Impact of the application of the zero fee for the admission of students for undergraduate courses and its impact on their sources of financial income to the Polytechnic Faculty of the National University of Asunción

Abstract

Law No. 6628/2020 that establishes the Zero Fee for Educational Institutions at the University Level, the objective of the study is to Analyze the Impact of the application of the Zero Fee for the admission of students for undergraduate careers and its impact on their sources of financial income of the Polytechnic Faculty of the National University of Asunción, The research has a mixed approach, with a derivative sequential exploratory design (DEXPLOS), with a descriptive scope, with a census population, the impact of the implementation of this law affects both the number of entrants and their financial income. The Polytechnic Faculty implemented measures due to the Zero Fee Law, such as the closure of admission courses, which limited the access of students benefited by the law and favored students from the private sector. It is important to analyze the impact of this action on the educational institution and equity in access to higher education. Law 6628/2020 in Paraguay seeks to promote access to higher education, but concerns are raised about the definition of socioeconomic vulnerability and limited funding from the FONACIDE fund. Recommendations to improve the law are proposed, such as broadening the definition of vulnerability, ensuring adequate funding, and establishing a monitoring and evaluation system. These actions could make the law more effective in fostering access to higher education in Paraguay.