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.

Also read: Indonesia’s Health Ministry Prepares for New School Year Amid the Pandemic

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.

“ITB will fulfill the quota of students who get tuition exemption by 20 percent at the end of the admission period for undergraduate students,” he said.

M Farhan, a student at the Sunan Gunung Djati State Islamic University (UIN SGD) Bandung, said some of his friends had difficulty paying college tuition. These students are usually asked to contact the campus for a tuition fee waiver.

“Some of their parents were laid off during Covid-19, some of them went bankrupt, so it was difficult to pay for their children's tuition,” said Farhan.

(Writer: Reni Susanti | Editor: Aprillia Ika)

Source: https://bandung.kompas.com/read/2021/03/24/095511178/ada-pandemi-covid-19-mahasiswa-yang-kesulitan-bayar-kuliah-naik-3-kali-lipat.