The education system of

Uganda
described and compared with
the Dutch system
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Education system Uganda

This document contains information on the education system of Uganda. We

explain the Dutch equivalent of the most common qualifications from Uganda for
the purpose of admission to Dutch higher education.

Disclaimer
We assemble the information for these descriptions of education systems with the
greatest care. However, we cannot be held responsible for the consequences of
errors or incomplete information in this document.

Copyright

With the exception of images and illustrations, the content of this publication is
subject to the Creative Commons Name NonCommercial 3.0 Unported licence.
Visit www.nuffic.nl/en/subjects/copyright for more information on the reuse of this
publication.

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 Background

• Country: Uganda, officially the Republic of Uganda (in Swahili: Jamhuri ya

Uganda).
• History: Uganda was founded when the country gained independence from
the United Kingdom in 1962. The period following 1962 was characterised by
coups, conflicts and civil wars. In 1995 Uganda introduced a new constitution,
which has since formed the basis of the country’s democratic governance.
• Responsible for education: The Ministry of Education and Sports is responsible
for all education in Uganda. Quality assurance in higher education is the task
of the Uganda National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). The Uganda
National Examinations Board (UNEB) is responsible for issuing official
certificates in secondary education.
• International treaties: In 1981, Uganda signed the Regional Convention on the
Recognition of Studies, Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees and other Academic
Qualifications in Higher Education in the African States. See the UNESCO
portal for further details.
• Compulsory education: Ages 6 to 13 (primary education).
• Language of instruction: Primary education is taught in the local language
and in English. The language of secondary and higher education is English.
• School year: From February to December, divided into 3 trimesters.
• School exams: October/November.
• Academic year: From October to July.

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 Flow chart: education system Uganda

Doctorate L8
(PhD)
2-3

postgraduate
Master L7
(university level)
1½-3

Postgraduate Diploma L6
(university level)
1

undergraduate
Bachelor L6
(university level)

3-5

Diploma L5
(non-university level)
2-3

Uganda Advanced Certificate of L4

L4 Education
Certificate
(upper secondary education)
(non-university level)
2
1-2

Uganda Certificate of Education L2

(Ordinary Level)
(lower secondary education)
4

L1
Primary School Leaving Certificate
0 Duration of education
(primary education)

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 Evaluation chart

The left-hand column in the table below lists the most common foreign
qualifications. The other columns show the Dutch equivalent along with the
comparable levels in the Dutch and European qualifications frameworks.

Foreign degree or qualification Dutch equivalent and NLQF level EQF

level

Uganda Certificate of Education (Ordinary VMBO-T diploma 2 2

Level) in 6 subjects with a final result of 1 to 6

Uganda Certificate of Education (Ordinary HAVO diploma 4 4

Level) in 6 subjects with a final result of 1 to 6
+ Uganda Advanced Certificate of
Education with a Principal pass in 1 subject
(6 different subjects in total)

Uganda Certificate of Education (Ordinary at least a HAVO diploma 4 4

Level) in 6 subjects with a final result of 1 to 6
+ Uganda Advanced Certificate of
Education with a Principal pass in at least 2
subjects and a Subsidiary Pass in 1 subject
(6 different subjects in total)

Uganda Certificate of Education (Ordinary at least a HAVO diploma 4 4

Level) in 6 subjects with a final result of 1 to 6
+ Uganda Advanced Certificate of
Education with a Principal pass in at least 2
subjects with a final result of A, B or C
(6 different subjects in total)

Bachelor HBO bachelor’s degree or 6 6

(3 years) 2 years of university
education (WO)

Bachelor HBO or WO bachelor’s 6 6

(4/5 years) degree

Master HBO or WO master’s 7 7

degree

Note:
• The information provided in the table is a general recommendation from
which no rights may be derived.
• NLQF = Dutch Qualifications Framework. EQF = European Qualifications
Framework.

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• The EQF/NLQF level is not so much a reflection of study load or content;

rather, it is an indication of a person’s knowledge and skills after having
completed a certain programme of study.
• Information about Dutch equivalent qualifications can be found on our
website: education and diplomas the Netherlands.
• The Cooperation Organisation for Vocational Education, Training and the
Labour Market (SBB), evaluates statements on foreign qualifications and
training at VMBO and MBO level. The evaluation may vary if SBB evaluates
the diploma for admission to VET schools or the labour market in the
Netherlands.

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 Primary and secondary education

Primary education
Primary education is compulsory and lasts 7 years (age 6 to 13 years). Pupils finish
this period with the Primary School Leaving Certificate.

Curriculum
The curriculum of classes 1 to 3 consists of themes from daily life, such as the
human body and health, peace and security, animals and plants. Pupils with a
native language other than English are recommended to be taught in the local
language. However, the subject of English itself is taught in English.

In class 4, the thematic curriculum changes to a subject-oriented curriculum. The

year is divided into 3 trimesters. In the 1st trimester the lessons are still in the local
language, with a gradual switch to English. By the end of the year the language
of instruction is English. From class 4, pupils follow the subjects English,
mathematics, integrated science, social studies, religious education, creative arts
and physical education, mother tongue/local language and Swahili.

Secondary education
Secondary education lasts 6 years and consists of:
• 4 years of lower secondary education for the ages 13-17; and
• 2 years of upper secondary education for the ages 17-19.

Lower secondary education

Lower secondary education is also called Ordinary Level. Pupils complete the 4-
year lower-level with the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE). They take a
minimum of 8 and a maximum of 10 subjects. Pupils can achieve a score from 1
to 9. See the Assessment systems chapter for an explanation of the scores.

The following 8 subjects are compulsory: biology, chemistry, physics, physical

education, mathematics, English, geography and history. An overview of all
subjects per category:

Category Subjects

Science and biology, chemistry, physics, physical education, general science and
mathematics mathematics

Languages English, Swahili, English literature, local language, foreign language

Social sciences geography, history, religious education

Vocational commerce, fine art, music, agriculture, home economics, woodwork,

sciences metalwork, technical drawing, entrepreneurship education, computer
studies

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In terms of level, the Uganda Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level)

in 6 subjects with a final result of 1 to 6 is comparable to a VMBO-T diploma.

After the 4th year and having obtained the UCE, pupils can move on to the
upper secondary education, to teacher training colleges or vocational
institutions, or they can start working.

Upper secondary education

Pupils complete the 2-year upper-level with the Uganda Advanced Certificate of
Education (UACE) when they are approximately 19 years old. During these 2
years, pupils follow a combination of 3 subjects at Principal level and 2 subjects at
Subsidiary level, of which the general paper subject is mandatory.

An overview of all courses per level:

Level Subjects

Subsidiary level mathematics, ICT and general paper

Principal level biology, chemistry, mathematics, economics,

geography, entrepreneurship, history, fine art, music,
Swahili, English literature, Christian religious
education, Islamic religious education, agriculture,
local language, foreign language (Arabic, French,
German and Latin), metalwork, woodwork, clothing
and textiles, food and nutrition, technical drawing

The Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) is issued if a pupil meets 1

of the following conditions:
• a pass at Principal level in at least 1 section, a Principal pass;
• a Subsidiary pass in at least 1 subject of which the exam has been taken at
Principal level.

Pupils can then enter the labour market or continue their studies in higher
education.

In terms of level, the Uganda Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level)

in 6 subjects with a final result of 1 to 6 + Uganda Advanced Certificate of
Education with a Principal pass in 1 subject (6 different subjects in total)
is comparable to a HAVO diploma.

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In terms of level, the Uganda Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level)

in 6 subjects with a final result of 1 to 6 + Uganda Advanced Certificate of
Education with a Principal pass in at least 2 subjects + a Subsidiary pass in 1
subject (6 different subjects in total) is comparable to at least a HAVO
diploma.

In terms of level, the Uganda Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) in 6

subjects with a final result of 1 to 6 + Uganda Advanced Certificate of
Education with a Principal pass with a final result of A to C (6 different subjects
in total) is comparable to at least a HAVO diploma.

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 Admission to higher education

Non-university level studies

Admission to the Certificate and Diploma programmes is granted on the basis of
the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and the Uganda Advanced
Certificate of Education (UACE).

The minimum admission requirements are:

• Certificate: UCE with 3 to 6 passes (differs per institution and programme).
• Diploma: UCE with 5 passes plus UACE with a Principal pass in 1 subject plus a
Subsidiary pass in 2 subjects, or a Certificate.

University level studies

Admission to bachelor’s degree programmes is granted on the basis of the Direct
Entry or Diploma Entry Scheme. The minimum requirements are:

• Direct Entry: a UCE with at least 5 passes plus the UACE with at least 2 Principal
passes.
• Diploma Entry Scheme: a Diploma obtained at least at credit/distinction level,
and in a relevant programme, at an NCHE-accredited institution.
Note: With a Diploma, exemptions may be obtained for a bachelor’s degree
programme, but this varies per institution and per programme.

Admission to degree programmes in dentistry and medicine also requires an

entrance examination.

 Higher education

In Uganda, institutions of higher education are divided into 3 categories:

• Universities
• Other degree awarding institutes (ODAI)
• Other tertiary institutions (OTI)

These 3 categories include public as well as private institutions.

The universities recognised by law are qualified to award degrees, diplomas and
certificates.
The institutions under the ODAI category are not universities, but are also
authorised to issue certificates, diplomas and degrees. This category has existed
since 2006.
The institutions that fall into the OTI category are qualified to award certificates
and diplomas.

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Non-university and university level

Higher education is divided into non-university level and university level studies.

The non-university level consists of Certificate and Diploma programmes.

Certificate programmes usually last 1 or 2 years, and Diploma programmes 2 or 3
years, depending on the study programme.
These programmes prepare students for higher education and are often
vocationally oriented. The Certificate grants access to Diploma programmes. A
Diploma with the classification credit/distinction may give admission to a
bachelor’s degree programme with possible exemptions, but this differs per
programme and institution.

The university level consists of 3 cycles at the end of which an academic degree
is earned: a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate.

 University education

In Uganda students can obtain the following qualifications at university level:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Postgraduate Diploma
• Master’s degree
• Doctorate (PhD)

Bachelor
Depending on the specialisation chosen, the duration of bachelor’s programmes
is usually 3 to 5 years. Most programmes have a duration of 3 years. Think of
programmes in arts, science and law. Programmes in agriculture, forestry and
(agricultural) engineering take 4 years, while those in medicine and pharmacy
take 5 years.

In terms of level, the 3-year Bachelor is comparable to an HBO bachelor’s

degree or 2 years of university education (WO), depending on the content
and orientation of the programme.

In terms of level, the 4 or 5-year Bachelor is comparable to an HBO or WO

bachelor’s degree, depending on the content and orientation of the
programme.

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Postgraduate Diploma
Postgraduate programmes build on the level of a bachelor’s degree programme.
They are usually 1-year programmes. The Postgraduate Diploma provides access
to master's degree programmes. Sometimes students can get exemptions from a
master's degree in a similar specialisation.

Master
Master’s programmes have a duration of 1½ or 2 years. The curriculum includes a
thesis. A master’s degree programme in medicine takes 3 years.

The admission requirement for a master’s degree programme is usually a

bachelor’s degree with the minimum classification second class.

In terms of level, the Master is comparable to an HBO or WO master’s degree,

depending on the content and orientation of the programme.

PhD
Candidates with a master’s degree are eligible to pursue a doctorate. A
Doctorate is conferred after 2 or 3 years of research and writing a doctoral
dissertation.

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 Assessment systems

Secondary education
The following system is used for the assessment of subjects and classification in
secondary education:

Uganda Certificate of Education

Marks Description

1 to 2 Very good

3 to 6 Pass with credit

7 to 8 Subject pass

9 Fail

Classification Preconditions

Division One - 5 passes with credit with a language

subject of Group I or III; and
- a pass in at least 1 subject of Group II,
1 subject of Group IV and 1 subject of
Group V; and
- the sum of the scores of the 6 best
subjects does not exceed 23.

Division Two - 4 passes with credit and 2 subject passes

with a language subject of Group I or III;
and
- the sum of the 6 best subjects does not
exceed 33.

Division Three - a pass with credit and 5 subject passes; or

- 2 passes with credit and 3 subject passes;
and
- the sum of the 6 best subjects does not
exceed 44.

Division Four - a pass with credit (score 6 or higher); or

- at least 2 passes with score 7; or
- 3 passes with score 8.

Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education

The scores on the UACE are indicated by the letters A, B, C, D or E, where the
score A is the highest obtainable score and E the lowest pass. The score ‘o’
indicates that the candidate has achieved a fail for a subject at the Principal

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level, but a pass at the Subsidiary level. The score for subjects at the Subsidiary
level is indicated with the numbers 1 to 6, where score 1 is the highest obtainable
pass and 6 the lowest.

Higher education

Letter Grade Grade Point Average (GPA) Percentage

A+ 5.0 90-100

A 5.0 80-89.9

B+ 4.5 75-79.9

B 4.0 70-74.9

B- 3.5 65-69.9

C+ 3.0 60-64.9

C 2.5 55-59.9

C- 2.0 50-54.9

D+ 1.5 45-49.9

D 1.0 40-44.9

D- 0.5 35-39.9

E 0 below 35

CGPA Classification Description

4.40-5.00 Distinction/First Class/First Class Honours Excellent

3.60-4.39 Upper Credit/Second Class (Upper Division)/ Very Good

Second Class Honours (Upper Division)

2.80-3.59 Lower Credit/Second Class (Lower Division)/ Good

Second Class Honours (Lower Division)

2.00-2.79 Pass/Third Fair

0.00-1.99 Fail Poor

The master’s degree and doctorate are not classified.

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 Quality assurance and accreditation

The Uganda National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) was founded as the
regulatory institution for higher education in order to carry out the University and
Other Tertiary Institutions Act of Parliament (2001). The NCHE is responsible for the
registration and inspection of institutions for higher education, accreditation and
quality assurance of study programmes and the qualification of both public and
private institutions of higher education.

Since 2006, higher education institutions have been obliged to have both
professionally oriented and academic programmes accredited by NCHE before
they offer these programmes. NCHE accredits programmes for a period of 5
years.

The NCHE website has an overview of recognised institutions of higher education,

institutional accreditation, and accredited programmes.

 Checking documents

For admission to higher education, candidates must submit the following

certificates:
• the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE); plus
• the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE).

The diploma is awarded after completion of a higher education programme.

Usually students also receive an overview of subjects (transcript) with the
obtained study and examination results.

Credential evaluation
Nuffic evaluates qualifications according to the principles of the Lisbon
Recognition Convention (1997). A practical implementation of these standards
can be found in the European EAR manual.

 Overview of higher education institutions

• Website of the Ministry of Education and Sports with a list of recognised public
and private universities.
• Website of the Uganda National Council for Higher Education with lists of
recognised institutions of higher education.

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 Useful links

• Ministry of Education and Sports, with a list of government secondary schools.

• Uganda National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
• National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC).
• Uganda National Examinations Board.
• Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board.
• Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT).

 Glossary

• Duration: the official length of the full-time programme (not part-time) without
study delay.
• Graduate programme: a higher education programme after completion of a
bachelor’s degree. See also the description in the Nuffic Glossary: graduate.
• Lisbon Recognition Convention (LRC): The Convention on the Recognition of
Qualifications Concerning Higher Education in the European Region, was
drafted in 1997 by the Council of Europe and Unesco to facilitate and
promote fair recognition among Parties of the Convention. Read more on the
website of the Council of Europe.
• Undergraduate programme: a programme for a bachelor’s degree. See also
the description in the Nuffic Glossary: undergraduate.

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 Examples of diplomas

Uganda Certificate of Education

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Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education

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Bachelor of Development Studies

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Bachelor of Development Studies

Transcript

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