The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints launches BYU-Pathway Worldwide in South Sudan

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On September 9, 2026, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially launched BYU-Pathway Worldwide in South Sudan opening new opportunities for online higher education, career development, and spiritual growth. The launch took place during a special church devotional in Juba attended by Church leaders, members, media outlets, and friends of the Church.

The launch marked an important step in expanding access to affordable, faith-based education for people across South Sudan. Through BYU-Pathway Worldwide, students can choose from a variety of certificates and degree programs in fields such as business, technology, health, professional studies, family and human services, and applied communication, helping them develop skills that are relevant to today's job market.

New Educational Opportunities

Members and friends of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can now enroll in:

• English Connect, a program designed to help students improve their English language skills and prepare for further education and employment opportunities.

• BYU-Pathway Worldwide online programs, which combine spiritual learning, academic preparation, and job-ready skills that lead to certificates and university degrees.

BYU-Pathway Worldwide traces its roots to 2009, when Pathway Connect began with just 50 students in the United States. The program expanded into Africa in 2011, opening access to higher education for students across the continent. In 2017, BYU-Pathway Worldwide was established to oversee its growing online education programs. Since then, the organization has experienced remarkable growth, now serving more than 88,000 students annually in over 180 countries and territories through online certificates and degree programs offered in partnership with BYU-Idaho and Ensign College.

Dr. Victor B. Ukorebi, Senior Manager for BYU-Pathway Africa, officiating the launch in Juba, reflected on his own journey from a humble background to studying at Brigham Young University through a scholarship.

"The members that will key into this and take advantage of this education will go places. It will open a lot of opportunities for them to become natural leaders in their homes, at the church, in their communities. They'll get good employment, they'll become good fathers, good mothers, good priesthood leaders and so on," he said after the BYU Pathway launch devotional.

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Support for Students

To help students get started, local Church branches will provide support for registration and learning. Individuals who may not have reliable internet access or suitable study space at home are welcome to visit the branch, where internet connectivity, computers, and study areas are available. Church leaders and volunteers will also be on hand to guide prospective students through the application and enrollment process, making it easier for members and friends of the Church to begin their educational journey with BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

Grace Ninsiima, BYU-Pathway Area Manager of Africa Central Area, encouraged students to apply before the next enrollment period. She explained that applicants accepted by October 19 will begin classes in the new term starting October 26.

"I have high hopes for South Sudan. English proficiency is already strong, and we have seen great interest in the program. I believe it will be a huge success. We are grateful to launch BYU-Pathway here because it means people's prayers are being answered," Grace Ninsiima shared after the devotional.

Local leaders in Juba Branch expressed gratitude for the opportunities now available to members and the wider community.

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"We will rejoice in our hearts and share this opportunity with others, whether they are members of the Church or not. I am grateful to the Lord for the launch of BYU-Pathway," expressed President Deng, District President of Juba Branch during the devotional.

Mary Achol, a member of the Juba Branch, said she had hoped to enroll in BYU-Pathway in 2025 but was unable to do so before the program became available in the country. "Now I am very grateful that it is here. The cost is affordable compared to universities in Kenya, Uganda, and even here in South Sudan."

In South Sudan, BYU-Pathway Worldwide has been made even more accessible, with students paying an affordable amount per credit, helping remove financial barriers and making higher education affordable for more individuals and families.

Another member, Alex, emphasized the value of having access to quality education close to home. "We do not have to go to Kenya or Uganda to receive a high-quality education. We can get it here in South Sudan. What a great blessing this is for members of the Church and the community...If you don’t have internet, there is internet here and if you don’t have space, there is space here."

Building a Brighter Future

The launch of BYU-Pathway Worldwide in South Sudan reflects the Church's ongoing commitment to helping individuals become spiritually and temporally self-reliant through education.

As students begin their educational journeys, they will have opportunities to develop academic, professional, and leadership skills that can bless their families, strengthen their communities, and contribute to the future development of South Sudan.

With BYU-Pathway Worldwide now available in the country, members and friends of the Church can access affordable online education while preparing to make meaningful contributions in their homes, workplaces, and communities.