Stanbic partners with UNICAF to offer scholarships to Ugandan students

Stanbic Bank Uganda has announced a strategic partnership with UNICAF, a global educational platform, to provide scholarships covering up to 82% of tuition fees for Ugandan students pursuing Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees both locally and internationally.

The initiative, launched on Monday, targets both online and in-person learners and is part of Stanbic’s broader efforts to improve access to higher education and support youth development in Uganda.

“This is one of many initiatives we are undertaking to support Ugandan youth and transform higher education by enabling more students to pursue their academic dreams despite financial constraints,” said Mr. Israel Arinaitwe, Stanbic Bank’s Head of Personal Banking.

UNICAF collaborates with reputable universities across the globe to offer accredited programs through a blended learning model, combining online and on-campus components. The scholarship program will give eligible students access to globally recognized degree programs while significantly reducing the financial burden on families.

In addition to university-level courses, the partnership also covers short, skills-based training programs in areas such as computer programming, leadership, and marketing. These are particularly tailored for secondary school students in Senior Two to Senior Six (S2–S6), expanding access to future-ready competencies at an early age.

“The program’s reach extends to high school learners whose eligibility is linked to having an active Stanbic Bank account, either personally or through their parents,” explained Mr. Moses Turyagumanawe, a representative from UNICAF.

Stanbic Bank emphasized that the partnership aligns with its broader education agenda under its “Stanbic for Education” campaign, which supports various education-focused initiatives, including student financing, school development, and teacher capacity-building.

The bank encouraged interested students and parents to visit their nearest Stanbic branch or the UNICAF website for more information on application procedures and course options.

The initiative comes at a time when many Ugandan students continue to face rising tuition costs and limited access to quality tertiary education—challenges that have contributed to high dropout rates and limited professional opportunities for youth.

Stanbic and UNICAF say they are committed to bridging this gap by offering flexible, affordable learning pathways that empower the next generation with globally relevant knowledge and skills.