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A total of 39 Ugandan students have been flagged off to study various disciplines from different universities in Algeria.

The Algerian scholarship beneficiaries who are expected in Algeria on Friday 24th November, were flagged off at Makerere University in Kampala during their pre-departure briefing on Thursday.

Dr. J C Muyingo, state minister for Higher Education, advised the scholarship beneficiaries to uphold a good performance reputation that other Ugandan students who studied abroad have always maintained.

He urged them to remain focused as they keep an open mind towards the different learning mechanisms in Algeria.

“Be ambassadors of your country as you stay focused by avoiding bad company. Don’t take this opportunity for granted, we look forward to you coming back to play a transformational role in your country,” Muyingo advised.

Safinah Kisu Museene, the director for Higher vocational and training studies at the education ministry, urged students view the scholarship as a land of chances that can lead them to greater heights.

To her, the scholarship is both an international and national competition that the beneficiaries should take advantage of.

“We want you to come back with that degree, but don’t let the separation from families intimidate you because everyone you leave behind is going to be routing for your success,” Museene stated.

Gov’t support to scholarship beneficiaries

The education ministry will allocate an allowance of sh750,000 to every student per month to ease their stay in Algeria.

 However, the monthly allowance will be received after a progressive report from each student to enable qualification for the next pay.

Dr. Jane Egaw under Secretary Ministry of Education and Sports (4th L) with Dr. Safinah Kisu, the Director for Higher Education and Technical Vocation Education and Training (in purple) and Mukwatampola Muzamile, the Commissioner Scholarships (R) with the students during the flagging off of the 39 Algerian scholarships awardees at Makerere University on Thursday, November 23, 2023. (All Photos by Ivan Kabuye)

“The government will pay for the return air ticket so students are only required to pay for a one-way ticket to Algeria. The students chose Egypt Air, which is the cheapest flight,” Muzamil Mukwatampola, the commissioner for scholarship and student affairs, mentioned.

But, even with government support, parents were encouraged not to neglect students and to continue supporting them throughout their education journey abroad.

“Parents if you are able to provide a return ticket for students at the end of the year then do it because the government provides for it at the end of the student's course,” Museene said.

On their part, Alumni who studied in Algerian universities during earlier years emphasized the need for students to strengthen their French language skills because it is an essential core subject for all courses learnt.

“A team of Ugandan students in their final year of study will receive you upon your arrival. You are expected to close your file when you return to Uganda to report your return. This is a form of accountability,” Godfrey Tukesige, an alumna from Algeria explained.

In appreciation, Mubarak Nsamba the student leader of the beneficiaries thanked parents who raised funds for the travels on short notice.

About the Algerian Government scholarship

At the beginning of 2023, Algeria called for applications from suitably qualified Ugandan Scholars to pursue studies at the Undergraduate Level in Algerian Universities for the 2023/2024 Academic Year.

The Algerian scholarship provides for fields in Dental surgery, Bachelor in Science of Nature and Life, Process Engineering, Civil Engineering, Bachelor in Science of Matter, Bachelor of Science of Earth and the universe, Bachelor in Geology, Bachelor in Hydrocarbons & Chemistry, Bachelor in Computer Science, Bachelor in Mathematics, Bachelor in Communication Sciences and Bachelor in Human Sciences.

Applicants must have a minimum of 2 Principal passes at ´A´ Level, must be below 25 years of age at the time of application and must have obtained their A-level results in 2022.

The applicants must also have a letter of verification of ‘A’ Level results by UNEB and a Biometric Passport together with a Birth Certificate.

The students are expected to study at universities like Oran University, Mohamed Boudiaf University of M'sila., Abdelhamid Ibn Badis University of Mostaganem, The University of Béjaïa, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB), Ferhat Abbas University, and University of Mosta Ghanem (Université de Mostaganem.