Residents of South Sudan have the option to pursue higher education in either a university or a vocational school. Though there is a shortage of both institutions, several programs are in place to expand the current landscape of higher education in South Sudan.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.