KAMPALA, Uganda – As thousands of students prepare applications for the 2026/27 intake, understanding how to calculate weighting points remains one of the most important steps for anyone seeking undergraduate admission at Makerere University.
The university uses a formula that combines both O-Level and A-Level performance into a single competitive score, which is then used to determine admission chances for a specific course.
O-Level weighting calculation
Makerere considers the best eight subjects from the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE).
Each grade is assigned a fixed value:
- Distinction 1–2 (D1–D2) = 0.3 points
- Credit 3–6 (C3–C6) = 0.2 points
- Pass 7–8 (P7–P8) = 0.1 points
Using the sample grades provided, the best eight subjects would be calculated as follows:
- IRE (D1) = 0.3
- Biology (D2) = 0.3
- History (C4) = 0.2
- Luganda (C4) = 0.2
- Mathematics (C4) = 0.2
- Chemistry (C4) = 0.2
- English (C5) = 0.2
- Geography (C5) = 0.2
This gives a total O-Level score of 1.8 points.
A-Level weighting calculation
For A-Level, subjects are first converted into points using Makerere’s standard scale:
- A = 6
- B = 5
- C = 4
- D = 3
- E = 2
- O = 1
- F = 0
These points are then multiplied depending on whether the subject is essential, relevant, or desirable for the course applied for.
For example, if a student is applying for a science-based programme where Biology and Chemistry are essential, while Mathematics is relevant:
Essential subjects
- Biology (B = 5) → 5 × 3 = 15
- Chemistry (B = 5) → 5 × 3 = 15
Total = 30 points
Relevant subject
- Mathematics (B = 5) → 5 × 2 = 10
Total = 10 points
Desirable subjects
- General Paper = 1
- Sub-Computer = 1
Total = 2 points
This gives a total A-Level score of 42 points.
Final combined weighting
The final weighting is obtained by adding the O-Level and A-Level totals:
42 + 1.8 = 43.8 points
This means the applicant’s final competitive score is 43.8.
The score is then used to compete against other applicants for limited government and private sponsorship slots in that particular programme.
However, students should note that weighting differs from course to course, depending on which subjects Makerere classifies as essential or relevant.
Programmes such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Computer Science may apply different subject emphasis, so applicants are advised to check the official weighting criteria for their chosen degree before submitting applications.
