For many Ugandan families, the cost of a university education remains the single greatest barrier between a student and their dream. Victoria University, Kampala, is working to close that gap — announcing active support for students who wish to access the Government of Uganda’s Higher Education Students’ Financing Scheme (HESFS) for the 2026/27 academic year.
The university has confirmed that it is among 21 private chartered institutions formally approved by the Ministry of Education and Sports to participate in the scheme, which was established under the Higher Education Students’ Financing Scheme Amendment Act 2024. Rather than leaving students to navigate the process alone, Victoria University’s admissions team is offering hands-on guidance through every stage of the loan application.
The mechanics of the scheme are straightforward. Once a student secures an admission letter from Victoria University, the institution’s team walks them through the online loan application — accessible through the Ministry’s portal at ilmis.go.ug. Upon approval, the government pays tuition fees directly to the university. Students do not begin repayment until after graduation, and even then, only when they are employed — a design intended to reduce financial anxiety during the years of study.
The maximum loan available under the scheme is capped at UGX 7,600,000 per academic year, covering tuition and functional fees. A non-refundable loan processing fee of UGX 53,000 — inclusive of bank charges — is payable to the HESFB Loan Application Fee account before applications can be processed. Applicants must not be older than 35 years, must not hold any other scholarship or funding, and must be enrolling in their first year of an approved undergraduate or diploma programme.
Key Facts for Applicants
| Application deadline: Friday, 17 July 2026 at 23:59 (local time) |
| Maximum loan per year: UGX 7,600,000 — academic programmes costing above this limit are not funded by the Ministry |
| Processing fee: UGX 53,000 (non-refundable, paid at Centenary Bank or DFCU Bank) |
| Application method: Exclusively online via the Ministry’s portal at ilmis.go.ug |
| Repayment terms: Only begins after graduation — and only when the graduate is employed |
Victoria University has urged interested students to act promptly, given that the Ministry will not consider incomplete or late applications. The university warns applicants to be vigilant against fraudsters — the Ministry has emphasised that no third party should be paid to secure a loan, and all applications must be made directly through the official government system.
Students who wish to learn more about how Victoria University can support their loan application are encouraged to get in touch directly with the institution’s team.
