Mapua, other universities team up with GCash to offer ‘Study Now, Pay Later’ program

Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC) and other higher educational institutions have partnered with GCash to launch a “Study Now, Pay Later” program.

The installment-based tuition payment solution is powered by Fuse Financing Inc., GCash’s lending arm. It is designed to help more Filipino students pursue and complete their college education by reducing the burden of upfront school fees.

The pilot program began on July 7, 2025, with MMDC, a digital-first college that offers flexible education for full-time and working students. The program has since expanded to include Mapúa University, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao, Malayan Colleges Laguna and National Teachers College.

According to a recent report by the Second Congressional Commission on Education, the Philippines’ tertiary education participation rate is 34.89 percent, falling short of the ASEAN regional average of 41.10 percent.

Many students struggle to finish their degrees due to the rising cost of education, with high dropout rates often tied to financial burdens.

The Study Now, Pay Later program allows students or parents to pay tuition fees in installments of up to 15 months with no down payment or processing fees. Payments are made through GGives, GCash’s installment payment feature.

“Far too many students in the Philippines are forced to put their dreams on hold, mainly because of financial limitations. With our Study Now, Pay Later program, we aim to ease that burden and help more students unlock the opportunity of a college education,” said Tony Isidro, president and chief executive of Fuse.

Alfredo Ayala, president of iPeople Inc., which operates several of the partner schools, said the program provides students with “a practical and affordable way to continue their studies, reflecting our shared commitment to making quality education more accessible to every Filipino.”