Brac University has announced that it would waive all non-tuition fees for summer 2020 and need-based financial aid will be given to students who have been particularly affected by the coronavirus crisis.

The university authorities will also provide special assistance to students who lack internet access, said a university statement today.

Brac University Vice-Chancellor Professor Vincent Chang has announced the establishment of the Brac University Student Assistance Fund to support students who are experiencing difficulties due to the global pandemic. The assistance for the Summer 2020 semester will appear in four forms, said the statement.

First, all non-tuition fees will be waived. This is generally equivalent to a reduction of 10 percent or more in university tuition and fees.

Second, the installment plan will be broadened to include a much larger number of students.

Third, need-based financial aid will be given to students who have been particularly affected by recent events or who are in particular financial distress.

Fourth, students who lack internet access will be given special assistance to help them obtain better internet access.

The total special assistance commitment to student aid is Tk 15 crore or equivalent to 25 percent of total tuition and fees. In addition, the university will continue to provide the normal need-based and merit-based scholarships it has in the past.

In this time of financial distress, Professor Chang has insisted on doing what is best for students, and particularly for the students who need aid the most, despite the financial constraints that the university itself faces.