Students at the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) have been given until January 15 to settle outstanding tuition balances for the first semester of the 2014/2015 academic year which ended in December.

According to the Guild of Students, this must be done in order for students to be considered duly registered for the second semester which starts on January 19.

Fees for the new semester are due at the start date.

The guild says students will not be able to sit final exams in May if they do not clear their balances from the first semester.

Meanwhile, students who clear their first semester balance but failed to pay the fees for the new semester by the January 19 date, will be allowed to register.

However, a one per cent charge on outstanding balance will apply until the fees have been paid in full.

The UWI Mona campus implemented tighter financial regulations following a April 2012 student protest over the university's decision to bar students from sitting final exams because of outstanding tuition fees.

Two members of the then guild were punished for their role in leading the protest that disrupted final exams.