ISTA-Kinshasa students took to the streets to demonstrate against the sudden increase in registration fees for the next exam session. According to some students, enrollment fees have gone from 10,000 FC to 10 US dollars. In addition, the students are protesting against the obligation to pay any fees to the company “Trans Academia”. This situation led to outbreaks of tension at the entrance to the establishment and clashes with the police who were called in for reinforcement.
The Academic General Secretariat of ISTA-Kinshasa has finally decided to postpone the start of the exams scheduled for Wednesday June 7 to Monday June 12, 2023. The academic authorities have also issued a press release to inform section heads, teachers and students. that to be able to participate in this exam session, you must have paid at least the first installment of the study fees as well as the enrollment fees.
These events show the difficulties faced by students in higher education in the DRC, including funding problems and the additional financial burdens they have to bear to take exams. This situation highlights the inequalities and challenges that Congolese students face in their academic journey.
However, the mobilization of students also shows their commitment to defending their rights and demanding a fairer and more accessible education system. Hopefully the academic authorities will heed these legitimate demands to improve access to higher education for all students in the DRC.