The University of the South Pacific refuses to register Solomon Islands students over government debt.

Radio New Zealand International reports that about 300 government-sponsored students attending the USP Campus in Honiara have been refused registration for the new semester.

USP is reported as stating that no SIG-sponsored student will be accepted for enrollment until the Government settles an outstanding debt of USD $220,000 dating back several years for unpaid course fees.

The University's second semester begins on July 28th and the Government has until next Friday to settle the debt.