Free tuition takes effect June 2018

Full implementation of the recently signed law granting free tuition in all state-run universities and colleges in the country will start in June 2018, the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) assured on Thursday,

In a press briefing in Malacañang, CHEd Commissioner Prospero De Vera III announced that the first meeting for the drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Free Tuition Law took place on Wednesday, August 9.

The commissioner said they hope to finalize the IRR at the soonest possible time, in time for the full implementation of the law by Academic Year 2018-2019.

“The staff of CHEd, of Tesda (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), of DBM (Department of Budget and Management), of DOST (Department of Science and Technology), started working last night,” De Vera said.

“We gave them marching orders to finish it hopefully within the week, so that the commission can go over it, the other agencies can go over it, and hopefully sign it within 15 days, if possible,” he added.

Under the measure, students enrolled or who wish to enroll in state-run universities and colleges nationwide will no longer have to pay for their tuition and other standard miscellaneous fees, as enumerated in the law.

Students enrolled in 112 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), 16 local government created universities evaluated by CHEd, and all state-run technical-vocational institutions nationwide will be covered by the measure during the first year of implementation.

For students belonging to poorer households, De Vera said the measure will provide additional subsidy for those belonging to the lowest income deciles.

A student loan fund will also be created for them, to be administered through various government financial institutions.

These additional benefits can be availed of by both public and private students.