Free tuition in SUCs now in force

MANILA, Philippines — Students of state universities and colleges (SUCs) will enjoy free tuition and miscellaneous fees starting this semester now that the law on free college tuition is in effect.

Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV said that he confirmed with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) that the SUCs would no longer collect tuition and miscellaneous fees this semester.

Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act was supposed to be implemented for school year 2018- 2019.

However, the CHED has clarified that the law has taken effect sooner than initially planned.

“Yesterday I was able to confirm that this will already be implemented for this second semester. So everyone who will enroll this second semester will no longer have to pay tuition and miscellaneous expenses,” Aquino, principal sponsor and co-author of the law, said.

Members of Aquino’s staff as well as some partners will be going around various SUCs to check if they are complying with the law.

Under the proposed 2018 national budget P40 billion was allocated for the implementation of RA 10931.

Aquino encouraged college dropouts who want to finish their studies to inquire with the SUCs if they could be accepted to those institutions and avail of the free education benefits.

 The law provides free education to students in SUCs, local universities and colleges and TESDA-run vocational schools.

Aside from tuition, the government will shoulder miscellaneous and all other mandatory fees.

It also provides a new and improved student loan program where students can apply for financing for other education expenses.

In addition, students taking post-graduate studies can avail of the new and improved student loan program and scholarships under the law.