14 Best Universities In Kampala For International Students 2025

Kampala is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Uganda. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 14 universities and colleges in Kampala, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 14 universities in Kampala, Makerere University and St. Lawrence University – Uganda are the top-performing schools in Kampala. This list covers both public and private institutions in Kampala.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Kampala. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Kampala.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Kampala?

Applying to the universities in Kampala involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Kampala to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Kampala?

Tuition fees at Kampala’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 1,262 UGX to 9,368,600 UGX , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 1,650,000 UGX to 18,250,000 UGX. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Kampala!

As we cover the best universities in Kampala for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Kampala for International Students

Makerere University is one of the oldest universities in Africa, and it started as a small technical school. Over the years, the institution expanded to cater to as many students as possible across different academic disciplines. Today, the university is highly regarded for its excellence in training students and its initiative to uphold advanced academic teachings that would amplify the skills of its learners. Indeed, Makerere University has lived up to its motto of building for the future.

St. Lawrence University was founded in October 2006 by Lawrence Mukiibi, a renowned professor who had made a significant impact and influence on Uganda’s education sector. The university stands out as a leading provider of information and communication technology (ICT) and entrepreneurship studies in the country. It is known for its pragmatic approach to learning, emphasizing the development of students’ entrepreneurship skills, self-empowerment, and leadership.

With a mission of delivering quality education anchored on respect and principles, Kampala International University maintains an international institution that instills not just academic knowledge in its students but also ethics and civic engagement. The university hopes to produce graduates who seek to positively contribute to society, as this is the university’s definition of intellectual and holistic development.

Kyambogo University is an institution that focuses on developing the skills and talent of learners in the fields of science, technology, and education. It seeks to maintain a productive learning environment where both students and teachers practice healthy discourse, and everyone shares equal opportunities. Honing its students’ professionalism and ethical standards is one of the main objectives of Kyambogo University in order to achieve its goal of becoming a progressive and transformative educational institution where academic and professional excellence is fostered.

The Ugandan Technology and Management University (UTAMU) is a private university founded in 2013. It is known for integrating technology and management sciences into its academic programs and is accredited by the National Council for Higher Education. The university’s primary activities focus on student-centric teaching, research, innovation, and community involvement. UTAMU is dedicated to fostering innovation, research, and community engagement, offering students outstanding prospects for personal and professional development.

The International University of East Africa, guided by its motto, “Learning to Succeed,” is among Uganda’s premier private institutions of higher learning. The National Council for Higher Education granted its chartered university status in September 2022. This milestone supports the university’s commitment to providing high-quality programs and striving for continuous improvement in its services. The institution’s campus is on a 20-acre land at Kansanga, a southeastern suburb of Kampala.

Victoria University, Kampala, is one of the top private education institutions in Uganda. Established in 2013, it remains committed to providing a unique contemporary approach to learning. In 2022, the Republic of Uganda awarded the university charter status as a testament to its high-quality educational services that meet national and international standards. This institution harnesses and nurtures its students’ innovative and entrepreneurship skills, preparing them to become future business owners and leaders in their chosen fields.

Cavendish University, founded in 2008, is a private institution of higher learning in Uganda. Its main campus is in Nsambya, a hilly southern neighborhood in Kampala. The university also operates in two other locations: the Acacia Law campus and the Kingsgate campus. This institution utilizes an innovative teaching approach focusing on students’ learning needs and practical applications. It encourages its students to think independently, preparing them to become influential leaders and effective problem solvers in their fields.

Kampala University believes in the power of quality education. It prioritizes offering academic programs that fit their expertise well, positively influencing the intellect and skills of their constituents. Operating for more than 20 years, the university has already created linkages both in local and international settings, providing broader opportunities for its graduates to be marketed worldwide.

Established in 2006, ISBAT University, also known as the International Business, Science, and Technology University, is a well-known institution in Uganda that provides high-quality education and training. In 2019, the university was granted a charter by the President of Uganda, making it one of the few chartered universities in the country. ISBAT University has established international partnerships with esteemed institutions and offers a diverse and enriching learning experience. The university provides a variety of degree programs in fields such as Information Technology, Business, Commerce, Multimedia, Animation, and Engineering. By focusing on practical skills and employability, ISBAT University aims to cultivate well-rounded and empowered global citizens.

Clarke International University’s roots can be traced back to 2005 when it was founded as the International Hospital Kampala School of Nursing. It underwent numerous transformations until it was renamed to its current name in 2018. The university was established by a renowned philanthropist, Dr. Ian Thomas Clarke, who envisions revolutionizing the country’s healthcare education. In addition to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare-related programs, the university also offers business management and applied technology courses.

Recognized as one of Uganda’s leading private institutions, King Ceasor University has established a solid reputation for delivering innovative, comprehensive, and relevant programs in the fields of healthcare science, law, management, computer science, and engineering. Since its establishment in 2011, this institution has continued to provide quality education that meets the demands of both local and international students. The university affirms this commitment through inventive teaching, continuous learning, and research.

Team University has a long history, which can be traced back to 2001 when three accountants founded it as Team Business College. It offered training leading to a certification from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). In 2006, its founders started the process of applying to be recognized as a private “Degree Awarding Institution,” which was granted in 2010. It received full accreditation from the Uganda National Council for Higher Education as a private university in 2015.

As an international student, choosing Kayiwa International University for your undergraduate studies allows you to experience a diverse and inclusive academic setting. Additionally, the university’s location in the capital city of Kampala lets you enjoy the warmth and rich cultures of the Ugandan people. The university was founded in 2012 and continues to deliver accessible and quality tertiary education in the country. Being a Christian-oriented institution, it imparts the values of God-fearing, integrity, and professionalism to its students, making them highly skilled and honorable citizens.