Education is the key to a better future. For many Ugandan students, attending university is a dream—but the cost of tuition, accommodation, and related expenses can make that dream feel out of reach. Fortunately, the Government of Uganda offers several scholarship and financial aid programs to help students from all walks of life access higher education. This guide will walk you through the major government scholarship opportunities available, who qualifies, how to apply, and tips for success.
Types of Government Scholarships in Uganda
Public University Government Sponsorship (PUJAB)
This is one of the most well-known government scholarship schemes in Uganda. Every year, the Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES) offers full sponsorship to over 4,000 high-achieving students to study at public universities.
The sponsorship is managed by the Public Universities Joint Admissions Board (PUJAB), and it covers full tuition, functional fees, a living allowance (commonly known as a stipend), and accommodation costs. This support allows students to focus entirely on their studies without financial stress.
Who qualifies:
Students who excel in their Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) exams are eligible. However, it’s not just about having the highest scores. The selection process also considers:
- District quota system: A percentage of slots are reserved for students from underrepresented or less privileged districts.
- Affirmative action: There are special allocations for students with disabilities (PWDs) and talented athletes.
- Gender and regional balance: The board works to ensure fair representation across all regions of the country.
How to apply:
The application process is typically done using a PUJAB form:
- You need to obtain and fill out the PUJAB government sponsorship application form, which can be found online or collected from public universities.
- Applicants must pay a small application fee (around UGX 52,000) to complete the process.
- The form requires you to select up to 10 academic programs across different public universities.
- Supporting documents such as O and A-Level results, birth certificate, and a copy of your national ID must be submitted.
Tip:
Even students who do not have the very top grades can qualify under the district quota, so always apply if you believe your district is underrepresented.
- International Government Scholarships
In addition to local scholarships, the Ugandan government partners with foreign governments and international institutions to offer students opportunities to study abroad on full or partial scholarships.
What it is:
These scholarships are offered through the Ministry of Education and Sports, typically advertised on their website and in newspapers. The most popular include:
- Chinese Government MOFCOM Scholarships – covering full tuition, accommodation, and living costs in Chinese universities.
- Japanese MEXT Scholarships – for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Japan.
- Commonwealth Scholarships – available to Ugandan citizens to study in the UK, Canada, or Australia.
- Indian and Egyptian Government Scholarships – for students interested in engineering, medicine, IT, and related fields.
Who qualifies:
Most of these scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and sometimes field of study. For example, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) students are often prioritized. In addition, candidates must:
- Be a Ugandan citizen
- Be under a certain age limit (commonly 25–35 years for undergraduate/postgraduate)
- Have strong academic records (minimum of two principal passes)
- Be able to submit valid travel documents, medical certificates, and often a personal statement or motivation letter.
How to apply:
Scholarships are advertised by MOES and sometimes by embassies.
Most require submission of original academic documents, passport-sized photos, and a letter of motivation.
Some programs require interviews or language proficiency tests (IELTS for English-speaking countries, JLPT for Japan, etc.).
You may also need two or more recommendation letters from teachers or academic institutions.
Tip:
Subscribe to updates from MOES and embassy websites so you don’t miss deadlines. Prepare your documents in advance, as these scholarships can close quickly.
HESFB (Higher Education Students’ Financing Board)
If you don’t qualify for a scholarship but still need financial support, the HESFB loan scheme is a good alternative. The government set up this program to offer education loans and partial sponsorships to bright but needy students.
What it is:
The HESFB offers low-interest loans to Ugandan students entering tertiary institutions. These loans cover tuition, functional fees, and in some cases, accommodation and research costs.
Who qualifies:
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a Ugandan citizen
- Have been admitted to an accredited university or tertiary institution in Uganda
- Come from a financially disadvantaged background
- Not be receiving any other form of sponsorship or scholarship
- Be pursuing a course that is approved by the board (most STEM, health sciences, and vocational courses are prioritized)
The program also has affirmative action targeting:
- Students with disabilities (who may get additional support)
- Female students in science and engineering fields
- Students from marginalized areas like Karamoja, Northern Uganda, and West Nile
How to apply:
You must first be admitted to a recognized institution before you can apply.
You then create an account on the HESFB portal (ILMIS), fill out the online application form, and pay a UGX 53,000 processing fee via bank or mobile money.
You will be asked to upload:
- Admission letter
- Certified UCE and UACE results
- National ID or NIN slip
- Parent/guardian identification
- A sketch map to your home
- Passport photo
Tip:
HESFB loans are not grants, so you will need to repay the money after graduation. However, repayment only begins after you’ve secured employment, and the interest is minimal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
Let’s break down the entire scholarship application process, regardless of the scheme you’re applying to:
Search for Available Scholarships:
Regularly visit the MOES website, follow their official social media pages, and check newspapers and university noticeboards. International scholarship opportunities are often posted online and open for a limited time.
Read Eligibility Requirements Carefully:
Each program has different requirements—age, academic grades, field of study, region, gender, and so on. Don’t waste time applying for scholarships you clearly don’t qualify for. Focus on what fits your profile.
Prepare Your Documents Early:
This includes:
- O-Level and A-Level transcripts
- Passport photos
- Birth certificate
- National ID
- Admission letter (if applying for HESFB)
- Reference letters
- Motivation or personal statement (especially for international scholarships)
- Many students lose opportunities because they wait until the last minute and can’t get everything in time.
Fill Out the Application Forms Accurately:
Whether online or on paper, complete the forms honestly. Mistakes, missing information, or inconsistencies can disqualify you. Make sure your email and phone number are active, as that’s how updates will be sent.
Submit Before the Deadline:
Always aim to submit a few days early. Systems crash or documents get delayed at the last minute, and late applications are never accepted.
Attend Interviews if Required:
Some programs will require you to appear for a physical or virtual interview, especially international ones. Be prepared to explain your career goals, why you chose the program, and how the scholarship will help you.
Follow Up:
Don’t just sit and wait. Use the tracking numbers, call the support numbers provided, and check the portals for updates. Some applicants miss selection because they fail to respond when contacted.
Pro Tips to Increase Your Chances
Start Preparing Early: Don’t wait until you complete UACE or get admitted to start thinking about scholarships. Have your documents ready, and begin researching at least a year in advance.
Write a Strong Motivation Letter: Explain why you want the scholarship, your goals, and how the education will help you give back to Uganda. Be sincere and specific.
Use Your Unique Advantage: If you’re from a rural district, have a disability, are a female pursuing a science course, or have talent in sports—highlight that. These factors can improve your chances.
Apply to Multiple Opportunities: Don’t limit yourself to one scholarship. Apply to HESFB, PUJAB, and at least one international program if possible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Using forged or altered academic documents
- Ignoring the specific instructions on photo size, document type, or submission method
- Missing deadlines due to last-minute preparation
- Applying for scholarships you’re not eligible for
Conclusion
There are many government-sponsored opportunities for Ugandan students to pursue higher education. Whether it’s a full scholarship through PUJAB, a loan from the HESFB, or a chance to study abroad through international partnerships, the key to success is preparation, honesty, and persistence.
By staying informed, applying early, and presenting a compelling case, you can greatly improve your chances of winning a scholarship and achieving your academic dreams.
Education is a right, not a privilege—and with the right information, you can access it.
