The Philippines has expanded its free-tuition law for students in public universities, local colleges, and state-run technical-vocational institutions.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 12325 on September 4. The law keeps the original tuition support and adds help for costs that can make it harder to stay in school.
The expanded Tertiary Education Subsidy can cover internship or related learning expenses, professional licensure costs, and allowances for students with disabilities. Students who need extra time for justifiable reasons may also receive up to one additional year of support.
Public colleges and training institutions will also be asked to create Equity and Inclusion Plans, with measures such as fee waivers, assistive technology, and priority access to facilities for disadvantaged students.
