In a landmark move to strengthen regional ties and invest in youth development, Ethiopia has announced a major expansion of its scholarship program for South Sudanese students, from 150 to an impressive 645 for the 2024/2025 academic year.
The announcement was made during a high-level meeting on Thursday, 15th May 2025, between Ethiopia’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Nebil Mahdi, and South Sudan’s Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Madut Biar Yel, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Juba.
“This year, Ethiopia granted 645 scholarships for South Sudanese in different sectors,” said Ambassador Nebil. “We are committed to continuing this partnership and facilitating access to quality education for more South Sudanese youth.”
The expanded scholarship initiative covers undergraduate, postgraduate, and medical studies, and forms part of a broader vision to enhance regional integration, empower young people, and promote academic exchange between the two nations.
Minister Madut Biar expressed gratitude for Ethiopia’s consistent support while acknowledging internal delays in the release of university examination results that have hindered students from meeting international scholarship deadlines.
“I will be meeting with Vice Chancellors to address the delays in exam marking,” the minister said. “We must do our part to ensure students can take advantage of these valuable opportunities.”
In a further show of goodwill, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education has also paid the $150 resident permit fee for South Sudanese students this year.
Ambassador Nebil revealed that discussions are ongoing with Ethiopia’s Parliament to permanently waive student visa fees under immigration law reforms.
“Our Ministry has already paid the fee for this year,” he said. “We are working to institutionalize this support so it doesn’t become a recurring burden.”
The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from both governments to deepen educational cooperation and continue supporting South Sudanese students in realizing their academic ambitions.
As hundreds of students prepare to begin or resume their studies in Ethiopia, this historic educational deal marks not only a milestone in bilateral relations but a vital investment in the region’s future leaders and peacebuilders.
