Kampala International University
Kampala, Uganda • Founded 2001 • World Rank #3996
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 2001, the Kampala International University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Kampala (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Central Region.
This institution also has branch campuses in Ishaka, Dar-es-Salaam and Nairobi. Officially recognized by the The National Council for Higher Education of Uganda, Kampala International University (KIU) is a large-sized coeducational Ugandan higher education institution.
Kampala International University (KIU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 23-year-old Ugandan higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this Ugandan higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. KIU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Kampala International University's campus location, postal address, and the channels students typically use to reach the admissions team. Verified contact points help avoid third-party impersonators.
Academic Details
Kampala International University's key academic numbers — student body size, faculty composition, and accreditation context. Numbers reflect the most recent figures published by the institution and recognised bodies.
Academic Structures
Browse the academic-unit structure of Kampala International University. Multi-faculty programmes exist but are usually administered by a lead faculty that handles admissions and credentialing.
Unit 13 items
- College of Economics and Management
- College of Education
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Directorate of Postgraduate Studies and Research
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences
- Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry
- School of Allied Health Sciences
- School of Computer and Information Technology
- School of Digital and E-learning
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
- School of Law
- School of Nursing Sciences
- School of Pharmacy
Degrees
Also Undergraduate Certificates and Diplomas
Bachelor's 56 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Anatomy
- Art Education
- Biochemistry
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- Business and Commerce
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Community Development
- Community Health
- Computer Education
- Computer Science
- Dental Surgery
- Dentistry
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Human Resources
- Industrial Chemistry
- Information Technology
- International Business
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Laboratory Techniques
- Law
- Logistics Management
- Marketing
- Mass Communication
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Physiology
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Science Education
- Secondary Education
- Social Work
- Statistics
- Surgery
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Transport Management
- Wildlife
Master's 41 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Applied Mathematics
- Biochemistry
- Business Administration
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Electrical Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Human Rights
- Information Technology
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Law
- Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Nursing
- Peace and Disarmament
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Preschool Education
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Social Work
- Software Engineering
- Statistics
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Transport Management
- Water Science
Doctoral 26 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Information Sciences
- Law
- Library Science
- Management
- Management Systems
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Peace and Disarmament
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Telecommunications Engineering
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under The National Council for Higher Education of Uganda.
Economics and Management (College) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- Economics
- Finance
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Human Resources
- International Business
- Leisure Studies
- Management
- Marketing
- Statistics
- Transport Management
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education, Open and Distance Learning (College) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art Education
- Business Education
- Computer Education
- Design
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Linguistics
- Mathematics Education
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Science Education
- Secondary Education
- Visual Arts
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Humanities and Social Science (College) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Development Studies
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Mass Communication
- Peace and Disarmament
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Social Work
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Research (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biomedicine
Allied Health Sciences (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Community Health
- Health Sciences
- Laboratory Techniques
- Public Health
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Allied Health Sciences (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering and Applied Sciences (School) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Industrial Chemistry
- Information Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Telecommunications Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering and Applied Sciences (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Sciences (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
- Health Sciences
- Medicine
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mathematics and Computing (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Library Science
- Mathematics
Common Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Actuary
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Natural and Applied Sciences (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Physiology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nursing Sciences (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nursing
Common Career Paths
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Pharmacy (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Below: Kampala International University's programme list by level. Programme intakes vary — some offer multiple entry points per year (Sep, Jan, May), others a single annual intake.
281 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Uganda
Bachelor's Degree 85 programmes
Showing 10 of 85.
Master's Degree 75 programmes
Showing 10 of 75.
Doctorate 41 programmes
Showing 10 of 41.
Associate's Degree 28 programmes
Showing 10 of 28.
Diploma 52 programmes
Showing 10 of 52.
How to apply to Kampala International University
Practical steps to apply to Kampala International University, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
-
1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Kampala International University offers 281 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
-
2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at Kampala International University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
-
3
Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
-
4
Submit your application
Apply directly via Kampala International University's online portal at www.kiu.ac.ug. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
-
5
Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +256 (414) 266 813. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kampala International University
The questions below summarise Kampala International University's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
In what year was Kampala International University established?
Kampala International University was founded in 2001 (approximately 25 years ago).
Where is Kampala International University located?
Kampala International University is located in Kampala, Uganda.
Is Kampala International University a public or private institution?
It is a private higher-education institution.
What is the student enrolment at Kampala International University?
Student enrolment at Kampala International University is around 20,000-24,999.
How is Kampala International University ranked?
Kampala International University holds rank #3996 globally and #4 in Uganda.
What programmes are available at Kampala International University?
Programmes at Kampala International University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
What is Kampala International University's academic structure?
Kampala International University is organised into 13 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Kampala International University accredited?
Yes, Kampala International University is recognised by National Council for Higher Education (NCHE); Inter University Council of East Africa (IUCEA).
What is Kampala International University's official website?
The institution's website is www.kiu.ac.ug.
Members of Association of African Universities (AAU)
Member-only fellowships through Association of African Universities (AAU) are open to students at Kampala International University and the universities below. These can be less competitive than open competitions because the applicant pool is narrower.
Faculties at nearby universities
The universities below sit close to Kampala International University geographically and may suit students who want to stay within the same region for study. Proximity affects commuting cost, family contact, and the ease of switching institutions if circumstances change.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Supervision quality at the Education & Teaching programme level is hard to assess externally but affects research output and graduate-school placement. Talk to current students or alumni where possible.
Universities Compared with Kampala International University
Cross-institutional admissions sharing exists in some networks — peers of Kampala International University sometimes accept shared application materials or recognise admissions decisions. Worth checking when batching applications.
Studying in Uganda: guides and resources
Spotted something outdated or missing?
Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.
