Faq's

General frequently asked questions

We know that choosing where to study and how to manage your research journey comes with many questions. This page brings together the most common things students and parents ask us about Kumba, the Study in Uganda (SIU) Programme, and our Research Assistance services.

If you can't find your specific question here, feel free to reach out directly. Our team is always happy to guide you personally through the process and provide clarity at every step.

Have Any Question ?

Kumba provides two specialised services:

The SIU Programme is open to international students from all countries who wish to pursue a degree or postgraduate qualification in Uganda. Whether you’re a fresh high-school graduate, a transfer student, or a professional seeking postgraduate study, Kumba supports you throughout the entire process.

We work with a curated list of accredited and internationally recognised Ugandan universities. These institutions offer strong programmes in Medicine, Engineering, IT, Business, Social Sciences, and more. Based on your academic background and career goals, we guide you toward the institution that best aligns with your aspirations.

Admission is ultimately determined by the university itself. However, Kumba significantly increases your chances by helping you:
  • Select the right programme
  • Properly prepare and authenticate required documents
  • Meet academic and immigration criteria
  • Submit a complete, compliant application
We ensure your file is strong, accurate, and competitive.

Timelines vary by programme and country of origin, but generally:
  • University admission: approximately 2–6 weeks after submission of a complete application.
  • Visa and entry permit processing: typically 1–4 weeks, depending on your embassy or consular requirements.
  • Onboarding and settling in: our team supports you immediately upon arrival (airport pickup, accommodation, and orientation).
We encourage students to start the process early so there is enough time for any additional requests from universities or immigration.

Our SIU Programme provides end-to-end arrival support, including:
  • Airport pickup and assistance with immigration on arrival.
  • Help securing safe, student-friendly accommodation.
  • City and campus orientation (how to move around, where to find key services).
  • Support with SIM card and mobile money setup.
  • Guidance on safety, culture, transport, and basic living costs.
You are not left to figure things out alone; we walk with you through the transition period.

Yes. Parents or guardians are welcome to accompany students during travel and on arrival in Uganda. We can provide:
  • Basic guidance on visitor visa options for parents/guardians.
  • Coordination of airport pickup for both student and accompanying adult.
  • Support with short-stay accommodation recommendations near the university or within the city.
This can be especially helpful for younger students or first-time international travellers.

Costs depend on the level of study, university choice, programme, and accommodation preferences. Kumba provides a clear and transparent cost breakdown which may cover:
  • Application and processing support.
  • Document authentication and verification services.
  • Visa and immigration guidance.
  • Airport pickup and arrival support.
  • Accommodation search and placement assistance.
You only pay for the services you actually need, and all fees are communicated upfront before we proceed.

Kumba does not own student hostels, but we work with trusted accommodation providers close to major universities. We help you:
  • Compare different options (hostels, shared apartments, homestays).
  • Understand costs, house rules, and facilities.
  • Secure a place either before arrival or soon after you land.
Our priority is safety, affordability, and convenience for your studies.

Uganda is widely known as a warm and welcoming country, with many international students studying in its universities. As with any destination, basic precautions are important, and we support you by:
  • Advising on safe neighbourhoods and transport options.
  • Offering guidance on local culture and etiquette.
  • Providing contacts for emergency support and key services.
We combine our local knowledge with your university’s policies to help you feel safe and settled.

We support students at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD level with:
  • Choosing and refining research topics and questions.
  • Structuring literature reviews and proposals.
  • Designing research methodology.
  • Data analysis support (qualitative and quantitative).
  • Academic writing, organisation, and clarity.
  • Editing and proofreading to meet academic standards.
Our goal is to strengthen the quality and coherence of your research while leaving you firmly in control of your work.

No. Kumba does not write assignments, theses, or dissertations for students. What we provide is:
  • Guidance, supervision-style support, and coaching.
  • Technical help with data analysis and structure.
  • Language and clarity improvements through editing.
You remain the author of your work and are responsible for all ideas and final submissions. Our work is aligned with principles of academic integrity.

Yes. We can:
  • Run plagiarism checks using reputable tools.
  • Show you where similarity is high and why.
  • Guide you on how to paraphrase correctly.
  • Help you apply citation styles such as APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago.
Our focus is to help you learn proper academic writing and referencing, not to simply “reduce percentages”.

Our consultations are flexible and designed around your schedule. Once you reach out:
  • We assess your needs and timelines.
  • We agree on the best communication channel (WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meet, email, etc.).
  • You share the necessary documents or questions.
  • A specialist is assigned to guide you through each stage.
Sessions can be one-off or spread out over your project, depending on the depth of support you require.

Absolutely. Many of our students:
  • First join Ugandan universities through the Study in Uganda (SIU) Programme, and
  • Later return to us for Research Assistance when they start major projects, dissertations, or theses.
Using both services gives you continuity: we understand your journey from application to advanced research.

Getting started is simple:
  • Step 1: Submit an inquiry or application through our website or contact channels.
  • Step 2: A Kumba advisor schedules a consultation to understand your goals.
  • Step 3: We review your academic background and documents.
  • Step 4: You receive a personalised study or research plan, including timelines and costs.
  • Step 5: Once you confirm, we begin processing immediately and keep you updated at each milestone.

Students and parents choose Kumba because we offer:
  • Reduced risk of errors: your application and documents are prepared correctly the first time.
  • Clear immigration guidance: we help you understand and meet visa requirements.
  • Local expertise: we know Uganda’s education system, cities, and student life from the inside.
  • Personalised care: we don’t treat you as a file number – you have a real team following your case.
  • Continuous support: from pre-arrival to research stages, we stay available to you.
In short, Kumba is here to make your journey smooth, legal, safe, and stress-free, so you can focus on learning and growth.