Answer:
Higher Education Students’ Financing Board (HESFB) is a body Corporate established by an Act of Parliament, No. 2 of 2014, to provide Loans and Scholarships to Ugandan Students to pursue Higher Education in recognized Higher Education Institutions, but are unable to support themselves financially. HESFB implements the Higher Education Students’ Financing Scheme which includes both the Students’ Loan Scheme and the Students’ Scholarship Scheme.
Answer:
It is intended to address the following objectives: –
- To increase equitable access to Technical and Higher Education;
- To support highly qualified Ugandan students who may not afford Higher Education;
- To ensure regional balance in Higher Education services in Uganda;
- To support courses critical for national development.
- To ensure a sustainable revolving loans fund.
Answer:
Eligibility to the Student Loan Scheme considers;
- Be a Ugandan Citizen.
- Be admitted to pursue an accredited undergraduate diploma or degree programme in a listed Higher Education Institution, private chartered university or public university in Uganda. Accreditation is by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
- Have a financial need.
- An applicant must be a joining in the first year or Continuing Student. However, the Board currently funds final year students among the continuing students.
- The Board also takes into consideration regional balance, gender, social economic needs and equity.
Answer:
Application is online through the HESFB Website; www.redesign.hesfb.go.ug/ Applicants will be required to attach all the listed requirements.
Answer: Application for a student loan will require one to upload the following;
- A copy of admission letter from any of the participating HEI
- A copy of the National ID
- Copies of academic certificates or result slips and transcripts
- A copy of a birth certificate
- A copy of the recent passport photo
- Proof of payment of the prescribed processing fees
- A copy of the Financial card (Not mandatory at the point of application)
- A sketch map of applicant’s current address/residence
- A sketch map of applicant’s home of origin (if different from current address)
- Fully filled loan application form submitted online.
Note: Applicants will receive a notification upon successfully submitting the application details through email.
Answer:
The Student Loan Scheme is a cost sharing initiative. The Loan strictly covers the academic component, i.e., Tuition fees, Functional fees, Research fees, Aids and Appliances for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). A student loan beneficiary is expected to cater for their welfare expenses (accommodation, feeding, medical care, scholastic materials) and any other expenses required by the student outside what HESFB finances.
Answer:
Currently the scheme supports students pursuing selected Undergraduate Diploma and Degree Programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are eligible to pursue either Sciences or Humanities programmes.
Answer:
This is possible. However, the student must seek approval from their institution and from the Board. These changes attract fees as stipulated in the tariff guide.
Answer:
The loan amount is remitted directly to the Higher Education Institution on a semester basis upon submission of a Subsequent Loan Application Form (SLAF), by the student. However, funds for aids and appliances applicable to PWDs may be deposited directly onto the Beneficiary’s account.
Answer:
A Student Loan Beneficiary can be disqualified on the following grounds;
- Discovery of document and information falsification.
- Failure to progress academically.
- Change of citizenship from being a Ugandan national.
- Conviction of a crime.
- Dismissal by the Higher Education Institution
Answer:
A Beneficiary will be required to request for funding only when they need it. A Student can also exit the Scheme if they acquire an alternative source of funding.
Answer:
In this case, HESFB must be notified immediately on presentation of an authentic death certificate by the family of the Beneficiary or Loanee. The Board shall write off the outstanding loan amount against the Loan Protection Fund.
Answer:
Every Student contributes 1% of the annual gross loan amount as Loan Protection Fee. This indemnifies the borrower against death and permanent incapacitation.
Answer:
Every student loan is repayable with a value retention fee. The value retention fee is determined by the Minister of Education and Sports in consultation with the Minister responsible for Finance upon recommendation by the Board. Currently the value retention rate is 7% per annum charged on reducing balance.
Answer:
The maximum repayment period is twice the study period in addition to the grace period of one year. There is also room to negotiate favorable repayment terms, including early repayments.
Answer:
According to the HESF Act, the grace period is 12 calendar months after completing the study programme for which the loan was awarded.
Answer: Early Repayment comprises any amounts paid back to the Board during the period of study and before end of the Grace Period. Amounts paid within this period does not attract Loan Retention Fee/interest. This also facilitates a clean record with the Credit Reference Bureau.
Answer:
All Loan Beneficiaries are obliged to pay back all loan amounts advanced to them irrespective of failure to complete the course of study, except in the case of death or permanent incapacitation of the Beneficiary.
Answer:
Government has not designated jobs specifically for loanees. The role of the Board is enable students acquire knowledge and skills to compete for available opportunities both in the public and private sector. HESFB will also offer Beneficiaries additional training in competences relevant in the labor market and enterprise development.
Answer:
Section 23(5) of the HESF Act states that a person who has no income for the repayment of the student loan, shall within fourteen (14) days after receiving a notice under section (4) in the prescribed manner inform the Board accordingly and there after update the Board with information concerning his/her position after every three months. A Loanee can also negotiate a flexible repayment plan within their repayment period but must complete their loan repayment within the stipulated period.
Answer:
Yes, however, to facilitate loan recovery, the beneficiary shall furnish the Board with a proper repayment plan.
Answer:
Yes, the student loan repayment installment shall not exceed 30% of the Loanee’s net pay but repayment of the student’s loan takes priority over any other loan. However, non-compliance with the student’s loan repayment may affect a Loanee’s credit worthiness with Commercial Banks in view of their credit ratings.
Answer:
Once a Loanee has fully paid off their previous loan, they stand an opportunity to apply for a new facility to enable them pursue further education opportunities.
Answer:
HESFB has clear channels through which one can repay their loan even if they are working outside Uganda. This can be through the HESFB LOAN RECOVERY AND INTEREST ACCOUNT, 3100045969 CENTENARY BANK or 01363669053652 DFCU BANK. Payments can be channeled through Cash / cheque, Standing Order, Direct Debit, Electronic Transfers [EFT, RTGS], Telegraphic Transfers (TT) or Mobile Money.
Answer:
HESFB issues certificates of Loan completion once the borrower has fully repaid their loan.
LIST OF PARTICIPATING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE CHARTERED UNIVERSITIES
- Busitema University
- Gulu University
- Kabale University
- Kyambogo University
- Lira University
- Makerere University
- Mbarara University of Science & Technology
- Muni University
- Soroti University
Note: Makerere University Business School is an affiliate of Makerere University
- African Bible University
- Bishop Stuart University
- Bugema University
- ISBAT University
- Islamic University in Uganda
- Kampala International University
- Kampala University
- Mountains of the Moon University
- Ndejje University
- Nkumba University
- Uganda Christian University
- Uganda Martyrs University
LIST OF UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES SUPPORTED
B. Medicine & B. Surgery
B. Dental Surgery
B. Clinical Medicine & Comm. Health
B. Pharmacy
B. Pharmaceutical Sciences
B. Biomedical Laboratory Technology
B. Medical Lab. Completion
B. Biomedical Laboratory Science &Technology
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
Bachelor of Bio Technology
Bachelor of Nursing Sciences
B. Nursing Completion\ Extension
BSc. Midwifery
Bachelor of Sustainable Agric & Extension
Bachelor of Agricultural Entrepreneurship & Farm
Mgt
BSc Agricultural Land use and Management
Bachelor of Science In Horticulture
BSc Fisheries and Aquaculture
BSc. Agriculture
BSc. Food Science & Technology
BSc Fisheries and Water Resource Management
B. Agriculture & Entrepreneurship
Bachelor of Agribusiness Management
Bachelor of Agricultural and Rural Innovation
Bachelor of Agribusiness Mgt & Community Dev’t
Bachelor of Conservation Forestry and Products
Technology
Bachelor of Social and Entrepreneurship Forestry
Bachelor of Community Forestry
BSc. Industrial Chemistry
BSc. Microbiology
BSc. Biochemistry
Bachelor of Science in Marine Science
Bachelor of Conservation Biology
BSc. Speech & Language Therapy
B. Education, Special Needs Education
B. of Teacher Education with Special Needs Education.
Persons with Disabilities can apply to pursue any accredited programme of their choice from any of the listed Higer Learning Institutions.
BSc. Information Technology
Bachelor of Information Technology and Computing
Bachelor of Information Systems
BSc. Computer Networks & Systems Administration
BSc. of Information & Communications Technology
BSc. Computer Science
B. Statistics
BSc Applied Mathematics and Statistics
BSc Quantitative Economics
BSc Actuarial Science
BSc Statistics & Computer Science
BSc Statistics & Economics
BSc Statistics & Mathematics
BSc Statistics & Planning
Bachelor of Science in Population Studies
Bachelor of Business Statistics
Bachelor of Science with Education
B. Vocational Studies in Technological Studies with Education
B. Agricultural Extension Education
B. Voc. Studies in Agric. with Educ.
B. of Medical Education
B. Technical Teacher Education Electrical Engineering
B. Technical Teacher Education Mechanical Engineering
B. Technical Teacher Education Mechanical & Production Eng
B. Technical Teacher Education- Civil & Building Eng
B. Technical Teacher Education – Electrical Eng
BSc Information Technology with Education
BSc. Laboratory Science Education & Industry
B. Veterinary Medicine
BSc. Animal Production Technology & Management
BSc. Wildlife Health and Management
Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Industry and Business
Petroleum and Geological Programmes
BSc. Geological Resources
BSc. Petroleum & Geoscience
Engineering
BSc in Mechanical & Automotive Engineering
BSc Land Economics
BSc. Agriculture Mechanization
BSc. Bio Systems Engineering
BSc. Telecommunications Engineering
Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering
B of Mechatronics & Biomedical Engineering
Bachelor of Environmental Design
B. Architecture
BSc. Electrical, Electronics & Communications Eng
B. Eng in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
BSc. Surveying
BSc Survey and Land Formation
B. Engineering in Civil and Building Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying
Bachelor of Industrial Engineering and Management (IEM)
Bachelor of Surveying and Land Information Systems
Bachelor of Science in Land Surveying & Geomantic
B. Agricultural Mechanization & Irrigation Engineering
BSc. Computer Engineering
BSc. Software Eng and Application Development
B. Engineering in Automotive & Power Engineering
Bachelor of Industrial Engineering & Management
BSc. Software Engineering
BSc. Construction Management
BSc. Textile Engineering & Clothing Technology
BSc. Chemical Engineering
Bachelor of Material and Ceramic Science Technology
BSc. Water Resource Engineering
BSc. Mining Engineering
BSc. Civil, Building & Environmental Engineering
BSc. Agro Processing Engineering
BSc. Civil Engineering
BSc. Electrical Engineering
BSc. Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering & Mgt
Bachelor of Science in Textile Engineering
Bachelor of Land Use Planning and Management
Bachelor of Science in Building Economics
Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental
Engineering and Management (EEM)
B. of Urban & Regional Planning
BSc. Geological Resources
BSc. Petroleum & Geoscience
Engineering
BSc. Oil & Gas Management
BSc. Optometry Bachelor of Cytotechology
B. Physiotherapy
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Bachelor of Environmental Science
Bachelor of Environmental Health Science
Bachelor of Dental Laboratory Technology
BSc Human Nutrition
BSc. Palliative Care
BSc. Medical Radiography
BSc Health Administration
OTHER PARTICIPATING TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS
- Uganda Institute of Allied Health & Mgt Sciences (Mulago Paramedical School)
- Health Tutors’ College – Mulago
- Fort Portal College of Health Sciences
- Gulu College of Health Sciences
- Mbale College of Health Sciences
- Butabika School of Psychiatry Clinical Medicine
- Jinja School of Ophthalmic Clinical Medicine
- Mbale School of Hygiene / Environmental Health Science
- Jinja Medical Laboratory Training School
- Arua School of Comprehensive Nursing
- Butabika Psychiatric Nursing School
- Jinja School of Nursing & Midwifery
- Kabale School of Comprehensive Nursing
- Soroti School of Comprehensive Nursing
- Mulago School of Nursing & Midwifery
- Public Health Nurses College
- Lira School of Comprehensive Nursing
- Masaka School of Comprehensive Nursing
- Bukalasa Agricultural College
- Uganda Wildlife Research & Training Institute – Kasese
- Fisheries Training Institute
- Nyabyeya Forestry College
- National Teachers’ College, Kabale
- National Teachers’ College, Kaliro
- National Teachers’ College, Mubende
- National Teachers’ College, Muni
- National Teachers’ College, Unyama
- Institute of Survey and Land Management
- National Meteorological Training School
- Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology
- Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba
- Uganda Technical College, Bushenyi
- Uganda Technical College, Elgon
- Uganda Technical College, Kicwamba
- Uganda Technical College, Kyema
- Uganda Technical College, Lira
LIST OF DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES SUPPORTED
Diploma in Clinical Psychiatry
Diploma in Mental Health
Diploma in Ophthalmology
Diploma in Orthopedic Medicine
Diploma in Clinical Medicine & Community Health
Advanced Diploma in Child and Adolescents Mental Health
Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology
Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology
Diploma in Nursing
Diploma in Comprehensive Nursing
Diploma in Public Health Nursing
Diploma in Clinical Mentoring
Advanced Diploma in Pediatric Nursing
Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing
Diploma in Midwifery
Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture
Diploma in Fisheries Management and Technology
Diploma in Crop Production And Management
Diploma in Food Processing Technology
Diploma in Ceramics
Diploma in Ceramics Technology
Diploma in Civil and Building Engineering
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Diploma in Building & Construction Engineering
Diploma in Electrical Engineering
Diploma in Mechanical and Production Engineering.
Diploma in Building Engineering
Diploma in Ginning Engineering
Diploma in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Diploma in Telecommunications Engineering
Diploma in Water Engineering
Diploma in Automobile Engineering
Diploma in Architecture
Diploma in Textile Design and Surface Design
Diploma in Computer Engineering
Diploma in Biomedical Engineering
Diploma in Physical Planning
Diploma in Metrology
Diploma in Agricultural Engineering
Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Diploma in Textile Design and Technology
Diploma in Civil Engineering Surveying / Land
Surveying
Diploma in Land Management and Evaluation
Diploma in Cartography
Diploma in Computer Science / Information Technology
Diploma in Medical Entomology & Parasitology
Diploma in Medical Radiography
Diploma in Occupational Therapy
Diploma in Ear, Nose & Throat, Head and Neck
Surgery
Diploma in Orthopedic Technology
Diploma in Anaesthesia
Diploma in Palliative Care
Diploma in Physiotherapy
Diploma in Community HIV/AIDS Care
Diploma in Occupational Therapy
Diploma in Health Management & Leadership
Advanced Diploma in Health Services
Management
Diploma in Environmental Health Science
Higher Diploma in Clinical Instruction
Diploma in Dental Technology
Diploma in Public Health Dentistry
Diploma in Clinical & Community Nutrition
Diploma in Medical Audiology
Diploma in Medical Records and Health Informatics
Diploma in Pharmacy
Diploma in Physical Education and Sports
Management
Diploma in Education Secondary
(Technological Studies)
Diploma in Clinical Instruction
Diploma in Health Tutorship
Diploma in Science Education
Diploma In Animal Production And
Management
Diploma in Wildlife Health and Management
Diploma in Wildlife & Natural Resource Management
Diploma in Upstream Petroleum Operations
Diploma in Downstream Petroleum Operations