TESDA Courses 2025: Ultimate Guide to Free Vocational Training and Scholarships in the Philippines
In 2025, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) continues to empower Filipinos with essential skills for employment and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a high school graduate looking to kickstart your career or a professional seeking upskilling, TESDA courses 2025 offer a wide range of free and affordable options. This comprehensive guide covers everything from available TESDA online courses 2025 to eligibility, enrollment, scholarships, and new updates. With TESDA’s focus on technical-vocational education and training (TVET), you can gain nationally recognized certifications to boost your job prospects in various industries.
What is TESDA?
TESDA, established under Republic Act 7796 in 1994, is the Philippine government’s agency responsible for managing technical education and skills development. It develops workforce strategies, sets competency standards, and provides assessments to ensure Filipino workers are globally competitive. TESDA’s vision is to be a transformational leader in skills development, enhancing productivity and employability.
Key roles include offering free online courses via the TESDA Online Program (TOP), personal vocational training, and issuing National Certificates (NC) upon passing competency assessments. In 2025, TESDA emphasizes sectors like agriculture, tourism, IT, and health care to address job market demands.
List of TESDA Courses for 2025
TESDA courses 2025 are categorized by industry, with options for online, in-person, and mobile training programs. Many are free through TOP, while others are offered at accredited training centers. Here’s a detailed breakdown based on popular categories:
21st Century Skills
Communication
Environmental Literacy
Digital Literacy
Language Literacy
These foundational courses help build essential soft skills for modern workplaces.
Agriculture
Agro-Entrepreneurship NC II
Aquaponic Food Production
Organic Agriculture Production NC II
Agricultural Crops Production NC II
Fruit Growing
Ideal for those interested in sustainable farming and agribusiness.
Automotive and Land Transport
Automotive Servicing (Engine Repair) NC II
Automotive Short Courses
Automotive Servicing NC I, II, III, IV
Motorcycle/Small Engine Servicing NC II
Driving NC II, III (including Passenger Bus/Straight Truck)
Advanced options include Auto Engine Rebuilding NC II and Automotive Electrical Assembly NC II.
Construction
Plumbing NC II
Photovoltaic Systems Installation NC II
Technical Drafting NC II
These hands-on courses prepare you for building and infrastructure roles.
Electrical and Electronics
Computer System Servicing NC II
Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II
Renewable/Alternative Energy
Focus on tech repairs and sustainable energy solutions.
Entrepreneurship
iSTAR PROGRAM
OFW RISE
Start and Improve Your Business
These programs support business startups and financial management.
Health Care and Human Services
Barangay Health Services NC II
Massage Therapy NC II
Caregiving (Elderly) NC II
Contact Tracing NC II
Barangay Infectious Disease Management Services Level II
Practicing COVID-19 Preventive Measures in the Workplace
Essential for community health and elderly care roles.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Visual Graphic Design NC III
SMART ICT Courses
IBM SkillsBuild
2D Animation NC III
3D Animation NC III
Digital Arts Technology
Bundled qualifications in animation and graphic design are popular for creative careers.
Tourism and Hospitality
Bread and Pastry Production NC II
Cookery NC II
Food and Beverage Services NC II
Front Office Services NC II
Housekeeping NC II
These include bundled programs like 2-Year Culinary and Food Management Services.
Other Categories
Food Processing: Food Processing NC II
Maritime: Ships’ Catering
Social and Community Development: Beauty Care (Nail Care) Services NC II, Domestic Work NC II, Bookkeeping NC III
TVET Training: Trainers Methodology I and II
Language Courses: Advanced English, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, Arabic (free through TESDA Language Skills Institutes)
Digital and Visual Arts: Illustration NC II, 2D Game Art Development NC III
For a full list of over 200 qualifications, check regional TESDA sites or the official registry.
Course Durations and Fees
Durations vary: Short courses like Driving NC II may take 156 hours, while full programs like Automotive Technology can span 1,358 hours (bundled NC I-III). Technical-Vocational Trainer training is 264 hours (33 days).
Fees: Many TESDA online courses 2025 are free via TOP. In-person courses at accredited centers may have minimal fees, but scholarships cover most costs. Assessment for National Certificates is often subsidized.
Eligibility Requirements for TESDA Courses 2025
To enroll:
Be a Filipino citizen.
At least 15 years old (18 for some programs).
Completed 10 years of basic education, high school graduate, ALS passer, or TechVoc graduate.
Family income below PHP 300,000 for certain scholarships.
No prior college degree or high-level NC for entry-level courses.
Profiling like NCAE may be required for scholarships.
How to Enroll in TESDA Courses 2025
For Online Courses (TESDA Online Program):
Visit e-tesda.gov.ph and create an account by filling out the form.
Activate via email link.
Log in, browse courses, select a module, and click “Enroll me.”
Download the TOP mobile app for on-the-go learning (Android/iOS).
For In-Person Courses:
Search for accredited TVIs (Technical-Vocational Institutions) via tesda.gov.ph/tvi.
Apply directly at the center or through the TESDA BSR System for scholarships.
Submit requirements like birth certificate, school records, and ID.
Language training applicants register online and await confirmation.
TESDA Scholarships 2025: Free Training and Allowances
TESDA scholarships 2025 make education accessible:
Universal Access to Tertiary Education (UAQTEA): Free assessment, allowances, toolkits.
Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA): Free training, student/book allowances for marginalized students.
Special Training for Employment Program (STEP): Over 70 qualifications, free entrepreneurship training, starter toolkits (e.g., Rice Machinery Operations NC II).
Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP): Covers 230+ qualifications in 18 sectors, free skills training.
Apply online via bsrs.tesda.gov.ph. Benefits include free assessment and toolkits.
Certification and Assessment
After completing a course, take the National Competency Assessment for an NC. This certifies your skills and is recognized nationwide and abroad.
TESDA Training Centers and Locations
Find centers via the official TVI registry. Regional offices like TESDA-CAR offer localized programs. Mobile training is available for remote areas.
New Updates and Programs for TESDA 2025
In 2025, TESDA introduces amended guidelines for PQF Level 5 (Diploma) programs, allowing more flexible packaging rules for TVET. The WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 event (August 26-28) highlights skills competitions. Newly registered programs are updated monthly; check for additions like advanced ICT and green energy courses.
TESDA courses 2025 provide pathways to success. Enroll today to secure your future—visit tesda.gov.ph or e-tesda.gov.ph for more details!