Quick Answer: Under Republic Act 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act), all Filipino students enrolled in 112 state universities and colleges (SUCs) and 78 local universities and colleges (LUCs) are exempt from paying tuition and other school fees. The law covers tuition, admission fees, library fees, laboratory fees, and computer fees. You do not need to apply separately — enrollment at a qualifying institution automatically qualifies you.
Introduction
Since its full implementation in Academic Year 2018-2019, the CHED Free Tuition program has transformed access to higher education in the Philippines. Signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte on August 3, 2017, Republic Act 10931 — officially known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA) — eliminates tuition and miscellaneous fees at all state-run higher education institutions across the country.
But despite being in effect for several years, many students and parents still have questions. Which schools are actually covered? What fees are waived — and which ones are not? Can students at private schools benefit too? And what about the reported funding gaps?
This guide answers every question you might have about the free tuition law, updated for 2026.
What Is RA 10931?
Republic Act 10931, the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, is a Philippine law that provides three key forms of educational assistance:
- Free tuition and miscellaneous fees at all state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs)
- Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) for students in both public and private institutions who come from financially disadvantaged families
- Free technical-vocational education and training (TVET) at TESDA institutions
The law is administered by CHED (Commission on Higher Education) through the Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST).
Which Schools Are Covered?
The free tuition law covers a total of 190 institutions nationwide:
- 112 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) — These include major institutions like the University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Philippine Normal University (PNU), Mindanao State University (MSU), and all state colleges in every region
- 78 Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) — These are higher education institutions established and funded by local government units, such as the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, University of Makati, and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa
Notable SUCs Covered by Free Tuition
| Region | Major SUCs |
|---|---|
| NCR | UP Diliman, PUP, PNU, TUP, PLM, Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Institute |
| Region III | Bulacan State University, Tarlac State University, Central Luzon State University |
| Region IV-A | Cavite State University, Batangas State University, Laguna State Polytechnic University |
| Region VII | Cebu Technological University, University of the Philippines Cebu |
| Region XI | University of Southeastern Philippines, Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School |
| CAR | Benguet State University, University of the Philippines Baguio |
For the complete list, visit the CHED website or check SchoolFinderPH to see if your target school is a government institution.
What Fees Are Covered?
Under RA 10931, the following are waived for all eligible students at SUCs and LUCs:
- Tuition fees — The primary cost of instruction
- Admission fees — One-time charges upon enrollment
- Library fees — Access to library resources and facilities
- Laboratory fees — Science, computer, and workshop lab usage
- Computer fees — IT infrastructure and access charges
- Other school fees — As determined by the institution's board
What Is NOT Covered
The law does not cover the following:
- Student organization fees — Voluntary contributions to student bodies
- Insurance premiums — Personal accident insurance
- Dormitory and housing fees — On-campus accommodation costs
- Uniforms and school supplies — Personal educational materials
- Field trip expenses — Transportation and accommodation for educational trips
- Graduation fees — In some institutions, though many SUCs waive these as well
Who Is Eligible?
All Filipino students enrolled in undergraduate or bachelor's degree programs at SUCs and LUCs are eligible, provided they:
- Are Filipino citizens — Foreign students and dual citizens using foreign passports are not covered
- Are enrolled in a bachelor's degree, certificate, or diploma program — Graduate programs (master's and doctoral) are excluded
- Meet the institution's admission and retention requirements — You still need to pass entrance exams and maintain the required GWA
- Have not yet earned a bachelor's degree — The law covers first-degree seekers only
Important: No Separate Application Needed
Unlike scholarships, you do not need to file a separate application for the free tuition benefit. If you are enrolled in an eligible program at a covered institution, the tuition and fees are automatically waived during enrollment.
What About Private School Students?
Students enrolled in private higher education institutions (HEIs) are not covered by the free tuition provision. However, they can benefit from two other components of RA 10931:
Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES)
TES provides direct financial assistance to students from low-income families enrolled in both public and private institutions. Benefits include subsidies for tuition, transportation, and living expenses. To qualify, students must come from families classified as poor or near-poor based on the Philippine Statistics Authority's income thresholds.
CHED Scholarship Programs
Private school students can apply for CHED scholarships such as:
- Full Private Education Student Financial Assistance (FPESFA) — Up to PHP 120,000/year for students with GWA of 96%+
- Half PESFA — Proportional benefits for students with GWA of 93-95%
- Tulong Dunong — PHP 15,000/year for students with financial need
The Funding Reality
While RA 10931 is a landmark law, its implementation has not been without challenges. As of 2025, the program faced a cumulative funding gap of approximately PHP 12.31 billion. For Fiscal Year 2026, the government has committed to covering the full shortfall:
- PHP 7.82 billion from CHED's Higher Education Development Fund
- PHP 4.49 billion through the General Appropriations Act
This funding gap has sometimes resulted in delayed release of subsidies to institutions, though tuition fees have continued to be waived for students.
Impact by the Numbers
- 190 institutions covered nationwide (112 SUCs + 78 LUCs)
- Millions of students benefiting each academic year
- PHP 12.31 billion cumulative funding addressed for FY 2026
- Full implementation since AY 2018-2019
How to Take Advantage of Free Tuition
Step 1: Choose a Covered Institution
Use SchoolFinderPH to search for state universities and local colleges near you. Filter by location to find options in Manila, Cebu City, Davao City, or your home province.
Step 2: Pass the Admission Requirements
Each SUC and LUC has its own admission process. Some require entrance exams (like UPCAT for UP, PUPCET for PUP, or CEET for Cebu Technological University), while others use a combination of grades and interviews.
Step 3: Enroll and Confirm Your Status
During enrollment, your tuition and covered fees will automatically be waived. You may still need to pay for non-covered fees like student organization dues or insurance.
Step 4: Apply for TES (If Applicable)
If you come from a low-income family, apply for the Tertiary Education Subsidy through your institution's scholarship or financial aid office. This provides additional financial support on top of the free tuition.
Step 5: Maintain Retention Requirements
Stay in good academic standing. While there is no GWA requirement for free tuition itself, each institution has its own retention policies. Failure to meet these may affect your enrollment status.
Comparison: Free Tuition vs. Scholarships
| Feature | Free Tuition (RA 10931) | DOST-SEI Scholarship | CHED Merit Scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Required | No | Yes (exam-based) | Yes (GWA-based) |
| GWA Requirement | None (just admission) | Exam-based | 93-96%+ |
| Tuition Coverage | 100% at SUCs/LUCs | Up to PHP 40K/yr (private) | Up to PHP 40K/yr (private) |
| Monthly Stipend | None | PHP 8,000/month | Included in package |
| Book Allowance | None | PHP 5,000/semester | Included |
| Income Limit | None | None | PHP 500,000/yr |
| Covered Schools | 190 SUCs/LUCs only | Any accredited HEI | Any accredited HEI |
| Service Obligation | None | Work in PH after graduation | None |
Tips for Students
- Consider SUCs strategically. Some state universities like UP, PUP, and TUP offer world-class programs with zero tuition. Do not dismiss them in favor of private schools without weighing the financial benefit.
- Stack benefits. Free tuition and TES can be combined. If you qualify for TES, you essentially get free education plus an allowance for living expenses.
- Check for hidden costs. While tuition is free, budget for transportation, food, supplies, and accommodation if you will be studying away from home.
- Apply for additional scholarships. There is nothing preventing you from receiving a scholarship on top of free tuition. DOST-SEI scholars at SUCs, for example, receive the full stipend and book allowance even though tuition is already free.
- Know your rights. If your SUC or LUC is charging fees that should be covered under RA 10931, report it to CHED or UniFAST.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does free tuition apply to all courses?
Yes, all undergraduate courses offered at SUCs and LUCs are covered, including engineering, education, nursing, agriculture, IT, business, and the arts.
Can I avail of free tuition if I am a transferee?
Yes, as long as you have not yet completed a bachelor's degree. Transferees to SUCs and LUCs are covered by the free tuition law.
Is free tuition available for graduate school?
No. RA 10931 covers undergraduate and certificate/diploma programs only. Master's and doctoral programs are not included.
What if I fail a subject? Do I still get free tuition?
Yes, the free tuition applies regardless of grades. However, your institution may have its own retention policies that could affect your enrollment if you accumulate too many failing marks.
Does the law cover summer classes?
Yes, tuition and fees for summer or midyear terms at SUCs and LUCs are also covered under the free tuition law.
Can students from wealthy families still get free tuition?
Yes. The free tuition provision has no income cap — it applies to all Filipino students at SUCs and LUCs regardless of family income. However, TES (the additional subsidy) does have income requirements.
Are there enough slots at SUCs for all applicants?
Slots vary by institution and program. Popular schools like UP and PUP have competitive admission rates. Consider applying to multiple SUCs and exploring schools in your region to increase your chances.
What is the difference between SUCs and LUCs?
SUCs are established and funded by the national government through congressional charters. LUCs are established and funded by local government units (cities and municipalities). Both are covered by the free tuition law.
The free tuition law has opened doors for millions of Filipino students. If you are planning your college journey, start by exploring state and local universities on SchoolFinderPH — you might find an excellent program right in your area, completely tuition-free.