Unpatti Designs Instalment Scheme for Tuition Fees to Assist Underprivileged Students
Ambon (ANTARA) - Pattimura University (Unpatti) in Ambon is designing a scheme to pay single tuition fees (UKT) in instalments through cooperation with banks to ease the burden on students from underprivileged families.
Unpatti Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof Dominggus Malle said on Wednesday that the scheme is still under discussion with the bank so that parents or guardians can save monthly before the UKT payment is due.
“We are designing a UKT instalment system in coordination with the bank. Later, parents or guardians can deposit a certain amount of funds each month into a special savings account that can only be used when the UKT payment is due,” he said.
According to him, this pattern is expected to help families manage their expenses so that UKT payments are no longer a lump-sum burden at the beginning of the semester.
“If paid little by little each month, it will certainly be lighter than having to provide the funds all at once when the UKT payment is due,” he stated.
In addition to preparing the instalment scheme, Unpatti is also designing incentives for high-achieving students from underprivileged families.
Dominggus explained that the form of recognition could be a UKT subsidy or a reduction in UKT according to the student’s achievement level after a valid verification process of their economic conditions.
He emphasised that the determination of incentive recipients is not solely based on a certificate of indigence, but refers to the government’s socio-economic data so that assistance is right on target.
“We use valid data so that it is truly given to students who need it and have achievements,” he said.
On the other hand, Unpatti is also continuing to coordinate with the government through relevant ministries so that students admitted through the independent pathway can have the opportunity to receive the Smart Indonesia Card (KIP) Kuliah assistance.
According to Dominggus, previously independent pathway students did not have access to this programme. However, this opportunity is now being discussed so that a quota is available for students in need.
“We continue to negotiate so that independent pathway students also have the opportunity to obtain KIP Kuliah. Hopefully, there will be a quota so that more children can continue their higher education despite economic limitations,” he said.
He hopes that the various schemes being prepared can expand access to higher education for the community while ensuring that students do not abandon their intention to study merely because of cost constraints.