The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Education and Sports, has launched a Higher Education Students’ Loan Financing Scheme aimed at supporting students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to access higher education.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Kedrace R Turyagyenda, said the loan scheme will specifically benefit students admitted to their first year of undergraduate diploma and degree programmes for the 2025/2026 academic year.

“This education loan scheme will cover tuition and functional fees. It will also include assistive appliances for persons with disabilities,” Dr Turyagyenda said.

According to him, the loans will be awarded only to students pursuing undergraduate diplomas and degrees in selected public and private chartered universities, as well as other listed tertiary institutions.

The initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to promote equity in education by ensuring that talented but economically disadvantaged students are not left behind.

“Our goal is to promote equity by supporting highly qualified learners who, despite their potential, may not afford the cost of higher education,” Dr Turyagyenda said.

The scheme also seeks to support critical academic programmes that are aligned with Uganda’s national development agenda.

Eligible students are required to apply online through the Ministry’s official website at: https://www.education.go.ug/higher-education-students-financing-scheme/. The list of approved institutions and programmes for the 2025/26 academic year is also available on the site. The application deadline is Thursday, July 31, 2025.

This initiative offers a renewed sense of hope for students across Uganda who have long aspired to join university but have been hindered by financial constraints. Through this loan scheme, the government reaffirms its commitment to building an inclusive, skilled, and empowered generation ready to drive Uganda’s future.