Gov’t Opens Window for 2025/26 Student Loan Applications

The Higher Education Students Financing Board (HESFB) has officially opened the call for student loan applications for the 2025/2026 academic year, with the deadline set for Wednesday, 31^st July, 2025.

In a public announcement, the HESFB called upon eligible Ugandan students to submit applications for tuition loans to enable them pursue undergraduate and diploma studies in recognized higher education institutions across the country.

“We invite all eligible Ugandan students who have been admitted to pursue undergraduate or diploma programmes in our listed participating institutions to submit their applications before the deadline,” reads part of the announcement.

To ease access and reduce paperwork, HESFB has maintained the online application portal at www.hesfb.go.ug, allowing applicants to complete their submissions digitally. However, offline applications are still accepted, especially in areas with limited internet access.

Students opting for the offline method can download and fill in the application form from the website, attach the necessary documents, and submit them physically to any of the designated Application Collection Centres (ACCs) across the country, including at Public Universities, District Education Offices, and HESFB’s Head Office in Kampala.

The 2025/2026 loan scheme prioritizes students pursuing programmes in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and health-related fields, aligning with the government’s national development strategy. Over 60 higher education institutions are listed as eligible under the scheme, including public and private universities, as well as other degree and diploma-awarding institutions.

“This initiative targets economically disadvantaged but academically deserving Ugandans, especially those enrolled in science-based disciplines critical to the country’s development,” the statement read.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

To qualify, an applicant must:

1. Be a Ugandan citizen
2. Have official admission into a recognized institution and programme eligible under the scheme
3. Be financially constrained and unable to afford tuition
4. Not be a current beneficiary of another government scholarship or loan

All applicants must submit valid academic transcripts, a National ID, a birth certificate, and proof of admission. Applicants are also required to present a recommendation letter from their local leaders (LC I and LC III).

Loan Coverage and Repayment

The student loan covers tuition and functional fees only, and does not extend to accommodation or living expenses.

Upon graduation, beneficiaries are expected to repay the loan after a grace period of one year. The loan attracts a 7% interest rate per annum, with repayments made over a specified period based on the graduate’s income level.

“The repayment period is flexible and considerate of the graduate’s financial situation. Our goal is to empower, not burden, Uganda’s next generation of professionals,” officials emphasized.

Special Consideration for Vulnerable Groups

The Board has reiterated its commitment to promoting equity by giving special attention to:

1. Orphans
2. Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
3. Students from hard-to-reach and underdeveloped districts

Such groups are encouraged to apply and indicate their status in the application form.

Deadline and Advisory

The HESFB has urged all prospective applicants to submit complete applications no later than July 31, 2025, as late submissions will not be considered.

“All applicants are advised to begin the process early and ensure all supporting documents are correctly attached,” the notice warned.

For inquiries, students may contact the HESFB via email at info@hesfb.go.ug or call +256-414-255-300.

How to Apply (Online):

1. Visit: https://www.hesfb.go.ug
2. Create an account or log in to the online portal
3. Fill out the application form and upload the required documents
4. Submit and await confirmation

With higher education costs rising, the student loan scheme continues to offer a lifeline to thousands of young Ugandans striving for academic and professional advancement.