In order to help alleviate students and their parents’ financial burden, Tamkang University (TKU) President Chang Horng-jinh has announced that TKU will not raise tuition and miscellaneous fees next academic year for the third consecutive year.

TKU, at present, is the lowest charge of tuition and miscellaneous fees among private universities in Taiwan.

President Chang, who is also President of Private Universities and Colleges Association of the Republic of China (PUCAROC), said after exchanging opinions with many presidents of private universities that the majority of them agreed not to raise the tuition and miscellaneous fees. Chang added that it would not surpass five percent, if the fees have to be raised. Considering local economic situation, the school authorities have decided not to add extra burden to students and parents, he said.

He pointed out that tuition and miscellaneous fees count for 60 percent of school’s total income. Many important construction projects such as Lanyang Campus and stadium continue next academic year. Chang added, the decision not to raise the tuition and miscellaneous fees would challenge the normal operation of the University with limited resources. However, school authorities will try their best to raise funds from Ministry of Education (MOE), National Science Council, enterprises and alumni to help fill up the gap, Chang said

According to the regulations issued by MOE, all universities should report the amount of tuition and miscellaneous fees for next academic year to MOE for approval by the end of May. Universities preserve the right to decide whether or not tuition and miscellaneous fees to be raised.