Igraduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree under government sponsorship at Makerere University. I now want to a postgraduate diploma but do not have funds. Is it possible to apply for government sponsorship again?
- Fred Zirimenya
Fred, conventionally, government sponsorship in public universities like Makerere does not extend to post-graduate students.
Gilbert Kadilo, the university public relations officer, says most post-graduate courses offered by the university are privately sponsored.
Aggrey Kibenge, the Ministry of Education and Sports spokesman, clarifies that government sponsorship for diploma courses is limited to high school leavers.
These are students that join higher institutions of learning directly from Senior Six.
As a graduate student, you do not, therefore, qualify to get this sponsorship. There is an option for you nonetheless. Kibenge says if you are employed by the Government or a government agency, you can apply to be sponsored by your employer.
He says the Government regularly offers sponsorship to its employees as part of its capacity-building programme.
This sponsorship is offered as part of staff development and enables employees to pursue further studies to enhance their professional competencies.
If sponsorship fails, think about acquiring work experience.
There are a number of organisations that offer opportunities for graduates to work as volunteers. This will give you experience and also open up employment doors for you.
Eventually, you will be able to pay for your post-graduate course.
You can also look out for organisations that offer scholarships for post-graduate studies. KULIKA Charitable Trust, the British government and other foreign missions offer scholarships to academically competent and financially needy students who show the capacity to be leaders.
Look out for these and hope for the best. Your attitude is very instumental in your success or failure.
Compiled by Stephen Ssenkaaba
Can I get post-graduate sponsorship?
