Minister Dak Doup Bichiok (Left) addresses the media (December 10, 2025), clarifying the new, strict educational requirements for civil service enrollment—specifically focusing on the three-year diploma and bachelor's degree mandate. Credit: SSBC

JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) — The Ministry of Public Service and Human Resource Development has clarified strict new educational requirements for individuals seeking appointment under the ongoing civil service headcount and biometric registration process.

Minister Dak Doup Bichiok, announced that only candidates holding a Bachelor’s Degree or a three-year diploma from a recognized university will qualify for permanent civil service positions.

The Minister emphasized that the new requirements are driven by a Cabinet directive aimed at ensuring higher educational standards among new public service recruits.

“Anyone applying for public service must hold a university degree. We will not accept anyone with a two-year diploma. We will only accept a three-year diploma or a bachelor’s degree. If you do not possess these qualifications, you will not find work here and will not be appointed.” — Minister Dak Doup Bichiok

Minister Bichiok explicitly explained that holders of two-year diplomas will no longer be appointed to the civil service. However, he noted that individuals with two-year diplomas may still pursue employment in other public institutions, citing the army or police investigator roles as examples.

The Minister acknowledged that previous appointments made in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s reflected limited educational opportunities available at the time—a situation that has since improved.

Crucially, Minister Bichiok reassured the public that current civil servants who hold two-year diplomas will not be affected by these new rules, which apply only to new applicants joining the civil service.

The clarification was made during the Minister’s inspection tour of five registration centres across Juba.