EDUCATION, KAMPALA: Victoria University, one of Uganda’s leading top universities has gifted five needy Ugandans with full scholarships and reduced its tuition and functional fees for new entrants by 60% for this year’s academic intake that begins on March 1.
The 5 scholarships were awarded by the Ruparelia Foundation to the disadvantaged people whose livelihood depends on such opportunities to further their education to better their lives.
The University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lawrence Muganga says the new entrants will pay Shillings 938,000 for tuition per semester down from Shillings 1.7 million and Shillings 650,000 in functional fees from Shillings 860,000.
According to Dr. Muganga, the decision stems from a survey carried out between August and September last year involving 10,713 students, which showed that almost 50 percent couldn’t pay tuition resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Muganga notes that the new tuition structure is intended to help students achieve their dreams at a much lower cost, graduate and meet or exceed their expectations. He also said Ruparelia Group which owns the university has offered 1500 scholarships for learners who are unable to pay fees.
Swaburah Auma, a student at Victoria University says this chance will help her pursue her degree in Business administration and provide for her family in Buikwe district once she completes her studies.
Speaking during the function, Rajiv Ruparelia one of the Board Members and directors of Victoria university said that the varsity is privileged to be part of a Group of 40 other companies under the same ownership saying that sister companies, and hundreds of other partner companies and organizations are a perfect ground for the training, internships and possible job placements for all “our students we release to the job market every year”.
“In this University, we cultivate ideas, celebrate diversity, foster entrepreneurship, seek excellence, and also impact communities.” Mr Rajiv said.
Rajiv revealed that every academic year, depending on the various situations and opportunities, Victoria University will be opening up, close to 100 full scholarships, to selected students, under different categories.
“We know that there are several other students who are struggling to secure tuition, to ably join this University. The Ruparelia Foundation has given Victoria University bursaries which we are using to make education accessible to all Ugandans; by granting a 60% reduction of tuition. There are only a few slots left, of the 1,000 slots for this February to March intake”. He added.
Rajiv Ruparelia who is also the managing director of Ruparelia Group noted that the University will give out only 600 bursaries for Applicants in a Direct Entry Procedure and 400 other slots will be offered through the Additional Quota which will be awarded through selected leaders, in communities around the country.
He further went on and warned parents and students to avoid falling into prey for conmen who masquerade as the representatives of Victoria University.
“It is important, that before you deal with any leader in your community, stating that him or her acting on our behalf; make sure you contact Victoria University to confirm the authenticity. No student is allowed to pay any amount of money to these leaders in your community. Once recommended by any local leader in your community or Page 6 of 6 districts, you will be required to follow up, for your admission, at our head office, at Victoria University, in Kampala. Please take this caution seriously”.
Meanwhile the university will be holding its 5th graduation ceremony slated to take place on February 19 2021 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
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