TESDA scholarships in Cebu: TWSP, STEP, and PESFA explained
Three free TESDA scholarship programs in Cebu — who can apply, what is covered, and the documents you need.
Sige te, libre kaayo nga training — TESDA runs three big scholarship programs that pay for your course at private TVIs in Cebu. Walay daghan kabalo kasi ang names confusing — TWSP, STEP, and PESFA. Here is what each one is and how to apply.
TWSP — Training for Work Scholarship Program
What it is: The biggest TESDA scholarship. It pays for courses that match what local employers are hiring for — culinary, hospitality, IT, automotive, electronics, welding, and many more. The list of "in-demand" courses changes each year.
Who can apply: Filipinos aged 15 and up. Out-of-school youth and unemployed adults are prioritised but anyone in the target group can apply.
What it covers: Full tuition, training materials, and one round of the TESDA assessment exam at the end. You graduate with an NC II (or NC III, depending on the course).
How to apply: Visit a TVI in Cebu that offers a TWSP-funded slot for your target course. Bring your birth certificate, two 2x2 photos, and a barangay certificate. The TVI will process the rest.
STEP — Special Training for Employment Program
What it is: A smaller program run with local government units (LGUs). Cebu City, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu each get a budget every year, and they pick which TESDA courses to offer free to their residents.
Who can apply: Residents of the specific LGU. You usually need a barangay clearance and proof you live in that city.
What it covers: Tuition, basic tools, and a small daily stipend (around ₱75 to ₱100 per training day) to cover food and transport. The stipend is why STEP is popular even when other scholarships exist.
How to apply: Watch the LGU\'s social media (Cebu City Government, City of Mandaue, City of Lapu-Lapu). Each year they announce the STEP courses, and the application is usually at the city hall or a designated TVI. Slots fill up fast.
PESFA — Private Education Student Financial Assistance
What it is: A scholarship for technical-vocational courses at private TVIs. Smaller than TWSP, but useful if you specifically want a private TVI with newer facilities, smaller class size, or a specific teacher.
Who can apply: High school graduates and SHS graduates. PESFA is more common for longer courses (6 months to 2 years) than the short NC II programs.
What it covers: Around ₱7,500 to ₱15,000 per year of tuition support at a partner private TVI.
How to apply: Apply through the TVI you want to attend. You\'ll need SHS report card, birth certificate, and an income certificate (BIR or barangay).
Comparing the three
| Program | Best for | Covers | Stipend? |
|---|---|---|---|
| TWSP | Most adults wanting a free NC II | Tuition + materials + 1 assessment | No |
| STEP | LGU residents, especially OSY | Tuition + tools + daily stipend | Yes |
| PESFA | Longer private TVI programs | Partial tuition support | No |
A quick how-to: getting a free Driving NC II in Cebu
- Open /tesda-cebu/ and pick 2 TVIs that offer Driving NC II.
- Call each. Ask: "Do you have TWSP slots for Driving NC II this quarter?" Most TVIs have slots every quarter.
- Bring birth cert, 2x2 photos, barangay clearance, and a fresh medical exam (≈ ₱350 at any clinic).
- Sign the slot. Most Driving NC II programs run 1 to 2 weeks, mixed classroom and behind-the-wheel hours.
What scholarships do NOT cover
Even a "free" course usually has small costs:
- Uniform (around ₱500 to ₱1,500)
- ID fee (₱100 to ₱200)
- Medical exam for some courses (₱350 to ₱800)
- Transport and food during training (unless STEP covers it)
Budget around ₱2,000 to ₱4,000 even for a "fully covered" 8-week NC II.
Where to read the official list
Search "TESDA scholarship programs" on tesda.gov.ph. The "Programs and Services" section lists current slots per region and per course. For Cebu, search Region VII listings.
Frequently asked
Are TESDA courses really free with scholarships?
Most are free or near-free, yes. The TWSP, STEP, and PESFA scholarships cover full tuition and assessment fees for accredited TESDA courses at partner schools. You usually pay only for a uniform or a small ID fee.
Who can apply?
Filipino citizens, usually aged 15 to 60, with at least a Grade 6 or Grade 10 education depending on the course. Some programs prioritise out-of-school youth, indigenous people, persons with disability, and OFW dependents.
Where do I apply?
You apply through a TVI (Technical-Vocational Institution) that is accredited for the specific TESDA course. Walk into the TVI, ask the registrar for scholarship slots, and they will give you the application form and the document checklist.
Can I use a TESDA scholarship for driving courses?
Yes — Driving NC II is a TESDA-registered course and is covered by scholarships at participating TVIs. Useful if you want to convert your student permit to a non-professional license and need the official Driving NC II as supporting documentation.
How long do scholarship slots last?
Slots refresh every quarter (Q1: Jan, Q2: Apr, Q3: Jul, Q4: Oct). Popular courses fill in the first week. Visit the TVI before each quarter starts.
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