The department has also instructed public schools not to collect education support service fees until new regulations are issued to improve transparency and prevent overcharging at the start of the school year.
The tuition waiver applies to preschool and general education students enrolled at public schools. The state budget will reimburse schools based on student numbers and actual study periods, up to nine months per academic year.
Private schools will continue to set their own tuition fees in accordance with regulations, although increases for preschool and general education institutions must not exceed 10 per cent compared with the previous academic year.
Students attending private schools will remain eligible for government tuition support based on the public-school fee schedule.
The department instructed schools to ensure transparency in the collection of voluntary payments for items such as uniforms, learning materials and meals, and prohibited compulsory contributions or parent funds.