For many families in Uganda, the dream of university education is often overshadowed by financial constraints that make higher learning feel out of reach. Victoria University in Kampala is now stepping forward with renewed efforts to change that reality by helping students tap into government-backed financial support.The university has confirmed its participation in the Government of Uganda’s Higher Education Students’ Financing Scheme (HESFS) for the 2026/27 academic year.
It is among 21 private chartered institutions officially cleared by the Ministry of Education and Sports to implement the programme under the amended 2024 legislation governing student financing.Through this arrangement, Victoria University is not only offering admission to qualified students but also providing direct assistance in navigating the loan application process.
The admissions team is actively guiding applicants through each step to ensure they successfully complete the requirements without unnecessary complications.Students begin the process by obtaining an admission letter from the university, after which they are supported in submitting their loan applications online through the government’s official portal at ilmis.go.ug. Once approved, the funds are paid directly to the university by the government, removing the burden of upfront tuition payments for students and their families.The financing arrangement allows students to focus on their studies without immediate repayment pressure.
Loan repayment only begins after graduation and once the beneficiary secures employment, offering graduates breathing space as they transition into the job market.Under the scheme, eligible students can access up to UGX 7,600,000 per academic year, which covers tuition and functional fees. However, programmes whose costs exceed this ceiling are not fully funded. Applicants are also required to pay a non-refundable processing fee of UGX 53,000, deposited through designated banks such as Centenary Bank or DFCU Bank.
To qualify, applicants must be first-year entrants into approved diploma or undergraduate programmes, be 35 years of age or younger, and must not be beneficiaries of any other scholarship or financial aid. All applications must be submitted online, with the deadline set for Friday, 17 July 2026 at 11:59 PM local time, as late submissions will not be considered.University officials have urged prospective students to act early and remain cautious of fraud, stressing that no intermediaries are authorized to charge fees for securing the loan. They reaffirm that all applications must go through the official government system, encouraging students seeking more guidance to contact Victoria University directly for support.
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