RA10931: AN ACT PROMOTING UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO QUALITY TERTIARY EDUCATION BY PROVIDING FOR FREE TUITION AND OTHER SCHOOL FEES IN STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES, LOCAL UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES AND STATE-RUN TECHNICAL-VOCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, ESTABLISHING THE TERTI
Republic Act (RA) 10931, also known as the "Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act," was enacted on August 3, 2017. This Act aims to promote universal access to quality tertiary education by providing free tuition and other school fees in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), and state-run Technical-Vocational Institutions (TVIs). It also establishes the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and Student Loan Program to assist students in financing their tertiary education.
Highlight of RA 10931
RA 10931 provides free tuition and miscellaneous fees to students enrolled in SUCs, LUCs, and state-run TVIs, making tertiary education more accessible and affordable for Filipino students. This provision is a significant step towards ensuring that all Filipinos have the opportunity to pursue higher education, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Other Key Provisions
Coverage: The free tuition and miscellaneous fees provision covers all Filipino students enrolled in undergraduate programs in SUCs, LUCs, and state-run TVIs, subject to certain admission and retention requirements.
Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES): The TES is a grant given to students enrolled in SUCs, LUCs, private HEIs, and all TVIs to help cover the cost of tertiary education. The TES prioritizes students from low-income households.
Student Loan Program: The Student Loan Program provides financial assistance to students enrolled in SUCs, LUCs, private HEIs, and TVIs. The loan program offers short-term and long-term loans with reasonable repayment schedules and interest rates.
Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST): The UniFAST Board is responsible for administering the TES and the Student Loan Program. The UniFAST Board is also tasked with developing the implementing rules and regulations for the Act.