The Government of South Sudan has officially upgraded Starford International University College to a fully accredited university, following the issuance of Ministerial Order No. (23) 2025 by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Madut Biar Yel.
The order, issued in Juba on October 21, 2025, and signed by the Minister in his capacity as Chairperson of the National Council for Higher Education, confers Starford full university status after the institution successfully fulfilled all the requirements and standards set by the ministry.
“In exercise of powers conferred upon me under Article 114 of the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011 (as amended), and pursuant to Sections 12(1)(b) and 18(b) of the Higher Education Act, 2012, I, Madut Biar Yel… do hereby issue this Ministerial Order for upgrading of Starford International University College to Starford International University after fulfillment of required conditions,” the order reads in part.
The Minister further directed that relevant authorities take appropriate measures to implement the order with immediate effect.
Founded in 2015 by Dium Cyerdit, Starford International University has grown into one of the country’s leading private higher learning institutions, offering diploma and undergraduate programs in business, computer science, education, and public administration.
With its new status, the institution plans to introduce postgraduate and master’s degree programs in several disciplines, strengthening its contribution to South Sudan’s research and professional development sectors.
In a statement released Tuesday, the university’s management welcomed the government’s decision, describing it as “a recognition of Starford’s academic excellence and commitment to national transformation through education.”
The Ministry of Higher Education said the upgrade aligns with its broader agenda to enhance quality assurance and institutional accountability within South Sudan’s tertiary education system.
The official order, titled “Upgrading of Starford International University College to Starford International University (SIU)”, is effective immediately upon the Minister’s signature.
