If you’re a college student struggling with education expenses, UniFAST Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) may offer the help you need. While not as widely known as other scholarships or aid programs, TDP continues to support thousands of students across the country through a targeted grant system.
In this guide, we’ll explain what the TDP is, who can apply, and how to prepare if you want to become a beneficiary.
What is the Tulong Dunong Program?
The Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) is a student financial assistance initiative that used to be part of CHED’s original scholarship portfolio. Today, it’s managed by UniFAST, the government agency responsible for implementing student grants under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931).
TDP is designed to help low-income college students pursue their degrees by offering a modest but meaningful cash grant—without a strict requirement for academic performance or competitive ranking.
This makes it especially useful for students who may not qualify for academic-based scholarships but still need financial support.
Who Can Apply for TDP?
The Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) is open to Filipino undergraduate students who need financial assistance to continue their college education.
To qualify, the student must be enrolled in any undergraduate degree program offered by a State University or College (SUC), a CHED-recognized Local University or College (LUC), or a private Higher Education Institution (HEI) that offers programs listed in the CHED Registry. The combined annual gross income of the student’s parents or legal guardians must not exceed ₱400,000.
Unlike other aid programs, TDP does not impose age or academic grade requirements. However, applicants must not be current beneficiaries of other national government-funded student financial assistance programs, such as TES, CHED Merit Scholarship, or DOST scholarships. Only students covered by the Free Higher Education (FHE) program are allowed to apply alongside TDP.
What Courses Are Covered Under TDP?
The Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) covers any CHED-recognized undergraduate degree program. There are no specific priority courses required, giving students flexibility in choosing their field of study as long as their program is recognized and offered by an eligible institution.
How Much Financial Assistance Can You Receive?
Under the TDP, eligible students may receive financial assistance of up to ₱7,500 per semester, or a maximum of ₱15,000 for an entire academic year. This grant can help cover tuition fees, school supplies, or other educational expenses. The funds are intended to ease the financial burden on students from low-income households, making higher education more accessible.
How to Apply for TDP?
As of now, TDP applications for AY 2025–2026 have not yet opened. Like TES, TDP availability is dependent on funding allocations by Congress, and new slots will only be offered once funds are released.
Here’s what you need to know:
- There is no direct or walk-in application at CHED or UniFAST offices.
- You will need to apply through your school, provided it is a CHED-recognized HEI with a valid partnership.
- Application involves:
- Verification of your household income
- Assessment of your documents and enrollment
- Submission via your school’s financial aid office or designated personnel
Note that applying does not guarantee approval. All applications will be evaluated based on available slots and national guidelines for need and priority.
When Will Applications Open?
The official opening of the TDP application depends on two factors:
- Availability of funds
- Official announcement by UniFAST and CHED
Students should closely monitor their school’s announcements and follow UniFAST’s official Facebook page for the latest updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is there an age limit for applicants to the TDP?
No, the Tulong Dunong Program does not impose an age limit. As long as the applicant is a Filipino citizen enrolled in an eligible undergraduate program and meets the income and eligibility requirements, they can apply regardless of age. - Can I apply for TDP if I’m already receiving another government scholarship or financial aid?
No. Students who are already receiving financial assistance from other national government-funded programs like TES, CHED Merit Scholarship, or DOST Scholarship are not eligible to apply for TDP. However, those under the Free Higher Education (FHE) program may still qualify. - How do I apply for the TDP?
Currently, applications for TDP must be submitted through your school or higher education institution (HEI) that has a valid Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with CHED-UniFAST. Walk-in or direct submissions to CHED or UniFAST offices are not accepted. - What documents do I need to submit when applying for TDP?
While the full list may vary depending on CHED-UniFAST guidelines at the time of application, typical requirements include proof of enrollment, a valid ID, and income documents (such as a Certificate of Indigency, BIR tax documents, or a Social Case Study Report) to confirm household income does not exceed ₱400,000. - Does applying for the TDP guarantee financial assistance?
No. Submitting an application does not automatically guarantee a grant. All applicants undergo a selection and validation process based on eligibility, completeness of documents, and the availability of slots and funding nationwide.
Final Thoughts
The Tulong Dunong Program is not as high-profile as other financial aid schemes, but it plays a vital role in helping low-income Filipino students stay in school. If you’re enrolled in a recognized HEI and meet the income requirement, TDP can be a valuable source of support, even if you’re not on the honor roll.
While applications are not yet open, now is the best time to gather income documents, speak to your school’s financial aid officer, and stay alert for announcements from UniFAST
With a little preparation, you can be ready when the slots become available.
For more information, visit https://unifastsecretariat.com or follow https://www.facebook.com/unifastofficial.
