On Sunday, June 29, 2026, South Sudanese students studying in Morocco under a Government scholarship program urged authorities to reform the scheme, arguing that poor academic performance should not be attributed solely to students without considering structural challenges.
The appeal came in response to remarks by Higher Education Minister Madut Biar Yel regarding the performance of South Sudanese students in Morocco and Ethiopia. In a statement, the South Sudanese Students’ Union in Morocco (SSSUM) said the comments overlooked the difficult conditions under which many scholarship beneficiaries study.
The union highlighted significant financial and academic constraints within the program, noting that while tuition fees are covered, many students receive only partial support for living expenses. It stated that over 70% of students are responsible for securing their own accommodation, with stipends of around $50 per month against average rent costs of $100 to $150.
SSSUM also pointed out that monthly stipends, ranging between $50 and $75, have remained unchanged since the program’s inception in 2012, despite rising living costs. Additional concerns include upfront medical payments required before reimbursement, as well as difficulties adapting to French-language instruction, which contrasts with their English-based prior education.
The union further noted that students are generally required to achieve French proficiency at B2 level before university admission, but said existing language preparation is inadequate.
Despite these challenges, the union rejected claims of widespread underperformance, citing that Moroccan universities continue to graduate South Sudanese students in disciplines such as medicine, engineering, law, economics, geology, and technical fields.
It also raised concerns about post-graduation outcomes, arguing that limited employment opportunities in South Sudan undermine the value of the program. The Ministry of Higher Education has not yet responded to the union’s statement at the time of publication.
