The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Education and Sports, has officially announced the call for applications for the Higher Education Students’ Financing Scheme (HESFS) for the Academic Year 2026/27. The scheme is aimed at supporting academically qualified but financially disadvantaged Ugandan students pursuing higher education.
The announcement provides an opportunity for eligible students to access financial support for tuition, functional fees, and in some cases assistive devices for students with disabilities.
Background of the Students’ Loan Scheme
The Higher Education Students’ Financing Scheme was established under the Higher Education Students’ Financing Scheme (HESFS) Amendment Act 2024. The scheme is administered by the Ministry of Education and Sports to provide loans and scholarships to students pursuing higher education in Uganda.
The objectives of the scheme include:
- Increasing equitable access to higher education
- Supporting bright students who cannot afford university education
- Promoting programmes critical for national development
- Supporting regional balance through district quota considerations
- Creating a revolving education financing fund
Application Deadline
Applications officially opened on Monday, 25th May 2026 and will close on Friday, 17th July 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Students are advised to complete and submit their applications before the deadline since late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
What the Loan Covers
The students’ loan will cater for:
- Tuition fees
- Functional fees
- Assistive devices for learners with disabilities where necessary
The loans are specifically targeted at students joining higher education institutions for the first time.
Priority Academic Programmes
The Ministry highlighted several priority fields of study that will receive support under the scheme. These include:
- Agriculture and Conservation Sciences
- Engineering
- Laboratory Science Programmes
- Human Medicine and Health Care Management Sciences
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Animal Sciences
- Oil and Gas Engineering
- Science Education
- Special Needs Education
- Statistics
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Pure Sciences
- Tourism and Hospitality Programmes
Students with disabilities are also eligible to apply for accredited programmes of their choice, including Humanities.
Universities and Institutions Participating
Several public universities, private chartered universities, and tertiary institutions have been approved to participate in the Students’ Loan Scheme.
Public Universities Include:
- Makerere University
- Gulu University
- Busitema University
- Kabale University
- Soroti University
- Lira University
- Mountains of the Moon University
- Muni University
- Uganda National Institute of Teacher Education (UNITE)
Selected Private Universities Include:
- Kampala International University
- Uganda Christian University
- Islamic University in Uganda
- Victoria University
- Clarke International University
- Uganda Martyrs University
- Kampala University
- Metropolitan International University
The scheme also includes approved health institutions and technical colleges under UHAPSB and UVTAB.
How to Apply
Applications are made online through the Ministry’s Students Financing portal.
Applicants are required to:
- Create an account
- Complete the online application form
- Upload all required documents
- Pay the non-refundable application processing fee
Important Note:
Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable loan processing fee of UGX 53,000 through the provided bank channels before submitting the application.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare the following:
- Admission letter from a participating institution
- National ID or confirmation letter from NIRA
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Passport photo
- Parent or guardian identification documents
- Recommendation letter from local authorities or former school
Additional documents may be required for students with disabilities or scholarship beneficiaries.
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