Study and find schools in Uganda

Studying in Uganda

Uganda is an East African country on the shores of Lake Victoria, with a projected population of 50,256,600 at the end of 2026, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. English is the language of university teaching, which makes Uganda accessible to international students, and its universities attract students mainly from East Africa, along with study-abroad and research students interested in public health, agriculture and development.

Higher education is regulated by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). Its register lists 166 licensed higher-education institutions: 64 universities, 17 other degree-awarding institutions, 69 other tertiary institutions and 16 campuses.

The education system in Uganda

The sector is governed by the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act of 2001. The NCHE distinguishes three main kinds of institution:

• Universities, public or private, which award diplomas, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees
• Other degree-awarding institutions, which may offer undergraduate programmes in specialised fields but are not universities
• Other tertiary institutions, which offer certificates and diplomas

Private universities start with a provisional licence and can receive a charter after at least three years if they meet the Council's conditions. Before enrolling, check the NCHE register for the institution's status and whether the programme is accredited; the register also lists institutions whose licences were revoked.

The academic year usually starts in August. At Makerere University, each semester lasts 17 weeks, with the second semester running from January to May. Some private universities, such as Bugema University, have three intakes a year, in August, January and May.

Admission and recognition

Students apply directly to each university, usually through an online portal. Makerere University, for example, charges an application fee of US$75 for international applicants, and Bugema University charges 50,000 Ugandan shillings (UGX). Applicants with qualifications from outside Uganda must have them equated; Makerere refers applicants to the Uganda National Examinations Board for school-level qualifications, and the NCHE equates foreign higher-education qualifications, a process that takes up to three months.

Students from countries where the language of instruction is not English must show proof of English proficiency, and Makerere's School of Languages runs proficiency tests on request. Some programmes, such as law at Makerere, have a pre-entry examination.

Student visa and residence

Spanish citizens need a visa to enter Uganda, applied for online through the e-visa system; visas are no longer issued at the border, according to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To study, foreign nationals need a student pass from the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control. It is issued for 3, 6 or 12 months and applied for online. The application requires:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months
• A recent passport photograph and a valid student ID card
• An admission letter and a support letter from the institution
• Proof of payment of tuition fees and your current immigration status

The fee is US$100 for any period granted; nationals of East African countries are exempt.

Costs

Fees are set by each university and depend on the programme, study mode, campus and nationality; international students usually pay more than Ugandan students. Makerere University publishes its fee structures for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for each academic year, and Bugema University charges fees per semester. Check the current document of the university you are interested in. Makerere also requires international students to show health insurance from a recognised insurer at admission.

Where to study

Both schools in our directory are in or near Kampala, the capital. Makerere University began in 1922 as a technical college and now offers 145 undergraduate programmes, 134 of them bachelor's degrees, and 135 master's programmes, with its main campus on Makerere Hill. Bugema University is a private university affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, with its main campus in Luweero District north of Kampala and a campus in the city.

Culture and practical life

English is widely used in education and public life, alongside Luganda, Swahili and many other local languages. Before travelling, check the travel advice of your own government. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its advice valid on 7 October 2026, recommends travelling with extreme caution and avoiding areas near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uganda was declared free of Ebola on 26 August 2026, and the ministry recommends international medical insurance with the widest possible cover. Same-sex relations are criminalised under a law passed in 2023.

Frequently asked questions

Are universities in Uganda taught in English?

Yes. English is the language of instruction, and universities such as Makerere ask applicants from non-English-speaking education systems for proof of English proficiency.

How do I check that a Ugandan university is recognised?

Check the register of the National Council for Higher Education, which lists 64 licensed universities and the accreditation status of each institution and programme.

Do I need a visa to study in Uganda?

Most international students need an entry visa and a student pass, issued for 3, 6 or 12 months. The student pass costs US$100; East African nationals are exempt from the fee.

When does the academic year start in Uganda?

Usually in August. Some private universities also admit students in January and May.