education 10 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda's student loan scheme expands to nearly 2,800 beneficiaries, prioritizing science fields
The Ministry of Education and Sports has increased the number of beneficiaries for the Higher Education Students Financing Scheme (HESFS) to 2,793 for the 2026/2027 academic year, with a strong emphasis on science and technology courses. Kampala International University (KIU) received the highest number of slots. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/education-ministry-expands-student-loan-scheme-to-2-793-beneficiaries-as-science-courses-take-priority-5591172
The Higher Education Students Financing Scheme (HESFS) in Uganda has significantly expanded its reach for the 2026/2027 academic year, with 2,793 students now set to receive financial support. This marks a substantial increase from the 2,047 beneficiaries in the previous year. The program, designed to assist less-privileged Ugandan students pursuing higher education, has prioritized science-related disciplines to address critical skill shortages in the country.
Kampala International University (KIU) emerged as the leading institution in this year’s allocation, securing 252 slots. Other major beneficiaries include Busitema University with 185 students, Muni University with 179, Kyambogo University with 168, and Makerere University with 160.
Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, highlighted that female students constitute a slight majority of the recipients, accounting for 50.2 percent. The allocation heavily favors science courses, with Bachelor of Science with Education, Engineering, and Computer Science programs receiving significant numbers of loans. Health services also saw substantial support.
Despite a high demand, with over 10,600 applications received, the scheme released Shs10.72 billion out of the requested Shs13 billion. This funding was stretched to accommodate more students than originally planned, thanks to a lower average cost per beneficiary this year. Eligibility for the scheme is primarily for science-related courses, though students with disabilities can apply for any accredited program.
Beneficiaries were reminded that the support is a loan, requiring repayment one year after graduation. The responsibility for repayment rests solely with the student, not their guardians. The scheme aims to ensure regional equity, with successful candidates now coming from historically underrepresented districts.