Education Ministry Warns Schools Against Inflated Exam Fees

(JUBA) – The Ministry of General Education and Instruction has cautioned schools and teachers across South Sudan against charging students more than the official fees for national examinations, warning that violators will face legal action.

The ministry has set the examination fee at 80,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), equivalent to about 17 US dollars, for Primary 8 candidates in public schools, and 120,000 SSP, or roughly 26 US dollars, for those in private schools.

Officials say the payments are intended to cover the costs of marking and processing exams, as well as to avoid delays in the release of results.

The Secretary General of the National Examination Council, Simon Nyok, told reporters that several schools have already been reported for demanding higher amounts from pupils. He described the practice as an unfair exploitation of parents who are already struggling with the rising cost of living.

Nyok explained that the ministry, in coordination with state governors and local education authorities, is preparing a system of penalties for offenders. He said schools found guilty of charging more than the approved fees risk sanctions, including fines and possible suspension of licences.

“Our duty is to protect parents and learners from being overcharged. The government has already fixed the amount, and any attempt to go beyond that is illegal.”

He urged parents to report any cases of overcharging to the nearest education office for action.

The ministry has also called for improved cooperation between schools and education authorities to ensure that candidates sit their examinations without financial barriers.

According to officials, the government subsidises exam administration costs in order to keep fees as low as possible and promote equal access for pupils across the country.

Parents in Juba and other towns have welcomed the directive but expressed concern that monitoring may be difficult in rural areas where oversight is limited. Some argued that without strict enforcement, schools may continue to demand extra money unofficially.

South Sudan’s education system continues to face challenges, including limited infrastructure, underpaid teachers and inadequate learning materials. Rising inflation has worsened the situation, making education costs harder for families to manage.

With the current economy and high inflation rate, even relatively small fee increases weigh heavily on households whose income remains uncertain.

Approved National Exam Fees (2025)