Admissions

Academic Upgrading

Upgrade your diploma or certificate into a full degree pathway.

Your Application Journey

Four steps to your future.

Step 1
Choose Programme
Browse and shortlist programmes aligned with your goals.
Step 2
Check Requirements
Confirm entry requirements and gather your documents.
Step 3
Submit Application
Apply online in under 10 minutes.
Step 4
Await Confirmation
Receive your offer and welcome pack.

Admissions · Academic Upgrading

Entry requirements & intake.

Designed for learners who did not qualify for direct degree entry, or who want to upskill into a new field. The Higher Education Certificate (HEC) is a recognised NCHE pathway: pass it and progress directly into Year 1 of a related Bachelor's programme at VU.

Start Application →

Intakes

January
May
September

Duration

Certificates: 6 - 12 months · Higher Education Certificate (HEC): 1 academic year

Study modes

Day
Evening
Weekend
Online via VClass

Application fee

UGX 30,000 (non-refundable)

Academic requirements

Higher Education Certificate (HEC): UACE with at least 1 Principal Pass + 2 Subsidiaries, OR UCE + Diploma/Certificate in a relevant field
HEC, Biological / Physical Sciences: UACE with science subjects (Bio, Chem, Phys, Maths) at Principal or Subsidiary level
National Certificates: UCE with at least 3 Passes (including English)
Professional Certificates (e.g. Software Engineering, Digital Marketing): UCE or equivalent; portfolio reviewed for advanced placement
Mature Age Entry available for applicants 25+ with relevant work experience

Documents to upload

01Certified copy of UCE certificate / results slip
02Certified copy of UACE results (where applicable)
03National ID or Passport bio-data page
04Two passport-size photographs
05Birth certificate

International applicants

International applicants submit a UNEB equivalency for O-Level / A-Level qualifications. VU's Admissions Office assists with the equivalency process.

All Faculties · 27

Institute of Advanced Technical Studies22 programmes

Institute of Advanced Technical Studies

Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Management

CTH

Academic Upgrading

Four steps to your future.

Choose Programme

Check Requirements

Submit Application

Await Confirmation

Academic requirements

Documents to upload

Institute of Advanced Technical Studies22 programmesView only →

Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Management

National Certificate in Information and Communication Technology

National Certificate in Library and Information Science

National Certificate in Social Work and Social Administration

Certificate in Clearing and Forwarding

Certificate in CCTV Installation and Surveillance Systems

Certificate in Journalism and Media Studies

National Certificate in Secretarial and Office Management

National Certificate in Human Resource Management

Certificate in Early Childhood Education

Certificate in Public Administration and Management

National Certificate in Cosmetology and Beauty Therapy

Certificate in Procurement and Logistics Management

National Certificate in Computer Repair and Maintenance

Professional Certificate in Software Engineering

National Certificate in Accounting and Finance

National Certificate in Business Administration

Certificate in Digital Marketing

Certificate in Hotel Management and Institutional Catering

Certificate in Records and Information Management

National Certificate in Guidance and Counselling

National Certificate in Agriculture

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences1 programmesView only →

Higher Education Certificate (HEC) General

Faculty of Health Sciences1 programmesView only →

Higher Education Certificate in Biological Sciences

Faculty of Science and Technology1 programmesView only →

Higher Education Certificate Physical Sciences

Institute of Education and Life-Long Learning2 programmesView only →

Higher Education Certificate General

Higher Education Certificate Evening

Institute of Advanced Technical Studies22 programmes

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences1 programmes

Faculty of Health Sciences1 programmes

Faculty of Science and Technology1 programmes

Institute of Education and Life-Long Learning2 programmes