Admission Guidelines
Equating and Validating Qualifications

Equating is the process of determining the equal value of foreign qualifications against recognized Ugandan qualifications such as UCE and UACE and to determine entry points (performance). Validating is the process of ensuring that qualifications from other countries are recognized and have an equal value to their counterpart in the Ugandan educational framework. Combined, these important processes ensure that students being admitted into IUEA have had their foreign qualifications scrutinized and that an equal value to Ugandan qualifications, as the basis of entry, has been made. Equating should be authorized by the relevant equating body such as the Ugandan Examinations Board (UNEB) for the equating of pre‐tertiary level qualifications or the Ugandan National Council of Higher Education (UNCHE) for the equating of post‐secondary qualifications. For the purposes of advising students on their study options based on foreign qualifications, this guide presents  only directions and should not be used as the basis of interpretation of foreign qualifications that may be subject to internal changes and/or political factors. Any ambiguities should be referred to the Academic Registrar as the supreme Officer of Admissions.

Meeting Deadlines

Applicants must submit their completed applications at least two (2) weeks before the advertised start date of the intake to ensure placement on their programme and to prepare for their studies and submit any additional required documentation. Students applying late may be considered. Conditional admission may be offered to students who have not submitted the required documentation for one (1) semester providing that this is submitted before the end of the semester. All applicants coming from high-school shall be offered provisional admission pending the submission of their official UNEB or the equivalent results slips.

General Provisions of Admission
Direct entry into a Masters programme

1. At least five (5) passes at the Ugandan Certificate of Education (UCE) level obtained at the same sitting or its equivalent

2. At least two (2) principal passes at the Ugandan Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) level obtained at the same sitting or its equivalent

Admission will be conditional on verification upon receiving the official Ugandan National Examinations Board (UNEB) Results slips. 

Normally a Bachelor’s degree of at least second class, lower division or equivalent from a recognised University. Applicants with lower qualifications must satisfy the relevant department and the Postgraduate Admissions Board that they have acquired academic growth, for instance, by evidence of research and publications or a relevant Postgraduate Diploma of Second class division. In some departments, a qualifying course followed by examination is given.

Direct entry into a Bachelor programme

1. At least five (5) passes at the Ugandan Certificate of Education (UCE) level obtained at the same sitting or its equivalent

2. At least two (2) principal passes at the Ugandan Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) level obtained at the same sitting or its equivalent

Admission will be conditional on verification upon receiving the official Ugandan National Examinations Board (UNEB) Results slips. 

Direct entry into a Diploma programme

1.At least five (5) passes at the Ugandan Certificate of Education (UCE) level obtained at the same sitting or its equivalent

2.At least one (1) principal passes at the Ugandan Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) level obtained at the same sitting or its equivalent

3. A Higher Education Certificate with a ‘pass’ classification


Admission will be conditional on verification upon receiving the official Ugandan National Examinations Board (UNEB) Results slips. 

1. At least five (5) passes at the Ugandan Certificate of Education (UCE) level obtained at the same sitting or its equivalent

2. At least one (1) principal passes at the Ugandan Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) level obtained at the same sitting or its equivalent

3. A Higher Education Certificate with a ‘pass’ classification

Admission will be conditional on verification upon receiving the official Ugandan National Examinations Board (UNEB) Results slips. 

Diploma holder’s entry into a bachelor’s degree

Applicants with evidence of having completed an accredited Diploma or its equivalent from a recognized institution may be eligible for direct entry into the second year of a Bachelor’s programme with a credit classification or the first year of a Bachelor’s programme with a ‘pass’ classification.

1. Applicants with evidence of having completed an accredited Diploma or its equivalent from a recognized institution may be eligible for direct entry into the second year of a Bachelor’s programme with a credit classification or the first year of a Bachelor’s programme with a ‘pass’ classification.

 

Direct entry into a Higher Education Certificate

1. Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education with at least two subsidiary passes or its equivalent

2. Vocational Qualifications at level 2 or level 3 of the Uganda Vocational Qualifications Framework

3. Qualifications equivalent to Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) as shall be determined by the National Council in consultation with the Uganda National Examinations Board;

4. Foreign students without UACE or its equivalent qualifications; who have successfully completed secondary school education and are admissible to university degree or diploma programmes in 5 Admissions Guide Version 2.0 (2019) their respective home countries. Such students shall have passed at least five subjects with a minimum overall grade of C (Plain). In addition, foreign students whose studies were not conducted in English shall show proof of proficiency in the English Language.

Admission will be conditional on verification upon receiving the official Ugandan National Examinations Board (UNEB) Results slips. 

Direct entry into a Higher Education Certificate

1.Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education with at least two subsidiary passes or its equivalent

2.Vocational Qualifications at level 2 or level 3 of the Uganda Vocational Qualifications Framework

3.Qualifications equivalent to Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) as shall be determined by the National Council in consultation with the Uganda National Examinations Board;

4.Foreign students without UACE or its equivalent qualifications; who have successfully completed secondary school education and are admissible to university degree or diploma programmes in 5 Admissions Guide Version 2.0 (2019) their respective home countries. Such students shall have passed at least five subjects with a minimum overall grade of C (Plain). In addition, foreign students whose studies were not conducted in English shall show proof of proficiency in the English Language.


Admission will be conditional on verification upon receiving the official Ugandan National Examinations Board (UNEB) Results slips. 

Foundation of Higher Education Certificate holder’s entry into a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree

Applicants with evidence of having completed an accredited Foundation or Higher Education Certificate or its equivalent from a recognized institution may be eligible for direct entry into a Diploma with a ‘pass’ mark or Bachelor Programme with a ‘credit’ or higher classification

 
International applicants

1.International Applicants should provide evidence of qualifications from recognized institutions from their home country or the country where they studied. 

2.Applicants who successfully completed a 13-year education system in their home country or the country where they studied may be considered for direct entry into a Diploma or Bachelor programme pending equating of their results from the UNEB. 

3.Applicants who successfully completed a 12-year education system in their home country or country where they studied may be considered for direct entry into a Degree programme provided that they were admitted onto and studied one year in a tertiary qualification in that country pending equating of their results from the NCHE. 

4.Applicants without with a or b are required to complete a Foundation or Higher Education Certificate. 


Applicants shall be granted conditional admission for one semester pending the completion of equating of their qualifications through the required authority (UNEB or NCHE).

Mature age entry

IUEA is an inclusive institution and applicants over the age of 25 years without the required entrance requirements are encouraged to apply for our programmes and take advantage of a quality education. To apply, applicants must have passed an accredited Mature Age Entrance Examination with a pass mark of 50% through an approved Centre by the NCHE.

Exemptions or special entry considerations

Exemptions require special consideration and permission from the relevant Faculty Admissions Boards and the Senate in accordance with the University’s policies on Exemption and Credit and Accumulation and Transfer. 

_MG_9819