Taiwan's legislature approved a change to the University Act that wipes out tuition for students from the poorest families, a clear win for low-income households facing rising education costs.

• Students from families in the bottom 20% of household income will pay no tuition at university, with the government covering the cost.
• Schools will submit lists of qualifying students to get the money, and the Education Ministry will set the exact rules and limits.
• The benefit is limited to Taiwanese citizens with household registration — foreign students are not covered.
• Student loans can now also cover computer and internet costs, on top of tuition, books, housing, living costs, insurance, and study abroad.
• Lawmakers attached a request for the Education Ministry to look at fully covering student loan interest starting next school year.

Outlook: The Education Ministry now has to write the detailed rules, and pressure is building to make student loans interest-free.