More Ugandan students will now be able to access higher education after the government increased the number of slots under the Higher Education Students’ Financing Scheme (HESFB), according to data from the Ministry of Education and Sports.
At least 500 more students have been added to the loan scheme this academic year. A total of 2,048 students will receive loans for the 2024-25 academic year, up from the 1,500 initially planned, according to a beneficiaries’ list obtained by New Vision.
The successful applicants will enroll in undergraduate degree programs at 27 public and private universities and for diploma courses at 23 government colleges.
This year’s applications drew 7,125 students. Of those, 4,564 applicants, including 3,123 males and 1,441 females, met the eligibility criteria. From that pool, the final 2,048 beneficiaries were selected.
Out of the beneficiaries, 1,630 will pursue degree programs, 417 will take diploma courses and 550 will train as science teachers in bachelor of science in education courses.
A source at the ministry, who requested anonymity, said officials reviewed available resources and determined they could accommodate more students, particularly in education programs, which have lower unit costs compared to other science disciplines.
“It is true that more students will benefit this year,” the source explained. “After analysis, we realized we could take on more students for a bachelor of science in education. This means more science teachers will be produced.”
The source added that admitting more students into public universities, where tuition is relatively lower, helped save funds for additional beneficiaries.
For the current financial year, the ministry was allocated 7.1 billion shillings for the loan scheme.
Dr. Dennis Mugimba, the education ministry spokesperson, said 16,014 students, including 10,866 males and 5,148 females, have benefited from the loan scheme since it started in 2014. This number includes 134 students with special needs who, under an affirmative action window, are allowed to study both sciences and humanities.
The scheme prioritizes science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs, along with selected humanities for people with disabilities.
To be eligible, applicants must apply online and submit a university or college admission letter, national ID, academic transcripts or certificates, a birth certificate, a passport photograph, proof of payment for the processing fee and two sketch maps of their current and home residences.
According to Section 23 of the Higher Education Students’ Financing Act of 2014, a person who receives a student loan must begin repayment with a specified interest at least one year after completing their education.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this shall apply whether the person is employed or not,” the act states.
Section 27 allows beneficiaries to make early repayments in a manner determined by the board.
