW Reintegration Program
Free skills training for returning OFWs and their dependents. Helps OFWs transition to local employment or entrepreneurship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if there are available scholarship slots?
Visit or call your nearest TESDA Provincial/District Office to inquire about available scholarship slots. Slots are released periodically and are first-come, first-served. You can also check the TESDA website or social media pages for announcements on scholarship openings.
Can I apply for a scholarship if I already have a college degree?
Yes, college graduates can still apply for TESDA scholarships. However, priority is given to those who have not received similar scholarship benefits and to disadvantaged groups. Having a college degree does not automatically disqualify you.
Can I avail of multiple TESDA scholarships?
You can avail of scholarships for different qualifications, but generally not simultaneously. After completing one scholarship program, you may apply for another subject to slot availability and TESDA approval. You cannot be a scholar for the same qualification twice.
What happens if I drop out of the scholarship program?
Dropping out without valid reason may result in being required to refund the scholarship amount spent on your training. You may also be disqualified from future TESDA scholarship programs. If you have a valid reason (medical, family emergency), inform TESDA immediately and provide supporting documents.
Does the scholarship include job placement?
While the scholarship does not guarantee employment, TESDA provides job placement assistance through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO) linkages and job fairs. Many training centers also have industry partnerships that help graduates find employment. TESDA tracks the employment rate of its graduates and actively facilitates job matching.
Is there a deadline for TESDA scholarship applications?
There is no fixed deadline - scholarships are offered throughout the year based on budget allocation and slot availability. However, slots are limited and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. It's best to apply early and regularly check with your local TESDA office for new openings.
Important Reminders
- Slots are limited: Apply early as scholarship slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Attend all sessions: Excessive absences may result in termination of your scholarship.
- Complete the program: Dropping out without valid reason may require refund of scholarship amount.
- Take the NC assessment: The scholarship includes assessment fee coverage - make sure to take the assessment after completing training.
- Keep all documents: Store your scholarship contract, certificates, and receipts safely.
- Check for updates: Visit the TESDA website or office regularly for new scholarship openings and announcements.
Need Help?
Contact TESDA
- TESDA Hotline: (02) 8887-7777
- Text TESDA: 0917-479-6070
- Email: info@tesda.gov.ph
- Website: www.tesda.gov.ph
Visit TESDA Office
Your nearest TESDA Provincial or District Office can assist you with scholarship applications, provide lists of available courses and slots, and guide you through the entire process. 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 TESDA you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest TESDA first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.