Stanbic Bank Uganda has teamed up with UNICAF, an international online learning platform, to launch a scholarship program aimed at helping Ugandans access higher education.
The initiative, announced Monday, will cover up to 82% of tuition costs for Stanbic clients pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies. It also includes short courses in leadership, business, and digital skills — many of them offered online by partner universities in the UK and Europe.
“We’re excited to unveil an opportunity in partnership with UNICAF to offer Ugandan students scholarships covering up to 82% of tuition fees,” the bank said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. The offer applies to Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, “both locally and internationally, whether online or in person.”
Israel Arinaitwe, Head of Personal Banking at Stanbic Bank Uganda, said affordability remains a major hurdle for many.
“Many Ugandan families continue to face real financial barriers to accessing higher education,” he said.
“Through this partnership with UNICAF, we are helping to remove those barriers by offering scholarships of up to 82%,” Arinaitwe added. “It’s one of the ways we are walking our talk in driving Uganda’s growth — by investing in people and giving our youth the tools to shape a better future.”
The scholarships are open to a wide range of clients — from young people and parents to working professionals. Courses span a range of disciplines, including technology, soft skills, and management, with flexible online formats to suit different schedules.
Moses Turyagumanawe, UNICAF’s representative in Uganda, said the program fits into the organization’s larger mission.
“UNICAF was created to democratize access to quality higher education in Africa,” he said. “By partnering with Stanbic, we’re now able to reach even more Ugandans who dream of earning globally respected qualifications but lack the means.”
Stanbic says the program is also looking at younger students. Those in Senior 2 through Senior 6 — if they or their parents hold a Stanbic account — can access tailored short courses designed to prepare them for future careers.
“Education is the heartbeat of the economy,” said Brenda Namanda, who manages Youth and Family Banking at Stanbic. “We’re investing in the professionals, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow. This isn’t just about education — it’s about shaping Uganda’s future.”
The new fund builds on several of the bank’s ongoing youth-focused programs, including the National Schools Championship and the Graduate Trainee Program. It also complements Women Elevate, a Stanbic initiative focused on female empowerment.
To apply for the scholarships, eligible clients can visit any Stanbic branch or reach out to UNICAF through their official channels.
