Mbarara University of Science and Technology official logo

Mbarara University of Science and Technology

Mbarara, Uganda • Founded 1989

Updated May 2026 · Source: must.ac.ug

Overview

English Name: Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Acronyms: MUST
Founded: 1989
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: None
Rankings:
SCImago 2026 #4561
Mbarara University of Science and Technology main campus view
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Established in 1989, the Mbarara University of Science and Technology is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Mbarara (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Western Region.

Officially recognized by the The National Council for Higher Education of Uganda, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) is a small-sized coeducational Ugandan higher education institution. Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) 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 35-year-old Ugandan higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this Ugandan higher education organization an extremely selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

MUST also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Mbarara University of Science and Technology's physical location and contact details are listed below.

Address: P.O. Box 1410
Other Sites: Main Campus - Kihumuro along Mbarara, Ishaka Road
Phone: +256 (4854) 20 785
Fax: +256 (4854) 20 782
Social Media:

Academic Details

Below are the institutional metrics for Mbarara University of Science and Technology: scale, staffing, and accreditation.

Academic Year: August to May
Recognition: The National Council for Higher Education of Uganda
Accrediting Agency: National Council for Higher Education (NCHE)
Admission Requirements: Uganda Certificate of Education or equivalent and at least 2 principal passes of the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education or its equivalent obtained at the same sitting
Student Enrollment: 2,000-2,999
Academic Staff Range: 100-199
Campus Setting: Suburban

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under The National Council for Higher Education of Uganda.

Applied Sciences and Technology (Faculty) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Petroleum and Gas Engineering
Business and Management Sciences (Faculty) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Business Administration
  • Development Studies
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Logistics Management
Computing and Informatics (Faculty) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology
Interdisciplinary Studies (Faculty) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agriculture
  • Community Development
  • Farm Management
  • Gender Studies
  • Public Health
Medicine (Faculty) 11 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Community Health
  • Dermatology
  • Laboratory Techniques
  • Medical Technology
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Paediatrics
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Surgery
Science (Faculty) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
Tropical Forest Conservation (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Forestry

Programs Offered

All active programmes at Mbarara University of Science and Technology are listed by degree level.

71 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Uganda

Bachelor's Degree 24 programmes

Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Business Administration
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Computer Science
Computer Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Robotics & Automation

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Information Technology
Information Systems & Technology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Operating Room & Surgical Technology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Nursing Science
Nursing

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Pharmacy
Pharmacy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance
Finance, Banking & Insurance

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 24.

Master's Degree 39 programmes

Master's Degree in Fellowship in Urogynaecology and Female Pelvic Floor Reconstructive Surgery
Operating Room & Surgical Technology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Inclusive Development
Liberal Arts

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Arts in Development Studies
Politics & International Relations

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Arts in Governance and Planning
Politics & International Relations

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Business Administration
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Education in Curriculum, Instruction and Media Studies
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Education in Educational Administration and Planning
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Education in Educational Psychology
Educational Psychology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Medical Laboratory Science
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Medicine in Anaesthesiology
Operating Room & Surgical Technology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 39.

Doctorate 2 programmes

PhD in Business Administration
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

PhD in Computing by Research
Information Systems & Technology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Diploma 6 programmes

Advanced Diploma in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Health Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Diploma in Community HIV/AIDS Care and Management
Business & Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Diploma in Emergency Medicine
Medicine

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology
Criminal Law & Justice

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies
Politics & International Relations

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

How to apply to Mbarara University of Science and Technology

A five-step path through the application process at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Mbarara University of Science and Technology's catalogue includes 71 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Mbarara University of Science and Technology's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Submit your completed application through Mbarara University of Science and Technology's official website at www.must.ac.ug. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +256 (4854) 20 785. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mbarara University of Science and Technology

Below are key facts about Mbarara University of Science and Technology, drawn directly from institutional records.

When was Mbarara University of Science and Technology founded?

Mbarara University of Science and Technology was established in 1989 (approximately 37 years ago).

What city is Mbarara University of Science and Technology in?

Mbarara University of Science and Technology operates from Mbarara, Uganda.

Is Mbarara University of Science and Technology public or private?

Mbarara University of Science and Technology is a public institution.

How big is Mbarara University of Science and Technology's student body?

Mbarara University of Science and Technology serves approximately 2,000-2,999 students.

What qualification levels does Mbarara University of Science and Technology offer?

Mbarara University of Science and Technology delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.

Is Mbarara University of Science and Technology accredited?

Yes, Mbarara University of Science and Technology is recognised by National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).

How do I find Mbarara University of Science and Technology online?

The institution's website is www.must.ac.ug.

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