The Government of the Republic of Uganda through the Higher Education Students Financing Board (HESFB) under the Ministry of Education and Sports opened applications for this years’ study loan scheme on July 18.
The Board had subsequently set September 15 as the initial deadline for receiving applications but latest news reaching this website indicates otherwise.
With numerous complaints like delayed release of admission lists by some institutions, interested applicants have pressurized the board to grant them more time thus this;
“HESFB informs eligible applicants to the Students’ Loan Scheme that the deadline for applications has been extended to
October 15th, 2022,” HESFB tweeted.
It should be noted that the HESFB spokesperson, Mr. Bob Nuwagira earlier informed the stakeholders that due to budget cuts, the scheme would target only 1000 students for this years’ intake.
‘’The board asked for UGX 38.4 Billion but received only UGX 27.5 Billion, due to this, the board will sponsor only 1000 students for this academic year. Since we do not have any candidates this year, it is a great opportunity for those who applied and did not go through. We are taking learners who sat for exams 10 years ago and I am sure the competition will not be stiff this time. The students’ loan shall cover tuition fees and functional fees. The loan shall also cover aids and appliances for persons with disabilities, while research funds may be covered as and when budget allows,’’ he told journalists.
The loan scheme targets students undertaking or admitted under Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related courses. However, the board will award loans to Arts students in the next academic year, beginning with those pursuing tourism and hospitality management courses.
An Act of Parliament created HESFB in 2014 to provide loans to students who want to enroll in recognized courses at higher education institutions but are unable to sustain themselves financially with hopes of paying back the loans after their study period.
For the last 8 years, 12,780 students have so far been supported by the Board.
More application details are attached below;
