Fuse-powered GCash loans help students to study now, pay later

Working students are now a step closer to completing their degrees through Fuse Financing Inc.’s Study Now, Pay Later program, a lending initiative under GCash. The flexible scheme, powered by GGives, offers installment-based tuition payments that can cover up to 100 percent of school fees with no down payment and reduced interest rates.

Financial constraints remain one of the top barriers for Filipinos pursuing higher education. Tertiary institutions continue to grapple with high dropout rates, often driven by students’ inability to meet rising tuition costs. Fuse’s program aims to help narrow this gap by giving more learners the support they need to stay in school.

A financial safety net for students

For 21-year-old accounting student Xander Gandionco, balancing work and studies was already challenging as the eldest of three siblings and a service crew employee. His income helped support his family, but tuition deadlines often created added pressure.

He discovered the program through an email from his school, which he said changed everything. The fast approval and manageable terms allowed him to continue his education. “I thought I wouldn’t be able to enroll this semester. But when I saw that I was approved for the loan, I gained hope,” he said.

Managing the tightrope of income and tuition

The benefits are even more pronounced for students who live independently. Lee Visitacion, a 21-year-old psychology student and call center agent, has been supporting herself for nearly a decade. With no financial safety net, a tight enrollment deadline once pushed her to the brink of dropping out.

“There was a time when I didn’t have hope because it was the last week of enrollment, and I was planning to abandon my job,” she recalled. “But when the loan was approved, it was a big help because it allowed me to enroll.” She said the quick approval prevented her from missing another semester.

Similarly, 22-year-old information technology student Crysquei Aiko describes her life as “challenging” as she fully finances her rent, bills, food, and studies. Her salary often fell short of covering tuition on time.

“My income is divided for rent, bills, food, and tuition, which makes it tight for my studies,” she said. She risked losing her slot for the semester until the program offered the breathing room she needed. “The loan helped me enroll on time when I didn’t have enough money, which gave me the chance to continue my studies.”

For many students, the program has become more than a payment plan. Its flexible terms, coverage of full tuition, and straightforward requirements offer a viable path to staying in school despite financial uncertainty.

“At Fuse, we believe in a future where financial limitations do not stop a student’s dream. Our Study Now, Pay Later program is a testament to this, as we provide fair and inclusive lending to empower the next generation,” said Tony Isidro, president and CEO of Fuse Financing Inc. “This is another step toward our commitment to easing the burden of upfront school fees and helping more students unlock the opportunity of a college education.”

The experiences of Xander, Lee, and Crysquei highlight how inclusive lending models can create long-term impact by improving access to education and helping reduce dropout rates nationwide.

For more information, visit gcash.com.