Author: Michael Daniel | Published: 10 hours ago
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Some parents of students applying for the Ethiopian Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scholarship program are raising concerns after the Ministry of Higher Education requested a 50-dollar test fee.
This comes despite reports that the examination is being organized by the Ethiopian Embassy in Juba.
According to parents, the announcement was made on Thursday evening, instructing shortlisted students to pay the fee before the end of Friday; giving them less than 24 hours to respond.
One parent, who supported a student during the application process, said more than 350 candidates applied for only 50 scholarship slots.
He described the fee as unreasonably high, especially since students had already paid other charges during the application stage.
“The Ministry of Higher Education is now charging a $50 fee for a student shortlisted for the Ethiopian government TVET scholarship. As a concerned parent, I found this amount unreasonably high, especially on top of the fees that were already paid during the application process,” said the parent who preferred to remain anonymous.
“And what makes it even more troubling is the very short notice given to the parents. This added financial pressure has created frustration and uncertainty among the student and their family. I hope for the Ministry of Higher Education to revise these fees,” he said.
He added that the short notice has created frustration and uncertainty among families.
The scholarship entrance exam is scheduled for Monday, 15 December 2025, leaving many candidates confused about the purpose of the fee and concerned about transparency in the process.
Applicants and their families are now urging authorities to intervene, review the fee, and ensure fairness for students seeking scholarship opportunities.
When asked by Eye Radio why the $50 fee was being charged despite the scholarship program reportedly covering all costs, Allah Jabou, the Director of ICT at the Ministry of Higher Education, defended the fee.
He explained that the 50 dollars is for the entrance examination, noting that the program is technical and vocational in nature.
“This $50 is for entrance exam, because it is feeble. It is technical and vocational education. This $50 is for entrance exam. Yes, it is unofficial, yes. This $50 is after the exam.
“If they pass the exam, then they will come and start the process of visa. Yes, this $50 is feeble for services, because there is also a committee coming from the Higher Education in Ethiopia,” he said.
He said the fee is official and is intended to support services related to the exam, including the work of a committee arriving from the Ethiopian Ministry of Higher Education.
