Higher Education Access Program in Uganda (HEAP)

The Higher Education Access Program is an eight-year Program that seeks to enable 300 young women and men from economically disadvantaged regions of Uganda access to education and leadership development, including transition to higher education or to secure employment in sectors that contribute to the development of their communities and the country.

The Program is focused on providing bursaries to academically bright and gifted students from the Northern region including Adjumani, Amudat, Amuru, Kaabong and Pader; Eastern regions including Bukwo, Buyende, Katakwi and Mayuge; and, the Western region, including Buliisa, Bundibugyo, Kanungu and Ntoroko.

Supported by Mastercard Foundation to the tune of USD 10.48 million, this eight-year programme started in November 2016 is being implemented by FAWE Uganda and it runs until December 2023.

This program offers 100% bursaries to learners and targets 300 students between the ages of 18 to 25 over eight-years. . 60% will undertake degree courses while 40% will be in diploma courses. The program is designed with focus on sciences, covering courses in agriculture, medical and health, whereas education related courses will focus on sciences and language. The Program is being implemented in partnership with 5 higher education institutions; Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Gulu University and Busitema University, Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory Training School. Upon graduation, the students are encouraged to return to their communities to work and improve the lives of others by filling a critical human resources gap and contribute to economic development.

The program utilizes creative and innovative approaches like the Extended Orientation Program (EOP) to support disadvantaged students to settle in, compete favorably and successfully complete their studies. In partnership with the three partner Universities, the program has also embarked on the development of a pre-entry Bridging Program (BP) that, once accredited, will give second chance opportunities to promising students whose pre-entry qualifications fall slightly below the cut-off point, and whose academic potential is curtailed by the physical, academic and social inadequacies of their secondary schools. The good practices and lessons learnt from the implementation of these innovations will be documented to influence policy and inform their adoption beyond the program and partner institutions in Uganda.

About Mastercard Foundation

MasterCard Foundation works with visionary organizations to provide greater access to education, skills training and financial services for people living in poverty, primarily in Africa. As one of the largest private foundations, its work is guided by its mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world. Based in Toronto, Canada, its independence was established by Mastercard when the Foundation was created in 2006. For more information and to sign up for the Foundation’s newsletter, please visit www.mastercardfdn.org. Follow the Foundation at @MastercardFdn on Twitter.