11 Cheapest Universities in Kampala for International Students

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In Kampala, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Uganda without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Kampala, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 14 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Kampala, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Kampala for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Kampala ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Makerere University 1,262 UGX - 9,368,600 UGX 100%
St. Lawrence University – Uganda 830,000 UGX - 1,260,000 UGX 67%
Kyambogo University 1,260,000 UGX - 4,500,000 UGX 50%
King Ceasor University 2,151,100 UGX 14%
Team University 2,200,000 UGX 12%
Clarke International University 2,806,600 UGX - 5,834,700 UGX -12%
Cavendish University Uganda 2,849,100 UGX - 3,885,100 UGX -14%
Victoria University, Kampala 2,902,600 UGX - 4,974,200 UGX -16%
Kayiwa International University 2,968,300 UGX - 3,339,300 UGX -19%
Uganda Technology and Management University 4,439,100 UGX -78%
International University of East Africa 5,022,300 UGX - 8,050,400 UGX -101%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 2,493,700 UGX for universities in Kampala.

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1. Makerere University

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.

2. St. Lawrence University – Uganda

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.

3. Kyambogo University

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.

4. King Ceasor University

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.

5. Team University

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.

6. Clarke International University

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.

7. Cavendish University Uganda

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.

8. Victoria University, 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.

9. Kayiwa International University

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.

10. Uganda Technology and Management University

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.

11. International University of East Africa

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.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Kampala for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Kampala ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
St. Lawrence University – Uganda 1,650,000 UGX 62%
International University of East Africa 3,175,800 UGX - 5,908,500 UGX 26%
Kyambogo University 3,600,000 UGX - 9,000,000 UGX 16%
Team University 3,600,000 UGX 16%
Cavendish University Uganda 3,966,500 UGX - 5,365,100 UGX 7%
Clarke International University 4,084,300 UGX 5%
Victoria University, Kampala 5,805,100 UGX - 7,943,300 UGX -36%
Uganda Technology and Management University 5,918,800 UGX -39%
Makerere University 6,500,000 UGX - 18,250,000 UGX -52%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 4,255,700 UGX for universities in Kampala.

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1. St. Lawrence University – Uganda

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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, St. Lawrence University – Uganda should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 1,650,000 UGX annually for their master's degree.

2. International University of East Africa

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is International University of East Africa. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at International University of East Africa is 3,175,800 UGX to 5,908,500 UGX.

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.

3. Kyambogo University

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 tuition fee at Kyambogo University for incoming international master’s students is 3,600,000 UGX to 9,000,000 UGX. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Team University

Another affordable university to consider in Kampala is Team University.

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.

The tuition fee in Team University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 3,600,000 UGX.

5. Cavendish University Uganda

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Cavendish University Uganda has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 3,966,500 UGX yearly.

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.

6. Clarke International University

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.

7. Victoria University, 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.

8. Uganda Technology and Management University

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.

9. Makerere University

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Kampala?

Applying to cheap universities in Kampala requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Uganda for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Kampala?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Kampala. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Kampala is the Cavendish University Uganda, which offers Software Engineering, Economics and Statistics, and Public Administration and Management to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Cavendish University Uganda offers Information Technology, Security Studies, and Project Management.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Kampala, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Kampala as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Kampala for international students was helpful!