Makerere University: A Student Population Overview

how many students are in makerere university

Makerere University is Uganda's largest and oldest institution of higher learning, with approximately 36,000 undergraduates and 4,000 postgraduates enrolled. The university is composed of nine colleges and one school, offering a range of programmes and courses. Makerere University was established in 1922 as a technical school and has since expanded to become a leading educational institution in East Africa.

Characteristics Values
Year established 1922
Location Kampala, Uganda
Type of institution Non-profit public higher education
Number of students 36,000 undergraduates, 4,000 postgraduates, 900+ international students
Number of colleges 10
Number of campuses 3
Ranking #804 in Best Global Universities, #901-950 in QS World University Rankings 2025

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Makerere University has around 38,000 students

Makerere University in Uganda has around 38,000 students, comprising 36,000 undergraduates and 4,000 postgraduates. The university was established in 1922 as a technical school and is the oldest higher education institution in the country. Over the years, it expanded its curriculum to include courses in medical care, agriculture, veterinary sciences, and teacher training. By 1949, it had become known as University College and was affiliated with University College London. The university gained independent status in 1970.

Today, Makerere University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in Kampala, Uganda. It is recognised by the National Council for Higher Education of Uganda and offers a wide range of academic programmes. The university is composed of nine colleges and one school, including the College of Natural Sciences, the College of Health Sciences, and the College of Engineering Art & Design. The university's main campus spans 300 to 350 acres on Makerere Hill, one of the six hills on which Kampala is built. The campus is just a short distance from the city centre, approximately 5 kilometres away.

Makerere University has a rich history and has faced several challenges, including closures and strikes between 2006 and 2016. In 2010, the university expanded further by opening two new campuses in the cities of Fort Portal and Jinja. Unfortunately, in 2020, a fire gutted the Main Building, destroying university records and the structure. Despite this setback, the university continues to be a prominent educational institution in Uganda and East Africa, with a large student body and a diverse range of academic offerings.

The university also welcomes international students, with more than 900 enrolled from around the world. Makerere University is ranked globally, with a position of #804 in the Best Global Universities ranking. The university's reputation and research contributions are considered in its ranking, and it is recognised as one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Africa.

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The university has 3 campuses

Makerere University is Uganda's largest and oldest institution of higher learning. It was established in 1922 as a technical school and became an independent national university in 1970. The university is composed of nine colleges and one school, offering programmes for about 36,000 undergraduates and 4,000 postgraduates.

The university's main campus is located on Makerere Hill, one of the six hills on which Uganda's capital city Kampala is built. The main campus spans 300 acres and is just a short distance from the city centre. Makerere University has a total of three campuses, with two new campuses opening in 2010 in the cities of Fort Portal and Jinja. The Fort Portal campus is approximately 310 kilometres west of Kampala, while the Jinja campus is about 85 kilometres east of the capital.

The university's estate is spread over 350 acres, including the main campus. The College of Health Sciences (formerly the Faculty of Medicine and School of Public Health) is located on Mulago Hill, adjacent to the National Referral Hospital, just 2 kilometres from the main campus. The Agricultural Research Institute is located in Kabanyolo, 17 kilometres north of Kampala.

Makerere University's third campus is the Buyana Stock Farm, which is under the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and BioSecurity (formerly the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine). The 350-acre farm is located 60 kilometres from the main campus. The university also has partnerships with government, industry, and other universities worldwide.

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Makerere University is Uganda's largest institution

Makerere University, located in Uganda, is the country's largest and oldest institution of higher learning. It was first established as a technical school in 1922 and became an independent national university in 1970. The university offers a range of academic programmes to a large student body, comprising about 36,000 undergraduates and 4,000 postgraduates, for a total of around 38,000 students. This includes a significant number of international students, with more than 900 enrolled at the university.

The university is located on Makerere Hill, one of the six hills on which Uganda's capital city, Kampala, is built. The main campus spans 300 to 350 acres and is just a short distance from the city centre. In addition to the main campus, the university has two other campuses: a 45-acre campus for the College of Health Sciences and the Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo, located 17 kilometres north of Kampala.

Makerere University is composed of nine colleges and one school. These colleges include a diverse range of disciplines, such as the College of Natural Sciences, College of Health Sciences, College of Engineering, Art, and Design, College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies, College of Business and Management Sciences, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Computing and Information Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Bio-security, College of Education and External Studies, and Makerere University Business School.

The university has a rich history and has undergone several name changes and affiliations before becoming the prestigious institution it is today. In 1949, it was known as University College and was affiliated with University College London and the University of London. It has also been affiliated with the University of East Africa. Makerere University is ranked among the top public universities in Kampala and holds a position in the QS World University Rankings.

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The university has 9 colleges and 1 school

Makerere University is Uganda's largest and oldest institution of higher learning. It was established as a technical school in 1921, with its first classes in carpentry, building construction, and mechanics. In 1922, it was founded as the "Uganda Technical College", offering additional courses in the arts, education, agriculture, and medicine. The same year, it was renamed Makerere College. The college expanded its offerings over the years, adding post-secondary education certificate courses in 1937. In 1949, Makerere College was granted university status and became known as Makerere College, University of East Africa.

Today, Makerere University is composed of nine colleges and one school, offering programmes for about 36,000 undergraduates and 4,000 postgraduates. The nine colleges include:

  • College of Natural Sciences (CONAS)
  • College of Health Sciences (CHS)
  • College of Engineering, Art, and Design (CEDAT)
  • College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies (CAES)
  • College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS)
  • College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS)
  • College of Computing and Information Sciences (COCIS)
  • College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Bio-security (COVAB)
  • College of Education and External Studies (CEES)

Makerere University also has a business school, the Makerere University Business School (MUBS). The university has produced many notable alumni, including post-independence African leaders such as Ugandan President Milton Obote and Tanzanian Presidents Julius Nyerere and Benjamin Mkapa.

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Makerere University is ranked #804 in Best Global Universities and #901-950 in QS World University Rankings 2025, with over 900 international students

Makerere University in Uganda is the country's oldest higher education institution. Established in 1922 as a technical school, it quickly expanded its curriculum to include courses in medical care, agriculture, veterinary sciences, and teacher training. By 1949, it had become known as University College, affiliated with University College London. It gained independent university status in 1970, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Today, Makerere University comprises ten colleges, including the College of Natural Sciences, College of Health Sciences, College of Engineering Art & Design, and the College of Business and Management Sciences. The university has a student body of around 38,000, including undergraduates and postgraduates, and offers evening and external study programmes.

Makerere University is currently ranked #804 in Best Global Universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, it is placed at #901-950. The university has a rich history and is known for its research-led approach, boasting partnerships with government bodies, industries, and other universities. It has also been a hub for literary activity, with many prominent writers and academics having been associated with the university.

The university's main campus is located on Makerere Hill, spanning 300 acres, with a total of three campuses. In recent years, Makerere University has expanded further, opening two new campuses in Fort Portal and Jinja City in 2010. The university's growth and development have been interrupted by closures and strikes, with the most recent being a strike by non-teaching staff in 2016, followed by a lecturers' strike, leading to the university's indefinite closure by President Yoweri Museveni. The university reopened in January 2017.

Makerere University has a diverse range of programmes and is known for its prestigious alumni, including several African prime ministers and presidents. With its long history, research focus, and distinguished alumni network, Makerere University continues to be a prominent educational institution in Africa. The university's ranking of #901-950 in the QS World University Rankings 2025 further emphasises its standing among global universities.

Makerere University has a significant number of international students, with over 900 choosing to pursue their education at this renowned institution. This adds to the cultural diversity and global perspective that the university fosters. The university's international student population contributes to its dynamic and inclusive community, enhancing the overall student experience and providing a valuable exchange of ideas and perspectives.

Frequently asked questions

Makerere University has around 38,000 students enrolled, including over 900 international students.

There are approximately 36,000 undergraduate students enrolled at Makerere University.

There are about 4,000 postgraduate students enrolled at Makerere University.

Makerere University is ranked #804 in Best Global Universities.

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