Quick Answer: Under Republic Act 10931 (the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act), tuition and most mandatory fees are FREE for all Filipino students enrolled in state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), and CHED-recognized state-run technical-vocational schools. There is no income cap. Major free state universities include the University of the Philippines system, PUP, PLM, TUP, PNU, EARIST, MSU, and dozens of regional state universities. You still pay for books, dorm, transport, and a few non-mandatory fees.
What "Free Tuition" Actually Means in 2026
When people search for a "university with free tuition fee Philippines 2026," they are really asking about the benefits of Republic Act 10931, signed in 2017 and fully in force ever since. The law made tuition and most school-charged fees free for Filipino students in qualified public tertiary institutions. Almost a decade later, it remains one of the most consequential education laws in the country, and millions of students have graduated without paying a single peso in tuition.
The key point most people miss: there is no income requirement. Whether your family earns ₱20,000 or ₱200,000 a month, free tuition applies to all SUCs and LUCs. The law treats public higher education as a right, not a means-tested benefit. This is different from a scholarship, which you must apply and qualify for. Free tuition is automatic for every Filipino who gets admitted.
Three categories of schools are covered:
- State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) — funded by the national government (e.g., UP, PUP, TUP). There are over 110 of these nationwide.
- Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) — run by city or provincial governments (e.g., PLM, UMak, QCU). These often require residency in the host city.
- State-run Technical-Vocational Institutions — CHED- and TESDA-recognized public tech-voc schools offering ladderized and skills-based programs.
If you are not sure whether a particular school qualifies, our explainer on whether a school is private or public in the Philippines walks through how to check a school's funding type before you apply.
What Is Covered vs. What You Still Pay
Free tuition is generous, but it is not "free everything." Many families are caught off guard when the first semester still costs money. Here is the honest breakdown.
| Item | Covered by RA 10931? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (per unit) | Yes | Fully waived in SUCs/LUCs |
| Mandatory miscellaneous fees | Yes | Library, lab, registration, athletics, etc. |
| Entrance/admission fee | Yes | No tuition-style charge |
| Books and modules | No | You buy your own |
| Dorm / boarding | No | Pay if you live away from home |
| Daily transport and food | No | Out-of-pocket allowance |
| Uniforms / PE attire | No | Some schools require these |
| Optional/non-mandatory fees | Partly | Insurance, certain ID or org fees may apply |
So while the biggest expense — tuition — disappears, a student living at home in a free SUC still typically spends ₱15,000 to ₱40,000 per year on books, transport, food, and small fees. A student who has to rent a dorm or board near campus can spend ₱60,000 to ₱120,000 a year on living costs alone, even with ₱0 tuition. That gap is exactly what the next program is designed to close.
The TES Subsidy: Help With the Rest
The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is a cash grant administered by the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) to help cover the "non-tuition" costs. Priority goes to students from low-income households — those listed in the Listahanan/Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and similar government databases, and students in the poorest municipalities.
TES grants in 2026 can reach roughly ₱40,000 per year and help cover books, transport, lodging, and a connectivity or learning allowance. To apply, visit your school's financial aid, scholarship, or UniFAST office, fill out the application form, and submit proof of income or your 4Ps household number. Slots and amounts vary by year and budget, so apply early — funds are limited and prioritized.
This combination — free tuition for everyone, plus TES for those who need living support — is what makes a public university degree genuinely reachable for low-income families.
Complete List of Major Free Tuition State Universities (2026)
Below is a regional guide to the largest and most sought-after free state universities in the Philippines. All of these waive tuition under RA 10931. This is not the full roster of 110+ SUCs, but it covers the schools most students search for.
National Capital Region (Metro Manila)
- University of the Philippines (UP Diliman, UP Manila, UP Los Baños) — the flagship national university; highly competitive via the UPCAT. UP Manila is the country's health-sciences hub.
- Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) — one of the largest universities in the country by enrollment, with strong business, engineering, and IT programs.
- Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) — Manila's premier LUC, with excellent board-exam results in law, medicine, and accountancy.
- Technological University of the Philippines (TUP-Manila) — engineering, architecture, and industrial technology.
- Philippine Normal University (PNU) — the National Center for Teacher Education.
- Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST) — affordable tech and engineering programs.
- University of Makati (UMak), Quezon City University (QCU), Universidad de Manila — city-run LUCs (residency rules often apply).
Luzon (Outside NCR)
- Bulacan State University (BulSU) — Malolos and satellite campuses.
- Cavite State University (CvSU) — Indang and branches.
- Batangas State University (BatStateU – The NEU) — engineering and tech focus.
- Tarlac State University, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Pampanga State Agricultural University — strong regional options.
- Mariano Marcos State University (Ilocos), Isabela State University, University of Northern Philippines, Cagayan State University.
Visayas
- Cebu Technological University (CTU) — multiple Cebu campuses.
- University of the Philippines Visayas (UP Visayas) — Iloilo and Miagao.
- West Visayas State University (WVSU), Iloilo Science and Technology University.
- Visayas State University (VSU) — Leyte, known for agriculture and forestry.
- Central Philippine State University, Negros Oriental State University, Eastern Visayas State University.
Mindanao
- Mindanao State University (MSU) system — including MSU-IIT in Iligan, one of the strongest engineering schools in the south.
- University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) — Davao.
- Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) — Zamboanga.
- Caraga State University, Central Mindanao University, Sultan Kudarat State University, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines.
This is not exhaustive — there are over 110 SUCs nationwide, plus many LUCs, all offering free tuition. Use our directory to find verified state schools near you, whether you live in Cebu City, Quezon City, or anywhere else.
How to Enroll in a Free Tuition University
- Pass the admission test. Most SUCs run their own entrance exams (UPCAT for UP, PUPCET for PUP, etc.). Application windows usually open 6 to 12 months before the start of the school year, so plan ahead.
- Meet the academic and document requirements — Senior High School diploma, Form 137, certificate of good moral character, and a PSA birth certificate. Some programs have minimum grade or strand requirements.
- Enroll and the tuition waiver applies automatically — you do not "apply" for free tuition; it is granted to all qualified Filipino students at enrollment.
- Apply for TES separately if you need help with living costs, through your school's UniFAST or scholarship office.
For a deeper walkthrough of entrance tests and documents, see our guide on college admission requirements in the Philippines. If you are still deciding on a course, our piece on in-demand courses in the Philippines can help you pick a program with strong job prospects.
Free Tuition vs. Affordable Private Schools
Free SUCs are the cheapest path to a degree, but slots are limited and competitive. Tens of thousands of students take the UPCAT and PUPCET each year for a fraction of the available seats. If you do not get a slot, affordable private colleges and CHED scholarships are the backup. Compare your options in our affordable colleges in the Philippines guide and the CHED free tuition guide. You can also weigh the full price spectrum in our breakdown of cheapest vs. expensive universities in the Philippines for 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tuition really free in all state universities in the Philippines?
Yes. Under RA 10931, tuition and most mandatory fees are waived for Filipino students in all SUCs and LUCs, with no income cap. You only pay for non-school costs like books, transport, and lodging.
Which is the best list of free tuition universities in the Philippines?
The most reliable list is the roster of state universities and colleges recognized by CHED and funded under RA 10931 — there are over 110 SUCs plus many LUCs. We summarize the largest ones by region above.
Do private universities have free tuition?
No. RA 10931 free tuition applies only to public SUCs, LUCs, and state-run tech-voc schools. Private schools may offer scholarships, but tuition there is not automatically free.
What is the difference between free tuition and the TES subsidy?
Free tuition waives what the school charges. The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is a separate cash grant for living costs — books, transport, and lodging — prioritized for low-income students.
Can I lose my free tuition?
Yes, if you fail to meet your school's academic retention standards, exceed the allowed years to finish your program, or already hold a bachelor's degree. The benefit is meant for first undergraduate degrees.
Are LUCs (city universities) also free?
Yes, LUCs like PLM, UMak, and QCU offer free tuition under the law, but many require you to be a resident of the city that runs the school.
Does free tuition cover graduate school or law and medicine?
RA 10931 primarily covers undergraduate programs. Some graduate and professional programs at SUCs have separate fee rules, so check directly with the school.
Find Your Free State University
Ready to apply? Browse verified Philippine schools to find state universities and city colleges near you, then map out your enrollment plan. For related reading, see our CHED free tuition guide, the list of free colleges in Manila, and our overview of scholarships for college students in the Philippines.
