Are you considering studying at one of Uganda's prestigious public universities, Makerere University? If yes, this guide is for you.
Makerere University offers a range of programs and various routes to admission.
Here, we break down the different ways you can gain admission, along with their requirements and procedures including if you can get via government sponsorship or private(self-sponsorship).
1. Direct Entry
For Ugandan students who have recently completed their Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), direct entry is the most common route.After completing their Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), students can apply to the university by choosing the program they wish to pursue. Acceptance is typically based on the student's grades in their A-levels, with specific courses requiring specific subject grades.
This is the most common way to get admitted to a Ugandan public university.
Requirements
- Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least 5 passes (no Grade 9), or it is equivalent
- Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) with at least two Principal passes (A-E) obtained at the same sitting.
- Every degree programme requires specific subjects to qualify.
Find which courses your specific combination of subjects and grades make you eligible for:
Procedure
- Decide the degree programme you want to apply for.
- To apply for government sponsorship, apply online at https://pujab.mak.ac.ug/. You will have to pay an application fee and submit scanned copies of your academic documents including UACE and UCE certificates.
- For non-Ugandans or applying for private (self-sponsored), apply online at https://apply.mak.ac.ug/
- To apply online you will need a working phone number and an email address.
Available for Government Sponsorship | Available for Private (Self-sponsored) Admissions |
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2. Diploma Holders' Scheme
This is an excellent route for individuals who have already completed a diploma in a relevant field.
Students who have completed a diploma in a relevant field may be eligible for admission under the Diploma Holders' Scheme. In this scheme, the applicant's diploma and any professional experience they might have are considered for admission, potentially even allowing for course credit and advanced standing in their chosen program.
Requirements
- At least a Second Class (Credit) Diploma from a recognized institution.
- The diploma should be relevant to the course you want to study.
- Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least 5 passes.
- Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) with at least one Principal pass (A-E) and 2 Subsidiary passes obtained at the same sitting.
Procedure
- Decide the degree programme you want to apply for
- To apply for government sponsorship, apply online at https://pujab.mak.ac.ug/. You will have to pay an application fee and submit scanned copies of your academic documents including UACE and UCE certificates
- For non-Ugandans or applying for private (self-sponsored), apply online at https://apply.mak.ac.ug/
- To apply online you will need a working phone number and an email address
Available for Government Sponsorship | Available for Private (Self-sponsored) Admissions |
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Yes (only 5% of course quota allowed via this route) | Yes (only 15% of course quota allowed via this route) |
3. Mature Age Entry
Makerere University provides a Mature Age Entry route for individuals who didn't follow the conventional academic route.
Requirements
- You must be 25 years of age or older.
- You need to pass Mature Age Entry exams.
Procedure
- Decide the degree programme you want to apply for
- Download the forms from Makerere University website to register for Mature Age Entry exams, and submit at the university with the application fee.
Available for Government Sponsorship | Available for Private (Self-sponsored) Admissions |
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4. International Students
International students with qualifications equivalent to the UACE can also apply for admission.
Requirements
- Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) equivalent qualifications. The equivalence of the qualifications can be checked at UNEB.
Procedure
- Decide the degree programme you want to apply for
- Complete the online application form at https://apply.mak.ac.ug, pay an application fee and submit scanned copies of your academic documents.
- To apply online you will need a working phone number and an email address
Available for Government Sponsorship | Available for Private (Self-sponsored) Admissions |
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5. Graduate and Postgraduate Admissions
If you're seeking to advance your education with a Master's or Doctoral degree, Makerere University offers various graduate and postgraduate programs.
Requirements
- For Master's programs, a relevant bachelor's degree of at least second class, lower division or equivalent from a recognised University.
- For Doctoral programs, you should have a Master's degree in a relevant field. Some programs might also require professional experience.
Procedure
- Decide the degree programme you want to apply for
- Complete the postgraduate online application form at https://apply.mak.ac.ug/, pay the application fee, and submit the form along with copies of your degree certificates, transcripts, and any other required documents.
- To apply online you will need a working phone number and an email address
Available for Government Sponsorship | Available for Private (Self-sponsored) Admissions |
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6. Special Admissions
Makerere University has special admissions for individuals with disabilities, sports personalities, and artists who have made a significant contribution to their field.
Requirements
- These vary by category. For example, sports personalities and artists must provide evidence of their talents and contributions.
- Individuals with disabilities must provide medical proof of their disability.
Find which courses your specific combination of subjects and grades make you eligible for:
Procedure
- Decide the degree programme you want to apply for.
- To apply for government sponsorship, apply online at https://pujab.mak.ac.ug/. You will have to pay an application fee and submit scanned copies of your academic documents including UACE and UCE certificates.
- To apply for private (self-sponsored), go to https://apply.mak.ac.ug/
- To apply online you will need a working phone number and an email address
- Alongside the standard application, you will need to submit additional documentation demonstrating eligibility for the special admission, such as medical certificates or portfolios.
Available for Government Sponsorship | Available for Private (Self-sponsored) Admissions |
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7. Distance Learning
Can't attend classes in person? No worries. Makerere University offers distance learning options for some of their programs.
Requirements
- Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least 5 passes (no Grade 9), or it is equivalent
- Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) with at least two Principal passes (A-E) obtained at the same sitting
Procedure
- Decide the degree programme you want to apply for
- To apply for government sponsorship, apply online at https://pujab.mak.ac.ug/. You will have to pay an application fee and submit scanned copies of your academic documents including UACE and UCE certificates
- For non-Ugandans or applying for private (self-sponsored), apply online at https://apply.mak.ac.ug/
- To apply online you will need a working phone number and an email address
Available for Government Sponsorship | Available for Private (Self-sponsored) Admissions |
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8. Short-Term Studentship Scheme
This a program that allows students from other recognized universities to take courses at Makerere University for one semester. The scheme is open to students who are enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate programs at another university. Studying under this scheme though will not lead to award.
Requirements
- Be students of other recognised universities.
- Meet the Makerere University admission requirements.
Procedure
- Decide the degree module you want to apply for
- Applications must be submitted to the University not later than two months before the commencement of the semester in which admission is sought at https://apply.mak.ac.ug/
- To apply online you will need a working phone number and an email address
Available for Government Sponsorship | Available for Private (Self-sponsored) Admissions |
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CONCLUSION
As you can see, Makerere University offers multiple routes to admission to cater to a diverse range of prospective students.
If you have are looking to apply, try our COURSE FINDER to see the course you have the best chance of qualifying for based on your grades.
If you have already applied, check out our ADMISSION CHECKER that searches not just admission lists from Makerere but all of Uganda's public universities.
We hope this guide assists you in understanding the different ways to gain admission into Makerere University and the requirements and procedures for each route. Best of luck with your academic journey!
