Date of publication:

01/09/2026

Uganda

Do domestic laws and policies facilitate the recognition of diplomas, certificates and degrees obtained abroad and in areas not under the State's control, including to practice liberal professions?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

The Refugees Act (2006), under section 29 (1) (e) (iii), guarantees refugees the recognition of foreign certificates, diplomas and degrees with same level as accorded to aliens generally in similar circumstances. The Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (2001) is the principal legislation enacted for the purpose of equating the same professional or other qualifications by different national and foreign institutions of higher learning. The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) is the statutory authority that sets standards for equating foreign institutions to those in Uganda. 

According to the Universities and other Tertiary Institutions (Equating of Degrees and Diplomas and Certificates) Regulations (2007), refugees who hold educational and vocational qualifications may submit their diplomas and other academic certificates recognition by the NCHE. 

A recent study by ILO reveals that, in practice, a fee is payable to have the equivalence assessed, and some respondents noted that it was common for refugee qualifications to be recognized at a lower point on the Ugandan education system.

 

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    The Refugees Act (2006)

    Legal provision

    Section 29 (1) (e) (iii) -- Rights of Refugees Access to Employment

    A recognised refugee shall, subject to this Act, the OAU Convention (Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa) and the Geneva Convention (Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, 1951 & The Protocol, 1967) — (e) receive at least the same treatment accorded to aliens generally in similar circumstances relating to — (iii) education, other than elementary education for which refugees must receive the same treatment as nationals, and in particular, regarding access to particular studies, the recognition of foreign certificates, diplomas and degrees and the remission of fees and charges;

    Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act

    Legal provision

    Clause 7. Fourth Schedule (ss. 53, 54) -- Classes of entry permits

    Class F (Professionals) A member of a prescribed profession who intends to practice such profession in Uganda who satisfies the board that— (a) he or she is in possession of such qualifications as may be prescribed; (b) he or she is in possession of sufficient capital or assured income to enable him or her to give effect to his or her intention; and (c) has registered with the relevant professional body in Uganda

    The Universities and other Tertiary, Institutions (Equating of Degrees and Diplomas and Certificates) Regulations (2007)

    Legal provision

    Schedule 3, clause 1-6 - Guidelines for Equating of Degree Qualifications

    1. The institution must be accredited or recognised by the National Council or the accrediting agency in the country of origin. 2. Minimum entry requirements for Uganda Bachelor’s degree— (a) Direct entry from schools – Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least 5 credits and at least two principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) or its equivalent obtained at the same sitting. (b) Mature age entry – aged 25 years and above and has passed mature age entry examinations with 50% mark and above. The mature age entry examinations have to be accredited by the National Council; (c) Diploma entry – obtained at credit/distinction level in the relevant field from a recognised institution; (d) Bridging/access/remedial courses for students who have done their secondary education outside Uganda. The National Council must accredit the courses. 3. Minimum entry requirements for master’s degree— (a) A bachelor’s degree (b) Other (specify) 4. Minimum entry requirements for a doctoral degree— (a) A master’s degree (b) Other (specify) 5. Mode of course delivery— (a) Full time (b) Part time (c) Correspondence (d) Other (specify) 6. Minimum course duration— (a) 3 years for undergraduate degree with the exception of in-service courses which may last two years. (b) 1 year for masters. (c) 3 years for doctoral degree.

    Regulation 3. - Application for equating of degree, diploma or certificate

    An application to the National Council for equating of a degree, diploma or certificate under sections 5(i) and 5(k) of the Act shall be in the form set out in Schedule 2.