Universal Free Public University Access for Low-Income Students – Education is a Right, Not a Privilege

Republica Dominicana
Presidential Decree No. 037-DR
Issued by: Future DR President Candidate

Subject: Universal Free Public University Access for Low-Income Students – Education is a Right, Not a Privilege

Effective Immediately

To ensure equal access to opportunity, unlock the full potential of Dominican youth, and build a future driven by education and inclusion, this decree guarantees free tuition at public universities for all low-income citizens — permanently and without exception.

Article 1 – Tuition-Free Public University for Low-Income Citizens

  1. All Dominican citizens classified as low-income or financially vulnerable shall have the right to attend any public university in the country tuition-free.
  2. This includes:
    • Undergraduate degrees
    • Technical programs
    • Continuing education and night programs
  3. Private universities may opt-in to receive government subsidies in exchange for opening free seats to qualified low-income students.

Article 2 – Eligibility Requirements

  1. Students must:
    • Hold Dominican citizenship or permanent residency
    • Submit annual income certification for their household
    • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 for continued eligibility
  2. Special exceptions will be made for:
    • Single-parent students
    • Students with disabilities
    • Indigenous and rural community applicants

Article 3 – Covered Costs

  1. The government will cover:
    • Tuition and enrollment fees
    • Registration and lab access
    • Books, digital access, and class materials
  2. Additional support may be granted for:
    • Transportation
    • Housing stipends
    • Childcare support for student parents

Article 4 – National University Fund

  1. A new Education Equality Fund (EEF) will be established and funded through:
    • National education budget
    • A portion of lottery and gaming revenues
    • Private donor partnerships
  2. All expenditures and allocations will be published online quarterly under the “Open Education Portal” for public transparency.

Article 5 – Mandatory Participation from Public Universities

  1. All public universities must comply with this decree and:
    • Set aside minimum 30% of all seats for qualifying low-income students
    • Waive all associated tuition costs
    • Offer flexible class hours for working students
  2. Non-compliance will result in budget penalties and administrative review.

Article 6 – “Educación es Justicia” Campaign

  1. A national campaign titled “Educación es Justicia” (Education is Justice) will:
    • Promote awareness of this right
    • Assist students in applying
    • Share stories of impact from across the country
  2. Community centers, high schools, and local governments will serve as application support hubs.

From the poorest barrio to the brightest mind — if you want to learn, you will learn. This nation will not lock opportunity behind a tuition bill. Education is no longer for the privileged few. It is now for everyone.

Signed,
Future DR President Candidate
President of the Dominican Republic
Date: Day One, Term One