Names of over 2,000 university students getting govt study loans in 2025/2026 academic year

More Ugandan students will now access higher education without the burden of raising tuition after the Government increased the number of slots under the Higher Education Students’ Financing Scheme (HESFB). 

Data from the education ministry shows that at least 500 more students have been added to the loan scheme this academic year.

According to a beneficiaries’ list obtained by New Vision Online, a total of 2,048 students will access the facility in 2024/2025, up from the 1,500 initially planned.

The successful applicants will enrol for undergraduate degree programmes in 27 public and private chartered universities and for diploma courses in 23 government colleges. 

This year’s applications attracted 7,125 students. Of these, 4,564 applicants (3,123 male and 1,441 female) met the eligibility criteria, from which the final 2,048 beneficiaries were selected. Out of the beneficiaries, 1,630 will pursue degree programmes, 417 diploma courses, and 550 students will take up bachelor of science in education courses, training as science teachers. 

A source at the ministry said officials reviewed the available resources and realised they could accommodate more learners, particularly in education programmes, which have lower unit costs compared to other science disciplines. 

“It is true that more students will benefit this year. After analysis, we realised we could take on more students for a bachelor of science in education. This means more science teachers will be produced,” the source explained, requesting anonymity. 

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 sh7.1b for the loan scheme. 

Education ministry spokesperson Dr Dennis Mugimba said 16,014 students (10,866 male and 5,148 female) have benefitted from the loan scheme since its inception in 2014.

This number includes 134 students with special needs who, under the affirmative action window, are allowed to study both sciences and humanities. 

The scheme prioritises science, technology, engineering and mathematics programmes, alongside selected humanities for persons with disabilities.

Eligibility: The ministry considers district quotas, gender, socio-economic needs, and equity when selecting beneficiaries. 

Applicants must apply online and attach a university or college admission letter, national ID, academic transcripts or certificates, birth certificate, passport photograph, proof of processing fee payment, and two sketch maps (current residence and home of origin).

Loan repayment Section 23 of the Higher Education Students’ Financing Act 2014 requires a person who has received a student loan to start repaying the loan with the specified interest at least one year after completing the higher education for which the loan was given. 

“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. 

Below is the full list of this year’s selected beneficiaries