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Student Life

On admission to Makerere University as a graduate student, you naturally feel excited to be part of the leading University in East Africa. In actual fact, till recently University education in Uganda was synonymous with Makerere University, therefore, admission still comes along with a lot of excitement.

A formal welcome by the School of Graduate studies is arranged within the first two weeks of commencement of the first semester where Heads of Graduate programs are introduced. Information provided to new graduate students during orientation includes:

  • General information on Library and library resources including e-resources including how to obtain password for accessing university e-resources
  • Information on computing and IT services available including location and work hours
  • General University/Graduate School (SGS) policies, guidelines and regulations. These include guidelines on examinations, proposal writing, supervision, research among others
  • Registration procedures
  • Payment of dues and getting IDs
  • Graduate student facilities and governance structures. The office bearers of the Council of Graduate Students is introduced to the students at this time
  • Facilities for disabled graduate students and Medical services available should be mentioned
  • Guided tours of the university and its facilities.

Graduate students are encouraged to attend a series of more specialized briefings within Faculties, Schools and Institutes where they receive course outlines. International Students receive a more detailed briefing on Security, national laws/regulations, transport, shopping, among others.

Every graduate student is assigned a supervisor/mentor. For masters students, supervisors are normally assigned at the beginning of the second year of their studies when they have written a concept paper. This may occur in the second semester of the second year of study for students pursuing Plan B .i.e. extended course work with a project.

For doctoral students, supervisors are assigned during the first year while the student is developing the proposal before full registration. You are encouraged to work closely with your supervisor as you develop your research or projects.

However, the University is not all work without play. Please check out the plethora of recreation activities at "Dean of students" page.