Tech-backed tuition program gives students a chance to finish college

Financial challenges no longer have to block students from pursuing a college degree, thanks to the Study Now, Pay Later (SNPL) program from Fuse Financing Inc., the lending arm of GCash. Powered by GGives, the program allows students to pay tuition in flexible installments, covering up to 100 percent of fees with no down payment and lower interest rates.

For many Filipino students, the cost of tertiary education remains a major obstacle. High tuition fees and limited resources force countless learners to drop out before completing their studies. The SNPL program was created to give students a structured way to fund their education and continue toward graduation.

Real-life relief for working students

Xander Gandionco, a 21-year-old accounting student, knows the struggle well. As the eldest of three siblings, he worked as a service crew member to help support his family and pay for school. Balancing work and studies often left him worried about tuition.

An email from his school introducing the SNPL program changed the situation. The fast approval process and manageable payment terms allowed him to enroll without worry. “I thought I wouldn’t be able to enroll this semester. But when I saw that I was approved for the loan, I gained hope,” he shared.

For students living independently, the program can be even more critical. Lee Visitacion, 21, a Psychology student and BPO employee, has been supporting herself for nearly ten years. Without a safety net, she faced a real risk of dropping out when her funds ran short just before enrollment.

“There was a time when I didn't have hope because it was the last week of enrollment, and I was planning to abandon my job,” she recalls. “But when the loan was approved, it was a big help because it allowed me to enroll.”

Crysquei Aiko, a 22-year-old Information Technology student, also relies entirely on her own income for rent, bills, food, and tuition. The pressure of managing her expenses sometimes left her close to missing enrollment.

"My income is divided for rent, bills, food, and tuition, which makes it tight for my studies," she explained. The SNPL program gave her the breathing room to pay monthly obligations while staying enrolled. "The loan helped me enroll on time when I didn’t have enough money, which gave me the chance to continue my studies."

A path toward opportunity

For Xander, Lee, and Crysquei, the program is more than financial assistance. Its flexible terms, full tuition coverage, and accessible requirements help students stay on track and work toward their goals.

“At Fuse, we believe in a future where financial limitations do not stop a student's dream. Our Study Now, Pay Later program is a testament to this, as we provide fair and inclusive lending to empower the next generation,” said Tony Isidro, President and CEO of Fuse Financing Inc. “This is another step toward our commitment to easing the burden of upfront school fees and helping more students unlock the opportunity of a college education.”

The SNPL program demonstrates how inclusive lending can help reduce dropout rates and support students in building a more secure and promising future. It gives working students the tools to continue their education and move closer to achieving their dreams.