Study abroad
Study in South Sudan
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in South Sudan
South Sudan is in East-Central Africa, and its universities and colleges welcome students from many countries. International students can look at undergraduate, postgraduate and, in some fields, research programmes, as well as shorter courses where institutions offer them. Study options span broad areas such as business, engineering, health, the sciences and the humanities, with agriculture, energy and healthcare shaping much of the country’s economy.
Juba, Wau and Malakal are among the places students often consider. English is widely used in teaching, which many international students find helpful. Use this guide to explore subjects, typical intakes, costs, scholarships and visa steps, then check the details with each institution.
Travel and safety conditions may change at short notice; official travel advice from your own government is the place to start.
Why study in South Sudan?
Students choose South Sudan for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in East-Central Africa. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Industry context: Agriculture, energy and healthcare matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Energy, Oil & Gas and Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Juba, Wau and Malakal each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in South Sudan means everyday contact with English and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Talking to current students and reading official course pages will give you a realistic picture of what studying here is like, beyond what any general guide can say.
Top subjects to study in South Sudan
Choosing a subject is the first big decision. For South Sudan, the areas below are a sensible place to begin; they reflect local strengths such as agriculture, energy and healthcare, not a league table.
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Energy, Oil & Gas
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Education, PGCE & Teaching
- Public Policy, Government & International Studies
- Business & Management
Courses connected to agriculture, energy and healthcare can be a good fit for students who want their studies to relate closely to the local economy. Each subject has its own page for South Sudan on this site, with its specializations.
It helps to look at specializations within each area as well: two programmes with the same broad subject can lead in quite different directions.
Universities in South Sudan
South Sudan has only a few higher-education providers, so compare what each offers with regional and international alternatives. Institutions include:
- University of Juba
This is not a ranking or a complete list. When comparing universities, look at the content of the specific programme, entry requirements, the language of teaching, location, support for international students and whether the qualification is recognised where you plan to work.
Institutions may also differ in the formats they offer, such as full-time or part-time study, foundation or preparatory years, and programmes with placements or research components.
Scholarships to Study in South Sudan
Finding funding for South Sudan takes time, so start looking as soon as you have a shortlist of courses.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by South Sudan
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Most scholarships are competitive and have their own eligibility rules, so none can be taken for granted. Read the conditions carefully, apply early and check whether funding covers tuition, living costs or both. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in South Sudan
Academic calendars in South Sudan differ between institutions and programmes, so there is no single start date that applies everywhere.
Because deadlines differ between universities, keep a simple timeline for each application: when it opens, when it closes, when decisions are expected and how long the visa process may take. Leave room for delays in obtaining documents.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in South Sudan
Tuition in South Sudan varies widely: public and private institutions, subjects and study levels can all have different fees.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in South Sudan
Whether you need a visa to study in South Sudan depends mainly on your nationality and the length of your programme.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of South Sudan in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in South Sudan
Planning your living budget for South Sudan early helps you avoid surprises during your first months. Costs in Juba can differ noticeably from those in Wau or Malakal and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Universities often publish current estimates of living costs; use them as a starting point and add a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in South Sudan
Is South Sudan a good place to study?
It depends on your goals. South Sudan offers programmes across many subjects, a location in East-Central Africa and study in English. Students interested in agriculture, energy and healthcare may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in South Sudan?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Energy, Oil & Gas, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies and Education, PGCE & Teaching. The subjects page for South Sudan lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in South Sudan?
Start dates vary between institutions. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in South Sudan?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in South Sudan?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of South Sudan.
Are scholarships available for international students in South Sudan?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in South Sudan?
Juba, Wau and Malakal are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Free counselling
Not sure where to begin?
Explore your study-abroad options with guidance.