TESDA Scholarship Programs: TWSP, PESFA & STEP for AI Training
TESDA offers three major scholarship programs — TWSP, PESFA, and STEP — that can fully fund AI and digital skills training for Filipino workers. This guide explains each program's benefits, eligibility requirements, and how to apply for AI-related courses.
- Filipino citizen
- At least 18 years old (TWSP/PESFA); no age limit for STEP
- High school graduate or equivalent (for NC II and above)
- Not currently on another government scholarship
- PESFA: household income below PHP 250,000/year
- Visit nearest TESDA Provincial/District Office or accredited institution
- Enquire about available scholarship slots for your desired course
- Submit application with required documents (ID, diploma, photos)
- Attend screening interview/orientation
- Receive scholarship approval notification
- Enrol at the designated training institution
- Complete training and take National Competency Assessment
Overview of TESDA Scholarships
TESDA administers several scholarship programs designed to make technical-vocational training accessible to all Filipino workers. Three programs are particularly relevant for AI and digital skills training:
- TWSP — Training for Work Scholarship Program
- PESFA — Private Education Student Financial Assistance
- STEP — Special Training for Employment Program
Combined, these programs fund hundreds of thousands of training slots annually. In 2026, TESDA has allocated a significant portion of these slots to AI and digital skills courses.
Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP)
TWSP is TESDA's largest scholarship program and the most accessible path to funded AI training.
What TWSP Covers
- Full tuition for the training program
- Assessment fees for National Competency certification
- Training materials and supplies
- Up to PHP 30,000 per scholar per course
TWSP Eligibility
- Filipino citizen
- At least 18 years old
- Not currently enrolled in another TESDA scholarship
- Must enrol in a TESDA-accredited training institution
- Must be willing to take the National Competency Assessment
How to Apply for TWSP
- Visit your nearest TESDA Provincial or District Office
- Enquire about available TWSP slots for AI/digital courses
- Submit requirements: valid ID, birth certificate, high school diploma or equivalent, 2x2 photos
- Attend interview/orientation
- Receive approval and enrol at the designated training institution
- Complete training and take the NC Assessment
AI Courses Available Under TWSP
- Computer Systems Servicing NC II (includes AI-assisted troubleshooting)
- Programming NC IV (includes AI/ML development)
- Contact Centre Services NC II (includes AI chatbot management)
- Bookkeeping NC III (includes AI-powered accounting tools)
- Visual Graphic Design NC III (includes AI design tools)
Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA)
PESFA provides financial support for students enrolled in private TVET institutions.
What PESFA Covers
- Tuition fees at the enrolled private institution
- Monthly stipend of PHP 3,000-5,000 (depending on program and location)
- Book and uniform allowance
- Assessment fees
PESFA Eligibility
- Filipino citizen
- Enrolled in a PESFA-participating private TVET institution
- Household income below the TESDA threshold (typically PHP 250,000 annual family income)
- Not a beneficiary of other government scholarships
- Must maintain satisfactory academic performance
How to Apply for PESFA
- Identify PESFA-participating institutions offering AI-related programs
- Apply for admission to the chosen institution
- Submit PESFA application with income documentation
- TESDA evaluates and approves eligible applicants
- Receive monthly stipend and tuition coverage upon enrolment
Special Training for Employment Program (STEP)
STEP provides community-based training, often delivered directly in barangays and local communities.
What STEP Covers
- Training costs (usually shorter programs, 2 weeks to 3 months)
- Training materials and basic tools
- Assessment fees if applicable
STEP Eligibility
- Filipino citizen
- Member of the target community
- Typically focuses on out-of-school youth, unemployed adults, and displaced workers
- No formal education requirements for many programs
STEP for AI & Digital Skills
While STEP traditionally focuses on hands-on trades, it has been expanded to include:
- Basic computer literacy with AI tools
- Digital marketing fundamentals
- AI-assisted micro-enterprise skills
- Online freelancing with AI productivity tools
Comparing the Three Programs
| Feature | TWSP | PESFA | STEP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 100% covered | 100% covered | Usually free |
| Stipend | None | PHP 3,000-5,000/month | None |
| Duration | 1-6 months | 6-24 months | 2 weeks to 3 months |
| AI Courses | NC II-IV level | NC II-IV level | Basic digital skills |
| Income Limit | None | Below threshold | None |
| Best For | Working adults | Students | Community members |
How Pertama Partners Supports TESDA Scholars
Pertama Partners delivers advanced AI training that complements TESDA certifications. For organisations looking to upskill TESDA-certified employees to business-ready AI practitioners, our programs bridge the gap between foundational TESDA courses and enterprise-level AI deployment.
Contact us to learn about our post-TESDA advancement programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, you cannot hold multiple TESDA scholarships simultaneously. However, after completing one program and receiving your NC, you can apply for another scholarship for a different qualification. This allows you to progressively build AI skills across multiple certification levels.
If you fail the National Competency Assessment, TESDA allows a re-assessment after a cooling period (usually 3-6 months). Some scholarship programs cover one re-assessment fee. You may continue practising your skills during the waiting period to improve your chances of passing.
Yes, TWSP is available nationwide through TESDA Provincial and District Offices in all 17 regions. However, the specific AI and digital skills courses available may vary by region depending on the accredited training institutions in your area. Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao typically have the widest selection.
Returning OFWs are actually a priority group for TESDA scholarships, including TWSP. TESDA has specific programs for displaced OFWs that provide both skills training and reintegration support. AI and digital skills are popular choices among returning OFWs seeking new career paths.
- •Computer Systems Servicing NC II (TWSP/PESFA)
- •Programming NC IV (TWSP/PESFA)
- •Contact Centre Services NC II (TWSP)
- •Visual Graphic Design NC III (TWSP/PESFA)
- •Basic AI & Digital Literacy (STEP)
- •Online Freelancing with AI Tools (STEP)
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