Recently, the administration of the five public universities sent out a circular, informing the students of an increase in the amount they should pay for studies.
The hike is between SSP 50,000 and SSP 86,000.
The increase comes nearly two years after the country’s parliament and president rejected a similar recommendation by the administration.
No one knows how this move was passed through parliament or the president’s desk.
Protesting on Tuesday, the students said the new fees are unrealistic and therefore amounts to a denial of the right to education.
“All of us are facing the same economic challenges that the university administration is complaining about. The salary our parents and guardians get cannot cover this kind of fees,” said one student who spoke on condition of anonymity.
On Tuesday morning, the students marched to the office of the vice-chancellor (VC) – Professor John Akech – to hand him a petition against the hike in tuition fees.
“Once again, we call upon the national government – and more especially the Office of the President to cancel this illegal collection of money from the students of the University of Juba,” said another protester.
Last week, lecturers from public universities agreed to go on a strike until their demand for a 20 percent salary increment is met by the government.
It is not clear whether this move is one way the lecturers intend to push for their arrears.
APA was unable to reach the VC of the UoJ, Professor John Akech for comments.