Government sponsorship
A limited number of places are supported through district and national sponsorship schemes. Applicants should indicate sponsorship interest on their form.
Merit based
Admissions · Intake 2026/2027
Your journey to becoming an ophthalmic clinical officer starts here
Everything you need to apply — entry requirements, application steps, fees, key dates and scholarships — in one place. Applications are open to qualified candidates from across Uganda and the region.
Two intakes a year
January & August
3-year diploma
Full-time, on campus
Accredited award
Nationally recognised
Applications open
Intake 2026/2027 — deadline approaching
Submit your application before the closing date to be considered for the next cohort.
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Entry requirements
What you need to qualify
Select a programme to see its specific entry requirements, duration and intake details.
Diploma in Ophthalmology (OCO)
- Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least six passes, including credits in Biology, Chemistry and either Physics or Mathematics.
- Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) with at least one principal pass in a science subject, or a relevant certificate from a recognised institution.
- Mature-age entry (23 years and above) with proof of relevant health work experience may be considered.
- Valid national identity document (National ID or passport).
- Two recent passport-size photographs and a completed application form.
At a glance
Duration3 years
Study modeFull-time
IntakesJan & Aug
AwardDiploma
CampusJinja
Selection process
Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview and academic review. Final selection is based on academic merit, interview performance and available places.
Refraction & Low Vision
- UCE with at least four passes, including a credit in Biology or Physics.
- Applicants already working in an eye unit or optical facility are given priority.
- Basic numeracy and literacy assessment may be required at interview.
- Valid national identity document and a completed application form.
At a glance
Duration1 year
Study modeFull-time
IntakesAugust
AwardCertificate
CampusJinja
What you will learn
Vision testing, spectacle prescription, optical dispensing and rehabilitation support for patients with low vision.
Community Eye Health
- Open to health workers — nurses, midwives, clinical officers and VHTs — currently serving in a health facility.
- A recommendation letter from the employer or facility in-charge.
- Ability to attend the modular residential blocks on campus.
- Completed application form and a copy of your professional certificate.
At a glance
Duration3 modules
Study modeModular
IntakesQuarterly
AwardCertificate
VenueJinja
Field focus
Screening, trachoma control, eye health education and referral pathways for district health teams.
Continuing Professional Development
- Practising ophthalmic clinical officers and eye care staff holding a relevant qualification.
- No formal examination — attendance and participation are assessed.
- Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis per workshop.
- Short online registration form and proof of professional registration.
At a glance
Duration2–5 days
Study modeWorkshop
ScheduleRolling
AwardCPD certificate
FormatOn campus / online
Popular topics
Slit-lamp technique, diabetic retinopathy screening, paediatric eye care and infection control in eye units.
How to apply
Four steps from enquiry to enrolment
Follow the steps below and our admissions team will guide you the rest of the way.
01
Check requirements
Confirm you meet the entry requirements for your chosen programme and gather your documents.
02
Complete the form
Fill in the online application form below, or collect a printed copy from the registry.
03
Interview & selection
Shortlisted applicants are invited for an interview and academic review at the campus.
04
Accept & enrol
Accept your offer, pay the required fees and join us for orientation week.
Apply online
Start your application
Takes about 5 minutes. Fields marked with * are required.
Fees structure
Transparent, predictable costs
Indicative fees per academic year. Figures are reviewed annually and confirmed in your admission letter.
| Fee item | Diploma in Ophthalmology | Refraction & Low Vision | Community Eye Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fees | UGX 1,200,000 | UGX 700,000 | UGX 450,000 |
| Functional fees | UGX 250,000 | UGX 180,000 | UGX 120,000 |
| Examination fees | UGX 150,000 | UGX 100,000 | — |
| Clinical attachment & field visits | UGX 180,000 | UGX 90,000 | UGX 80,000 |
| Accommodation (optional) | UGX 400,000 | UGX 400,000 | UGX 150,000 |
| Development levy | UGX 100,000 | UGX 60,000 | UGX 40,000 |
| Indicative annual total | UGX 2,280,000 | UGX 1,530,000 | UGX 840,000 |
Please note: All figures above are placeholders for illustration.
Fees may be paid in two instalments per semester. A bank slip from the designated
school account must be presented at the bursar's office to obtain a receipt.
Students on government or partner sponsorship should present a sponsorship
commitment letter during registration.
Key dates
Admissions calendar
Mark these dates so you never miss a deadline.
1 May 2026
Applications open
Online and printed application forms become available at the registry.
31 August 2026
Application deadline
All applications and supporting documents must be received by 5:00 pm.
15 September 2026
Shortlisting announced
Shortlisted applicants are contacted by phone and email with interview details.
28 Sept – 9 Oct 2026
Interviews & academic review
Interviews take place at the school campus in Jinja. Bring original documents.
20 October 2026
Admission letters issued
Successful candidates receive offer letters and registration instructions.
January 2027
Registration & orientation
New students report for registration, orientation and the start of classes.
Funding
Scholarships & financial support
We work with partners to make training accessible to talented candidates regardless of background.
Partner bursaries
Eye health NGOs and hospital partners occasionally fund tuition for students committed to serving in rural districts after graduation.
Need basedFemale student support
Targeted support to encourage more women into ophthalmic clinical practice, particularly from underserved districts.
EquityFlexible payment plans
Tuition can be paid in instalments across the semester. Speak to the bursar's office to arrange a plan that works for your family.
All students
Downloads
Documents & forms
Download and print the documents you need for your application.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Still unsure? Call or email the admissions office and we'll help.
Applications for the main intake open on 1 May and close on 31 August each year. A second, smaller intake opens in October for the January cohort. Dates are published on this page and on our notice board.
Yes. There is no age limit for entry. Mature candidates (23 years and above) with relevant health work experience may also be considered under mature-age entry, provided they meet the science subject requirements.
Yes. A limited number of hostel places are available for both male and female students. Accommodation is optional and charged separately — see the fees structure above. We recommend applying early if you need a room.
Yes. Tuition can be paid in two instalments per semester. Please speak to the bursar's office before registration to agree on a payment plan. All payments must be made through the designated school bank account.
Yes. Shortlisted candidates must bring original certificates, a national ID and any recommendation letters for verification. Copies submitted online are not a substitute for originals at interview.
Yes. All students are placed in partner hospitals and eye units for supervised clinical attachment as part of the programme. Placement is arranged by the school and included in the clinical attachment fee.
You will receive an acknowledgement by email or SMS within three working days. Applications are then reviewed for eligibility. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview and academic review, after which admission letters are issued.
Still have questions?
Our admissions team is available Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Call, email or visit the campus in Jinja — we're happy to help.