How to Study in Kampala for International Students
Kampala, one of the beautiful cities in Uganda, is a city that needs to be considered when planning on studying abroad. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich local culture and learn about its history and the factors that make it unique.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Kampala currently has 14 universities, from which 3 universities are a part of the public sector and 11 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Kampala you should definitely check out are Makerere University, St. Lawrence University – Uganda, and Kampala International University.
Being able to study in Kampala as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Kampala, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Kampala
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Kampala, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 1,262 UGX to 9,368,600 UGX, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 1,650,000 UGX and 18,250,000 UGX.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Kampala
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Kampala, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Clarke International University | 2,806,600 UGX - 5,834,700 UGX | 4,084,300 UGX |
| Kyambogo University | 1,260,000 UGX - 4,500,000 UGX | 3,600,000 UGX - 9,000,000 UGX |
| Makerere University | 1,262 UGX - 9,368,600 UGX | 6,500,000 UGX - 18,250,000 UGX |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Kampala
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda Technology and Management University | 4,439,100 UGX | 5,918,800 UGX |
| International University of East Africa | 5,022,300 UGX - 8,050,400 UGX | 3,175,800 UGX - 5,908,500 UGX |
| Victoria University, Kampala | 2,902,600 UGX - 4,974,200 UGX | 5,805,100 UGX - 7,943,300 UGX |
| Cavendish University Uganda | 2,849,100 UGX - 3,885,100 UGX | 3,966,500 UGX - 5,365,100 UGX |
| King Ceasor University | 2,151,100 UGX | |
| Kayiwa International University | 2,968,300 UGX - 3,339,300 UGX | |
| St. Lawrence University – Uganda | 830,000 UGX - 1,260,000 UGX | 1,650,000 UGX |
| Team University | 2,200,000 UGX | 3,600,000 UGX |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Kampala, check out the Cheap Universities in Kampala!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Kampala for International Students
Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Kampala, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.
Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.
In Kampala, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Kampala may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Kampala are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.
To give you an idea, here are some universities in Kampala and their required minimum scores for each program level.
Cavendish University Uganda
Bachelor’s degree
- IELTS: No minimum scores
- TOEFL: No minimum scores
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
Master’s degree
- IELTS: No minimum scores
- TOEFL: No minimum scores
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
St. Lawrence University – Uganda
Master’s degree
- IELTS: No minimum scores
- TOEFL: No minimum scores
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.
Application Procedure to Study in Kampala
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Kampala have online applications available on their websites, like Makerere University and St. Lawrence University – Uganda. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Kampala.
Makerere University
- Official Website
- Domestic Bachelor's Admissions Page
- International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic Master's Admissions Page
- International Master's Admissions Page
St. Lawrence University – Uganda
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Kampala International University
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Kampala differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Kampala.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Kampala
If you’re going to study in Kampala, you will need to apply for a student visa in Uganda
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Uganda. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Student Pass.
To start your student visa application in Kampala, you will need to present the following:
- Valid identification card
- Passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Recent passport-size photos
- Letter of invitation from the educational institution
- Proof of visa fee payment
- Proof of current immigration status
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Uganda is 100 USD.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Log into Uganda’s official Immigration Portal and create an account.
- Select your visa type, category, and sub-category.
- Complete the application form.
- Prepare and upload the required documents.
- Take note of the automatically generated reference number you will receive after you have completed your application.
- Pay for your visa.
- Upon approval, report to the nearest embassy or immigration office together with all the documents you have prepared and your payment receipts.
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Kampala. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!