The government has called for financially incapable students admitted for the 2021/22 academic year in institutions of higher learning to apply for the student loan scheme.
According to the Communication Manager of the Higher Education Students Financing Board (HESFB), Mr. Bob Nuwagira, there are 1,600 slots in total with 1,200 going for students at the Bachelors level, 300 for diploma entrants, and 100 to continuing students in their final year of study that had not previously been on the loan scheme.
However, HESFB gives priority to students that are undertaking courses mainly in sciences, technology, engineering, and Math, and only those students with disabilities are allowed to pursue programmers in humanities and social sciences.
As one of the ways to promote affirmative action in the scheme, extra points are given to students with disabilities, orphans, girl-child, and students from northern Uganda and in Island districts such as Buvuma and Kalangala.
“Due to Covid-19 challenges, applications are going to be online. However, due to Internet challenges in some parts of the country, we have set up 16 centers that will help students who face challenges,” Mr. Nuwagira said.
The loan scheme was introduced by Government in 2014 to support students who wish to join institutions of higher learning but cannot do so due to financial constraints.
Over 11,000 students have been admitted on the loan scheme since its introduction, with over 3,000 having completed their studies and due to loan repayment.
