Covid-19: Number of Students in Indonesian Varsity Who Can't Pay Tuition Increases Three Times

BANDUNG, KOMPAS.com - During the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of Indonesian university students in Bandung, West Java who had difficulty paying tuition fees increased significantly. 

Rector of Parahyangan Catholic University (Unpar) in Bandung Mangadar Situmorang said 700 students could not pay their tuition fees after their parents' income was affected by the pandemic.

“Before the pandemic, only 200 students experienced financial difficulties. But after the pandemic, it increased three times to 700 students,” said Mangadar on Wednesday, March 24.

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Mangadar explained that the campus had prepared several schemes to help students who are financially struggling. This program includes installment payments and scholarships for those who are unable to pay their tuition fees. 

“The point is that students who are affected by the economic impact of the pandemic will not stop studying. Many parties will help, including the alumni,” said Mangadar.

On the other hand, this pandemic has no impact on the number of new student enrollments. In the 2020 new student admissions, the number who registered has increased.

"We currently have 10,000 students. Public interest in studying remains high despite the pandemic," he said.

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Meanwhile, the Deputy Rector for Academic and Student Affairs at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Professor Jaka Sembiring, said ITB provides opportunities for underprivileged prospective students to apply for scholarships.