List of Successful Students’ Loan Scheme Applicants for the AY2024/25 Released
The Higher Education Students’ Financing Board (HESFB) has announced the beneficiaries of the 2024/25 Academic Year under the Students’ Loan Scheme. The announcement, made by the State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, marks a significant step toward increasing access to higher education in Uganda. According to the Loan Award Report presented by Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, Chairperson of the HESFB Governance Board, said that 6,661 applications were received this year, up from 1,921 the previous year, indicating a 246% growth in demand. Of these applications, 3,781 (56.8%) were deemed eligible, while 2,880 were rejected due to various eligibility issues. This year’s funding of UGX 7.25 billion has enabled HESFB to support 1,838 students, representing 27.6% of all applicants. Notably, the proportion of female beneficiaries has risen to 43%, with 790 female students receiving loans compared to 26% in the previous year. The Executive Director, Michael Wanyama, highlighted this as a historic achievement, surpassing the 30% affirmative action threshold previously set for female applicants. Among the beneficiaries, 1,372 students (74.6%) will pursue undergraduate degree programs, while 466 (25.4%) will enroll in diploma courses. The Board continues to prioritize affirmative action, awarding loans to 29 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)—18 males and 11 females—allowing them to pursue both science and humanities programs. Minister Muyingo emphasized the importance of vocational and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs, noting that these fields are vital for addressing Uganda’s economic and developmental needs. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing additional funding to meet the growing demand for student loans. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Sports, recognized the crucial role of the scheme in bridging the gap created by other successful government education initiatives like UPE and USE. Since its inception in 2014, the loan scheme has supported 16,437 students, an impressive milestone for Uganda’s education sector. To ensure equitable access, the Board applied a three-tier selection process, which includes assessing applicants based on their socio-economic vulnerability, regional balance, and district quotas. As a result, every district in Uganda is represented among the beneficiaries. This year, districts like Amudat, Buvuma, and Kotido, which historically had low participation rates, saw students receive loans. The Executive Director also praised the fully online application process, which has streamlined operations, reduced costs, and improved data accuracy. The digital approach allows students from across the country to apply without incurring transportation costs. Both Hon. Dr. Muyingo and Eng. Dr. Wana-Etyem called upon loan beneficiaries to take their studies seriously, reminding them that the loans must be repaid to ensure the sustainability of the revolving fund. Repayments will enable future students from underprivileged backgrounds to also benefit from the scheme. HESFB continues to collaborate with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance, to secure increased funding in future years to support more learners. The List of Beneficiaries and the remarks for the Chairperson, Executive Director, Permanent Secretary and the Minister are hereby attached. Download the List Here>>> Students Loans Scheme Beneficiaries’ List for the AY 2024/25
How to apply for a Student Loans Appeal or Change your Course/Institution
TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL STUDENTS APPEALING THE DECISION OF THE BOARD FOR STUDENTS’ LOAN UNDER SECTION 21 (5) OF THE ACT CAUTION: Change of Course/Institution Guidelines Pursuant to Section 16(5) of the Higher Education Students’ Financing Act, 2014, a successful Students’ Loan Scheme beneficiary is allowed to Change Course/Programme or Change Institution of Higher Learning.The guidelines on Change of Course and/or Institution are; Bank Account Number Account Name DFCU Bank 01363669053643 HESFB Loan Application Fee Centenary Bank 3740300006 HESFB Loan Application Fee
List of Successful Students’ Loan Scheme Applicants for the AY2023/24 Released
The State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Miyingo has today released the list of successful Students’ Loan Scheme Beneficiaries for the Academic Year 2023/24. According to the Loan Award Report presented by the Chairperson Governance Board, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, the Board in received a total of 6,225 Loan applicants for the academic year 2023/24, representing a 50.368% reduction in the numbers compared to 3,089 applications received in the academic year 2022/23. Of the 6,225 received applications, only 1,912 (78%) were eligible into the Scheme. Of these 1,854 (77%) are male while 563 (23%) are female. Using the budgetary allocation of UGX 5.2 Billion, the Board was able to award financial support to 1,100 applicants, of which 418 (67%) are male while 207 (33%) are female. Out of the 1,100 successful applications, 518 (83%) are undergraduate Degree students, while 107 (17%) are undergraduate Diploma students. Eng. Dr. Wana-Etyem said that the small number of diploma applicants was due to delay in the admission of students by the Joint Admissions Board. The Executive Director, HESFB, Mr. Michael Wanyama said that the Board sustained the affirmative action programme targeting female applicants and persons with disabilities where the Board gave a 7-point advantage to the female applicants and persons with disabilities. 23 Persons with Disabilities were selected to study various programmes in sciences and humanity programmes. Hon. Dr. Miyingo assured the Board of more funding to the Scheme. “We recognize that there is need for more funding to capitalize the Board as the current demand for student loans has certainly surpassed the available resources,” he said. “My Ministry will seek audience with our counterparts at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and colleagues in Parliament for increased funding for the Board.” The List of Beneficiaries and the remarks for the Chairperson, Executive Director and the Minister are here by attached. Download the List Here>>> Students Loans Scheme Beneficiaries’ List for the AY 2023/24
How to Apply for Students’ Loan Scheme?
1.0 BACKGROUND The Higher Education Students Financing Board (HESFB) was established by the Higher Education Students Financing Act, No. 2 of 2014 as a body corporate to provide Loans and Scholarships to students intending to pursue Higher Education in Uganda. Under the Student Loan Scheme, HESFB awards study loans to Ugandan students seeking to pursue Higher Education but are financially constrained. The objectives of the Students’ Financing Scheme are: – (1) to increase equitable access to Higher Education in Uganda; (2) to support highly qualified students who may not afford Higher Education; (3) to support critical programmes for national development; (4) to ensure regional balance in Higher Education services in Uganda; (5) to create a revolving fund. 2.0 THE CALL FOR STUDENTS’ LOAN APPLICATIONS FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/24 The Board therefore invites applications for study loans under the Students’ Loan Scheme from eligible Ugandan students who have been admitted in their first year under the listed Undergraduate Diploma and Degree programmes for the Academic Year 2023/24 in the Public Universities, Private Chartered Universities and the listed Other Tertiary Institutions. The Applications will commence on Monday 4th March, 2024 and the deadline for application is Friday, 15th March, 2024. 3.0 STUDENTS’ LOAN COVERAGE 4.0 HOW TO APPLY 5.0 REQUIREMENTS 6.0 APPROVED PROGRAMMES FOR SUPPORT IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/24 The Board will support applicants to pursue ALL accredited undergraduate degree and diploma programmes in the listed 16 key academic disciplines; Please Note: Persons with Disabilities can apply to pursue any accredited Programme of their choice (including Humanities) from any of the listed Higher Learning Institutions. 7.0 THE APPROVED PARTICIPATING UNIVERSITIES IN THE STUDENTS’ LOAN SCHEME IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/24 Public Universities Busitema University Gulu University Kabale University Kyambogo UniversityLira University AfricaMakerere University Mbarara University of Science & Technology Muni University Soroti University Mountains of the Moon University Makerere University Business School (MUBS) is an affiliate of Makerere University. Private Chartered UniversitiesAfrican Bible UniversityBishop Stuart UniversityBugema UniversityInternational University of EastISBAT UniversityIslamic University in UgandaKampala International UniversityKampala UniversityNdejje UniversityNkumba UniversityUganda Christian UniversityUganda Martyrs UniversityVictoria University 8.0 OTHER TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS PARTICIPATING IN THE STUDENTS’ LOAN SCHEME IN THEACADEMIC YEAR 2023/24 ALLIED HEALTH INSTITUTIONS (Examined by UAHEB)Uganda Institute of Allied Health & Mgt Sciences (Mulago Paramedical School)2 Health Tutors’ College – Mulago3 Fort Portal College of Health Sciences4 Gulu College of Health Sciences5 Mbale College of Health Sciences6 Butabika School of Psychiatry Clinical Medicine7 Jinja School of Ophthalmic Clinical Medicine8 Mbale School of Hygiene / Environmental Health Science9 Jinja Medical Laboratory Training School TECHNICAL COLLEGES, METEOROLOGICAL & SURVEY INSTITUTIONS (Examined by UBTEB)Institute of Survey and Land ManagementNational Meteorological Training SchoolUganda Institute of Information and Communications TechnologyUganda Petroleum Institute KigumbaUganda Technical College, BushenyiUganda Technical College, ElgonUganda Technical College, KicwambaUganda Technical College, KyemaUganda Technical College, LiraNakawa Vocational Training College NURSING & MIDWIFERY INSTITUTIONS (Examined by UNIMEB)1 Arua School of Comprehensive Nursing2 Butabika Pychiatric Nursing School3 Jinja School of Nursing & Midwifery4 Kabale School of Comprehensive Nursing5 Soroti School of Comprehensive Nursing6 Mulago School of Nursing & Midwifery7 Public Health Nurses College8 Lira School of Comprehensive Nursing9 Masaka School of Comprehensive Nursing AGRICULTURAL & CONSERVATION COLLEGESBukalasa Agricultural CollegeUganda Wildlife Research & Training Institute – KaseseFisheries Training Institute – EntebbeNyabyeya Forestry CollegeTOURISM AND HOSPITALITY COLLEGESUganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute – Jinja NB: Please download the external Advert here
HESFB Launches Student Loan Repayment Using MTN Mobile Money
The Higher Education Students’ Financing Board (HESFB) and Airtel Uganda, MTN Uganda have launched a payment system where you can pay your Student Loan Installment in any convenient place and instantly on your mobile or smartphone without having to wait in long bank hall queues. This development follows the network service provider issuing HESFB with Merchant Code: HESFB, for MTN Uganda which will be used by Beneficiaries in the repayment process. The process also includes a Beneficiary inputting their HESFB Number (e.g HESFB/2022/12345) or Full Names as the payment reference for system reconciliation. This payment process will be used by both Students and parents who are engaged in early repayment (payments made while still studying) and the Beneficiaries who are already in the Repayment window. How to make your Student Loan payments using MTN Mobile Money – Steps Dial *165#Select: PaymentsSelect: Goods and ServicesEnter Merchant Code: HESFBEnter Reference: HESFB No or Beneficiary’s Full NameEnter Amount: Loan InstallmentEnter Mobile Money PIN ORDIAL <*165*4*4#>Enter: Merchant Code>Enter Reference>Enter Amount>Enter PIN
HESFB Launches Student Loan Repayment Using Airtel Money
The Higher Education Students’ Financing Board (HESFB) and Airtel Uganda, MTN Uganda have launched a payment system where you can pay your Student Loan Installment in any convenient place and instantly on your mobile or smartphone without having to wait in long bank hall queues. This development follows the network service provider issuing HESFB with Business Number;1238512, for Airtel Uganda and Merchant Code: HESFB, for MTN Uganda which will be used by Beneficiaries in the repayment process. The process also includes a Beneficiary inputting their HESFB Number (e.g HESFB/2022/12345) or Full Names as the payment reference for system reconciliation. This payment process will be used by both Students and parents who are engaged in early repayment (payments made while still studying) and the Beneficiaries who are already in the Repayment window. How to make your Student Loan payments using Airtel Money – Steps Or DIAL *185*4*9# > Enter Business Number > Enter Amount > Enter Reference > PIN How to make your Student Loan payments using MTN Mobile Money – Steps Dial *165#Select: PaymentsSelect: Goods and ServicesEnter Merchant Code: HESFBEnter Reference: HESFB No or Beneficiary’s Full NameEnter Amount: Loan InstallmentEnter Mobile Money PIN ORDIAL <*165*4*4#>Enter: Merchant Code>Enter Reference>Enter Amount>Enter PIN
HESFB Board in Governance Training
The newly established Governance Board of the Higher Education Students’ Financing Board has successfully completed a three-day induction training at the Imperial Hotel in Entebbe. The event which was on 18th – 20th January, 2022 aimed at enlightening the new Board Members on issues of Corporate Governance, Strategic Governance and Crisis Management. The induction training conducted by ABS Consulting Ltd also aimed at enabling Board Members understand good corporate governance practices, appreciate responsibilities of Board membership, understand the role of Boards in strategy formulation and validation. Board members were trained in appreciating the importance of working through Board committees and appropriate supervisory mechanisms of the Secretariat staff. The event was opened by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Sports Mrs. Betty Lamara who congratulated the Board upon their appointment and welcomed them to the education sector. She pointed out that governance is about guiding the organization and advised the Board to operate within the provided legislation and other guidelines. The Board Chairman, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem affirmed that the Board had formed three key committees, including the Loans & Scholarship Committee, the Finance & Administration Committee and the Audit Committee. Dr. Wana-Etyem, who previously served as the Council Chairperson at Makerere University and Kyambogo University acknowledged the need for the Board to explore alternative sources of funding in order to increase the pool of resources available for the Students’ Loan Scheme. The State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo in his closing remarks, encouraged the Board think outside the Government funding and grow the fund to cater for the increasing number of applicants to the Students’ Loan Scheme. The training also included Top Management staff led by the Executive Director, Mr. Michael Wanyama.
List of Successful Students’ Loan Scheme Applicants for the AY2022/23 Released
The State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Miyingo has today released the list of successful Students’ Loan Scheme Beneficiaries for the Academic Year 2022/23. According to the Loan Award Report presented by the Chairperson Governance Board, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, the Board in received a total of 3,089 Loan applicants for the academic year 2022/23, representing a 51% reduction in the numbers compared to 6,256 applications received in the academic year 2021/22. Of the 3,089 received applications, only 2,417 (78%) were eligible into the Scheme. Of these 1,854 (77%) are male while 563 (23%) are female. Using the budgetary allocation of UGX 2.6 Billion, the Board was able to award financial support to 625 applicants, of which 418 (67%) are male while 207 (33%) are female. Out of the 625 successful applications, 518 (83%) are undergraduate Degree students, while 107 (17%) are undergraduate Diploma students. Eng. Dr. Wana-Etyem said that the small number of diploma applicants was due to delay in the admission of students by the Joint Admissions Board. The Executive Director, HESFB, Mr. Michael Wanyama said that the Board sustained the affirmative action programme targeting female applicants and persons with disabilities where the Board gave a 7-point advantage to the female applicants and persons with disabilities. 23 Persons with Disabilities were selected to study various programmes in sciences and humanity programmes. Hon. Dr. Miyingo assured the Board of more funding to the Scheme. “We recognize that there is need for more funding to capitalize the Board as the current demand for student loans has certainly surpassed the available resources,” he said. “My Ministry will seek audience with our counterparts at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and colleagues in Parliament to lobby for increased funding for the Board.” Hon. Dr. Miyingo acknowledged that this year’s list of beneficiaries delayed due to extended processes of appointing a new Governance Board which was a prerequisite for the approval of the 9th cohort of beneficiaries. The List of Beneficiaries and the remarks for the Chairperson, Executive Director and the Minister are here by attached. Download the List Here>>> Students Loans Scheme Beneficiaries List for the AY 2022-23
Victoria University Joins the Students’ Loan Scheme
The Higher Education Students’ Financing Board (HESFB) has today, 19th September, 2022 signed a memoranda of understanding (MoU) with Victoria University, duly onboarding the latter to the Students’ Loan Scheme. The signing of the MoU that was held at Victoria University’s main offices in Kampala follows the issue of Charter by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) on July 31st, 2022 and its subsequent approval by President Yoweri Museveni on August 19th, 2022. HESFB Executive Director, Mr. Michael Wanyama who signed on behalf of the Board congratulated Victoria University management upon attaining the Charter status and emphasized that this was a prerequisite for including Universities on the Students’ Loan Scheme. On his part, Prof. Lawrence Muganga, the Vice Chancellor, Victoria University commended the Students’ Loan Scheme as an important initiative to increase access to higher Education. “We have a big number of students with whom the Students’ Loan Scheme is going to be their only source of financing for their studies and this has come at the right time as we conclude the admissions process,” said Prof. Muganga Victoria University becomes the 13th private University to receive a Charter with the total reaching 23 Universities including 10 Public Universities. According to the Universities and Other Tertiary Institution’s Act (2001), a Charter is granted by the President as evidence that the University meets the requirements and standards of academic excellence as stipulated by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
HESFB to Support Tourism and Hospitality Programmes
Kampala – July 12, 2022 The Executive Director, Higher Education Students’ Financing Board (HESFB) has announced that Tourism and Hospitality Programmes in Higher Education Institutions will be eligible for offer on the Students’ Loan Scheme. Mr. Michael Wanyama revealed this in a Press Release dated 18th July, 2022 just days before the Board opens the applications window for the AY2022/23. The Details from the press release below Press Release HESFB to Consider Tourism and Hospitality Management Programmes under the Students’ Loan Scheme Kampala – July 12, 2022 At the 30th meeting of the Higher Education Students’ Financing Board (HESFB) that sat on 31st March, 2022, Tourism and Hospitality Programmes were approved by the Board to be supported under the Students’ Loan Scheme. At the same meeting, the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute, Jinja, was approved to participate in the Scheme. The Tourism and Hospitality sector has been identified by the successive National Development Plans including the current NDP3 and Vision 2040, as one of the fundamental pillars of Uganda’s economy and key growth drivers with the greatest multiplier effect. In the pre-pandemic season, the sector growth had hit as much as 7.3% of GDP and 6.3% of total employment. Since inception, the Board has been supporting mainly Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes, except for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) who can undertake any programme of their choice under affirmative action. These include 3,606 Health and Medical Professionals, over 3,600 in Engineering and Technology, 2,252 in Science Education, over 1000 in Agriculture and over 2000 in other natural sciences. The Board has also been offering other humanities programmes targeting PWDs including Bachelors of Speech and Language Therapy, Bachelors of Education (Special Needs Education) and Bachelors of Teacher Education with Special Needs under affirmative action. We hope that with the support to training in the Tourism and Hospitality sector, Uganda as a country will be able to achieve the target contribution of tourism to total employment from 667,600 to 1,100,000 people as anticipated by the NDP3. Following this release, Tourism and Hospitality programmes will be among the listed programmes in the oncoming Call for Loan Applications to the AY2022/23. Michael O. Wanyama (CPA) Executive Director