Focus Taiwan
Date: 2019/08/29
By: Wang Su-fen, Chen Chao-fu and Joseph Yeh

Taipei, Aug. 29 (CNA) Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), the opposition Kuomintang's (KMT) 2020 presidential candidate, said Thursday that if he is elected president, he will allocate NT$23 billion (US$72.578 million) annually to fund low interest loans to new graduates and will allow them a longer period to begin repayment of student loans.

In an address on social media to lay out his youth policy platform, Han said that currently, the first payments on student loans become due one year after graduation, which puts pressure on graduates who are trying to find their niche in the job market.

A longer grace period will allow them more time to pursue their dreams or start a family, he said in the address, which was streamed live on social media.

With that in mind, Han said, his plan is to offer student loans at low interest rates and give students a grace period of up to 10 years, during which they will pay only the interest and nothing on the principal.    [FULL  STORY]