Why you should study a Foundation Programme in Uganda

For many local and International Students, joining a diploma or bachelors level university programme can often be challenging. Either due to not having completed the required classes or not meeting the admission criteria based on your high school results. Regardless of either case, a Higher Education Certificate which is more commonly known as Foundation Programme can be a great pathway for entry into a Ugandan university.

Ugandan Students

For Ugandan students, often the reason the Foundation Programme is recommended is because they did not score the required marks in their UNEB Advanced Level exams. We understand, secondary school can be quite difficult to cope with and sometimes you can study the whole year only to fall sick or not be able to sit for the exams properly. Don’t worry, in any case a Higher Education Certificate Programme is the perfect choice for you.

International Students

In many countries globally and in Africa, high school ends in Year 12 or 12th Grade. According to the Uganda National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) admission requirements for University, such students must go through a Higher Education Certificate (Foundation) Programme to qualify for higher studies in Uganda. 

There are some universities that do not follow these rules and admit students regardless. This is in violation of the rules set by the NCHE and gullible international students often find themselves in trouble after completing their degrees or diplomas from such places which are not accepted by many companies and educational institutions both in Uganda and internationally. 

We at International University of East Africa (IUEA) always ensure to follow these protocols and offer accredited certificate, diploma and degree courses. Both our Online and On-campus are recognised by the NCHE, Government of Uganda and by institutions globally. In fact, IUEA won an award from the Republic of Uganda for the best Private Online Teaching Platform. 

Here are general guidelines to whether or not students from certain countries need to enrol in a Foundation Programme before entry into a degree-awarding programme in Uganda:

South Sudan

Since the South Sudanese education system consists of 12 years of pre-university education, students who possess the South Sudan Certificate of Secondary Education Examination must go through the Foundation Programme and obtain a Higher Education Certificate (HEC).

Somalia

The Somali education system has several variations. However, most systems provide 12 years of pre-university education, therefore, most Somali students are advised to complete an accredited Foundation Programme. 

Kenya

The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) is equivalent to Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) as Kenyan students complete secondary school studies in Class 12. Therefore students applying with said document must do the Foundation Programme.

Tanzania

The Advance Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE) is an academic A-Level examination that is done by 12th grade students across Tanzania to prepare them for their University studies. This is equivalent to Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), therefore students who successfully attained this certificate usually do not need to enrol for a Higher Education Certificate.

 Democratic Republic of Congo

The education system of DRC concludes with the Diplome d’etat d’études secondaires and is equivalent to UACE. Students who successfully complete this level of education in DRC usually do not need to enrol for a Higher Education Certificate.

Eritrea

Since the Eritrean system consists of 12 years of pre-university education, as a minimum requirement, students holding Eritrean Secondary Education Certificate Examination (ESECE) must go through the Foundation Programme and obtain a Higher Education Certificate (HEC).

Rwanda

The Rwanda Advanced Level Certificate of Education (RALCE) is equivalent to UACE therefore students having this level of qualification usually need not go through the Foundation Programme.

Burundi

The Burundi education system concludes with the diplôme de fin d’études secondaires and students possessing it are often not required to obtain a Higher Education Certificate (HEC).

West Africa

Students who have obtained National Examinations Council (NCEO), West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) qualifications from Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Liberia or Sierra Leone must go through the Foundation Programme and obtain a HEC.

South Africa

Applicants from South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland/Eswatini, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Angola, Malawi and Mozambique must go through the Foundation Programme.

Cambridge/Edexcel A-levels

Cambridge GCE or Edexcel A-level is equivalent to A-level education in Uganda. Therefore they do not usually need to get qualified with an HEC.

Sciences vs. Arts?

IUEA’s foundation programme offers two streams: Arts & Sciences which open doors to higher education in the respective fields. A Higher Education Certificate (HEC) in Arts allows you to pursue programmes such as Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Law, Bachelor of Tourism & Hospitality Management and many others.

On the other hand, enrolling for a Foundation in Sciences gives you access to our amazing innovative faculties of Engineering and Science & Technology to study courses such as Electrical and Civil Engineering; Architecture; Computer Science, Information Technology and more!

Whether you are an international student from Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Eritrea or anywhere in Africa, a Higher Education Certificate Programme is a great choice to reach your educational and career goals.

By:  IUEA Connect