Tuition Fees in Kampala for International Students

When choosing a university, it is important to look at the area that you are going to study because there are a lot of wonderful countries and cities that need to be visited to learn new information and achieve great experiences. When it comes to formal education, it is evident that Kampala, which is one of the locations in Uganda, tries to the best of its abilities to provide good education levels.

When it comes to popular educational institutions, it's difficult not to mention public universities. These universities serve as the foundation for formal education, and students who wish to apply to a public university in Kampala should be aware that there are 3 universities in total, making their decision easier because there are only a few universities to compare and observe.

Private universities are also some of the most credible places where you can get your degree. Out 14 institutions in Kampala, 11 of them are privately operated. With these options, along with public institutions, students have better chances of finding a university that fits their financial capabilities.

Tuition fees are among the most significant factors students weigh when it comes to their university applications. Fortunately, knowing about tuition fees ahead of time can help you prepare for this challenge. In this article, we will be looking at tuition fees in Kampala.

Are there any free tuition universities in Kampala?

No, there are no free-tuition universities in Kampala. Students are expected to be capable of financing their education and paying their tuition fees. However, students may check the universities here if they offer financial help, such as grants, scholarships, or work-study opportunities. It’s also worth checking the cheapest universities in Kampala to find the most affordable study destinations.

Is Kampala affordable for International Students?

Those pursuing bachelor's degree studies as an international student in Kampala spend an average of 1,959,400 UGX annually on tuition fees. On top of this, they also need to consider other costs, such as accommodation, food, and transport. With all these, those looking to study in Kampala need to prepare well, as these expenses can easily add up to make a significant dent in their finances.

Meanwhile, international students in master's programs might not find Kampala friendly to their wallets. The average tuition rate here is 2,735,800 UGX. This along with living costs and miscellaneous expenses can quickly add up and make budgeting quite a challenge.

Tuition Fees in Kampala

There are multiple universities in Kampala that are welcoming to both international and domestic students, and they provide great educational values with different tuition fee values. Here are the tuition fee ranges of universities in Kampala, based on student type and degree.

Universities Annual Tuition Fee for Bachelor
Makerere University 1,262 UGX - 9,368,600 UGX
St. Lawrence University – Uganda 830,000 UGX - 1,260,000 UGX
Kyambogo University 1,260,000 UGX - 4,500,000 UGX
King Ceasor University 2,151,100 UGX
Team University 2,200,000 UGX
Clarke International University 2,806,600 UGX - 5,834,700 UGX
Cavendish University Uganda 2,849,100 UGX - 3,885,100 UGX
Victoria University, Kampala 2,902,600 UGX - 4,974,200 UGX
Kayiwa International University 2,968,300 UGX - 3,339,300 UGX
Uganda Technology and Management University 4,439,100 UGX
International University of East Africa 5,022,300 UGX - 8,050,400 UGX
Universities Annual Tuition Fee for Master
St. Lawrence University – Uganda 1,650,000 UGX
International University of East Africa 3,175,800 UGX - 5,908,500 UGX
Kyambogo University 3,600,000 UGX - 9,000,000 UGX
Team University 3,600,000 UGX
Cavendish University Uganda 3,966,500 UGX - 5,365,100 UGX
Clarke International University 4,084,300 UGX
Victoria University, Kampala 5,805,100 UGX - 7,943,300 UGX
Uganda Technology and Management University 5,918,800 UGX
Makerere University 6,500,000 UGX - 18,250,000 UGX

Tuition fees in Universities in Kampala

1. St. Lawrence University – Uganda

  • St. Lawrence University – Uganda
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 830,000 UGX - 1,260,000 UGX
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 1,650,000 UGX - 1,650,000 UGX

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.

2. 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.

3. Kyambogo University

  • Kyambogo University
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 1,260,000 UGX - 4,500,000 UGX
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 3,600,000 UGX - 9,000,000 UGX

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. Team University

  • Team University
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 2,200,000 UGX - 2,200,000 UGX
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 3,600,000 UGX - 3,600,000 UGX

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.

5. Cavendish University Uganda

  • Cavendish University Uganda
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 2,849,100 UGX - 3,885,100 UGX
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 3,966,500 UGX - 5,365,100 UGX

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
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 2,806,600 UGX - 5,834,700 UGX
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 4,084,300 UGX - 4,084,300 UGX

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
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 2,902,600 UGX - 4,974,200 UGX
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 5,805,100 UGX - 7,943,300 UGX

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
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 1,262 UGX - 9,368,600 UGX
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 6,500,000 UGX - 18,250,000 UGX

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.

The primary goal of this article is to provide information about tuition fees in Kampala and to assist students in their quest to achieve their goals. By describing the average tuition fees and providing you with the best ones available, we hope to help you make an informed decision about your education. Remember that studying in Kampala can be a financially viable option, so don't let the cost of tuition prevent you from pursuing your dreams.

And make sure to check out the most affordable universities in Kampala to learn more about making the best out of your finances as an international student.