The “Estatal” or State University of Guayaquil has been fined $95,400 by the government for unlawfully charging its students to take certain subjects. The university is legislated to offer free education, but has been charging class fees for English, computer and other classes.

The Guayaquil University’s vice-chancellor says they will refund the student’s fees and pay the government’s fine.

“The university has to respect cost-free public education,” said vice-chancellor José Apolo.

The Higher Education Council announced the sanction on Wednesday, after an investigation into allegations filed by 1000 students that the university had been violating student’s rights to free post secondary education. The council also announced they’d expect a report from the university in 30 days detailing the situation.

Apolo said the institution will have to examine whether it in turn sanctions any of its administrative staff involved in collecting fees from students.

Article 80 in the Higher Education Law “guarantees free public higher education up to the third level. Gratuity will observe a criteria of student academic responsibility."

Marina and Miguel, alumni of the university, are in favour of the fine.

“I didn’t complain about the seminar fees or the internship fees because I was afraid they wouldn’t let me do my thesis. When I heard they were going to refund the money, I came immediately,” said Marina. Miguel said the fees charged for the classes could cost anything from $50 to $200.

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