The National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) has remained tight-lipped on the fate of students who have failed to pay their tuition fees, sparking concerns among the school community. 

Eearlier this month, the university announced that 838 students enrolled were at risk of being deregistered due to unpaid fees, despite the institution's efforts to offer payment extensions and partial payment options.

Despite the management's attempts to provide flexibility for students struggling with their financial obligations, some students have still not met the deadline for their tuition fees. The university has taken decisive actions against these defaulting students including the suspension  of Moodle accounts.

Students were given until April 12 to visit the Finance Office with a parent or guardian to sign a partial payment agreement and make a minimum deposit. 

The Samoa Observer team visited the campus and noticed that security personnel were checking identification cards against a list to verify if the students were registered.

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the status of these students, reports from students who wished to remain anonymous have suggested that some of them have opted to attend the University of the South Pacific (USP) instead.

"I've had a friend who switched to USP because he wished he had an extension because they just didn't have the money at the time," he told the Samoa Observer.

Others have expressed confusion and shame regarding their inability to continue attending N.U.S. due to financial constraints.

"A classmate of mine didn't show up after the deadline because she was turned away at the gates because she didn't pay her fee and didn't have the stamp on her ID," a student said.

"I tried reaching out to her but I think she's ashamed of coming back because kids might think she's poor." 

It remains unclear what measures have been taken regarding students who have not completed their partial payments, raising questions about their presence on class lists and in the university's role call.

Efforts to obtain clarity from N.U.S. officials regarding the number of students who have been deregistered or the overall impact of unpaid tuition fees have been unsuccessful. The university said in a statement last week their actions reflect a commitment to enforcing financial regulations while also acknowledging the challenges faced by students and families in meeting educational costs. 

"The situation underscores the financial strain experienced by many families in Samoa, highlighting the need for support and flexibility in accessing higher education," said NUS.

Meanwhile, a few students have tried reaching out to businesses to sponsor their fees so they could continue with their education. Some have asked their district councils to consider paying their tuition.