The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued DepEd Memorandum No. 030, s. 2025, outlining the application process for the Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS VP) for the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative, under the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) Program, aims to provide financial assistance to qualified students who wish to enroll in private Senior High Schools, Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) that offer SHS programs.
What is the SHS Voucher Program?
The SHS Voucher Program (SHS VP) is a financial aid initiative designed to help students continue their education in non-DepEd Senior High Schools. Through this program, qualified students receive subsidies to cover part of their tuition and school fees. The program is part of GASTPE, which supports private education institutions and expands access to quality learning for Filipino students.
Who Can Apply?
The SHS VP is open to various categories of learners, with some students automatically qualified while others need to apply.
Automatically Qualified Applicants (QVA)
These students do not need to apply for the voucher and are immediately eligible:
✔ Grade 10 Completers from Public Junior High Schools
✔ Grade 10 Completers from SUCs and LUCs
✔ ESC Grantees from Private Junior High Schools
Click here to Read DepEd Memo No. 030, S. 2025
Applicants Who Need to Apply
Students under these categories must submit an application:
✔ Students from private junior high schools (who are not ESC grantees)
✔ Learners who passed the Alternative Learning System (ALS) A&E Test
✔ Students who passed the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT)
How to Apply for the SHS Voucher Program
Application Timeline
📅 May 15, 2025 - Start of Applications
📅 June 28, 2025 - Deadline for Submission of Applications
📅 September 12, 2025 - Release of QVA Certificates
Where to Apply?
📌 Online: Applications can be submitted through the DepEd Online Voucher Application Portal (OVAP).
📌 In-Person: Certain applicants must submit documents at designated PEAC Regional Secretariats (RS) or DepEd Schools Division Offices (SDO).
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following:
📝 Duly accomplished SHS VP application form
📄 Report card (for Grade 10 completers)
📜 Certificate of Completion for ALS or PEPT Passer Certificate
🆔 Valid ID or birth certificate
What is GASTPE and How Does It Support SHS VP?
The SHS Voucher Program is part of the broader Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) initiative. GASTPE is a government program that provides financial assistance to students and teachers in private schools, ensuring that education remains accessible and of high quality.
How GASTPE Helps Students and Schools
✅ Provides tuition subsidies for students enrolling in private senior high schools.
✅ Reduces the financial burden on families seeking private education.
✅ Supports private schools by ensuring steady enrollment and financial aid.
✅ Decongests public schools, allowing students to choose private institutions while receiving government support.
GASTPE is administered in partnership with the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC), which oversees the implementation and monitoring of the SHS VP.
Voucher Redemption and Usage
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Voucher redemption starts on August 1, 2025, and ends on November 7, 2025.
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Vouchers can only be used for enrollment in DepEd-recognized private schools, LUCs, and SUCs that accept SHS VP recipients.
Billing and Payment Schedule for Schools
For participating schools, the Voucher Management System (VMS) and Information Management System (IMS) will open on August 1, 2025. Billing statement creation and submission deadlines are scheduled between November 7, 2025, and November 28, 2025.
Final Thoughts
The Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS VP) under GASTPE continues to be a valuable support system for Filipino students, ensuring greater access to quality education. If you or someone you know qualifies, apply before June 28, 2025, and take advantage of this government subsidy! 🎓📚
For more information, contact the Government Assistance and Subsidies Service (GASS) or DepEd’s Data Management Division via email at gas.gass@deped.gov.ph.