Lebanon's worst economic crisis ever has thrown many students futures into doubt after a collapse in the Lebanese pound almost tripled their tuition fees.

Undergraduates took to the streets in December and some are threatening a tuition strike after two top private universities, the American University of Beirut on the Lebanese American University adopted a new exchange rate to the US dollar that left students who pay in the devastated local currencies.

Struggling Mohammad Sa Holly was close to graduating in computer science when he received the blow.

Fear, stress, despair.

Personally, I don't know what I'll do.

E can't afford to pay for the spring semester full term E s.

So I'll either take two courses only or none at all.

I think is the case for many for around 80% of the people I know, Theo universities say they had no choice.

The economic crisis and a strict coronavirus locked down have forced them to increase the exchange rate to the banks stipulated rate while leaving their tuition fees in dollars unchanged.

They both also increased financial aid to students buy significant amounts.

This is Lebanese American University President Michelle Mahuad.

We are suffering from this situation as an institution just as much as the students or the parents are suffering.

This actually has been imposed on us this financial situation.

We're trying to deal with it as best we care.

Lebanon has traditionally prided itself on its education system, which was set up in the 19th century by American and French missionaries.

It produces a steady stream of graduates who land top jobs in the Middle East and beyond.

But the crisis means those without dollars can no longer afford to study, whether abroad or at home.