January 9 - 15, 2027, Aga Khan University, Uganda

Registration Link | Progra​​mme | ​Fee Schedule 

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Following a successful edition in Kenya last year, the Aga Khan University Pre-University Boot Camp returns this year in Uganda. Scheduled for January 9 - 15, 2027, at the Aga Khan University Nakawa, the camp is bringing together young people preparing for university or higher education from Uganda, East Africa and beyond: under the theme: Discover New Possibilities. Find Your Edge. Build Skills for Life.  It is a vibrant platform to learn from experts, connect with peers from diverse backgrounds, explore new interests, build confidence and develop a mindset for lifelong learning.

This time around, The Aga Khan University Pre-University Boot Camp is also open for university and technical students and fresh graduates starting their professional lives ready to have a dynamic mix of academic exploration, professional exposure, personal development, leadership, creativity, cultural experience and social engagement.

Why Attend the Pre-University Boot Camp?

Education is more than academic qualifications. The ability to communicate effectively, work with others, solve problems, adapt to change, think creatively and understand yourself are skills that remain valuable throughout life. The Aga Khan University Pre-University Boot Camp 2027 provides anopportunity to participants to develop these transferable skills while experiencing a vibrant learning environment at Aga Khan University in Uganda. 

To this, Participants will have opportunities to:

• Explore their interests, strengths and potential career pathways.

• Develop communication, leadership and teamwork skills.

• Strengthen critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving abilities.

• Build confidence, self-awareness and resilience.

• Gain exposure to professionals and real-world experiences.

• Learn how to navigate transitions in education, careers and life.

• Connect with young people from different countries, cultures and educational backgrounds.

• Discover opportunities for further education, professional development and personal growth.

• Develop skills that can support them in university, technical training, employment, entrepreneurship and everyday life.

• Build networks and friendships that can extend beyond the camp.

What to Expect

The Aga Khan University Pre-University Boot Camp 2027 combines learning, exploration, creativity, professional exposure and social experiences to create a memorable and transformative experience.​

 

Interactive Learning Sessions

The sessions will encourage participants to think critically, communicate confidently, work collaboratively, solve problems creatively and approach challenges with an open and growth-oriented mindset.

 

Career and Professional Exposure

Participants will have opportunities to learn about the changing world of work, understand the skills employers and organisations value, and explore how their interests can translate into meaningful career opportunities.

 

New Technology and Artificial Intelligence

Participants will explore how artificial intelligence can boost creativity and support innovative thinking, from generating new ideas to solving problems in fresh ways. Through hands-on sessions, they will be introduced to AI tools used in education and learn practical ways to apply them to their studies, projects and everyday learning, thereby building the digital literacy and confidence to use new technology responsibly and effectively.

 

Leadership and Personal Development

Discover your strengths and learn how to use them effectively. Through interactive activities and guided reflection, participants will explore leadership, self-awareness, decision-making, confidence, resilience and personal responsibility.

 

University and Campus Experience

For participants considering university, the camp provides an opportunity to experience university life and gain a better understanding of what to expect beyond secondary school. Participants will also interact with students and members of the Aga Khan University community, gaining insights into academic and student life.

 

Campus Tour

Explore the Aga Khan University campus and discover the spaces where students learn, collaborate, innovate and build their university experience. The tour will show participants how an environment designed for learning, collaboration and innovation can support their educational journey.

 

Creativity, Innovation and Problem-Solving

Participants will be encouraged to think differently, experiment with ideas and explore their creative potential. Through creative activities and collaborative challenges, the camp will encourage curiosity, innovation and practical problem-solving.

 

Cultural Exploration

The camp brings together participants from Uganda, East Africa and beyond, creating an opportunity to learn from different cultures, perspectives and experiences. Participants will engage in cultural and social experiences that encourage appreciation of diversity and broaden their understanding of the region and the world.

 

Social Life and Networking

Learning also happens through relationships and shared experiences. Participants will have opportunities to interact, make new friends, share ideas and build meaningful connections with other young people. The programme will include selected social and recreational experiences in Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja, providing opportunities to explore, relax and connect outside the classroom.

 

Campfire Experience

The campfire will provide a relaxed environment for participants to reflect on their experiences, share stories, connect with one another and celebrate the friendships and memories created during the programme.

Who Can Apply?

The Pre-University Boot Camp welcomes young people from Uganda, East Africa and beyond who are ready to learn, explore new possibilities and develop skills for their personal, academic and professional growth. The camp is open to:

• Advanced-level students and recent school leavers preparing to transition to university or other forms of higher education.

• University students seeking to strengthen their personal, professional and leadership skills.

• Students pursuing technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and other professional courses.

• Fresh graduates preparing to enter the workplace and ready explore further education and career opportunities.

• Young people exploring different education and career pathways and seeking to develop transferable skills for lifelong learning and personal growth.

A Regional Learning Experience

The Pre-University Boot Camp welcomes participants from Uganda, East Africa and beyond, creating a diverse community of young people with different experiences, aspirations and perspectives. This regional and international dimension allows participants to learn from one another, exchange ideas and develop a broader understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing young people today. By bringing together participants from different backgrounds, the camp creates an environment where diversity becomes a source of learning, connection and inspiration.

How to Apply

Candidates are required to complete the online application form.

Click here 

Applicants will be required to upload the following:

1. One clear, recent photograph showing your full face. (Self-and-party photographs are not accepted.)

2. Documentary evidence of academic eligibility, such as evidence of your current or most recently completed level of education.

3. Application fee acknowledgement receipt or payment notification for the USD 16 application fee.

4. Essay response to the question below, with a maximum of 400 words.

Essay prompt: The Aga Khan University Pre-University Boot Camp is about exploring new possibilities and discovering your edge. Describe a moment when you discovered something new about yourself, whether in school, at university, through technical or professional training, with friends, at work or through another activity. How did that experience shape your interests or goals?

Programme Fees

​​Application Fee*	​USD 16 or USH 60,000
​​Programme Fee Breaku​p (Payable upon acceptance of offer)
​Programme Fee	​EAC USD $ 466 (USH 1,747,500) and International USD $ 516 Amount covers programme resources, excursions and related transport, creative arts and all meals.
​Security Fee**	​USD 40 (USH 150,000)
​Hostel Accommodation and Transport (Optional) To b​e paid separately
​Item	​Total Cost
​Accommodation 8 days*	​USD 104 (USH 390,000)
​Transport to and from the airport	​USD 88
Notes  Selected students must pay for the programme and any applicable fees upon receiving an acceptance offer.  All programme fees are non-refundable.  Students outside Uganda must make their own travel and visa arrangements; the University will provide the necessary supporting letters.  Attending the programme on time will be the responsibility of the student.   Transport to and from the airport will also be the responsibility of the students, a request may be made to the University on self-payment basis.  Students traveling from overseas must have valid travel insurance. Students from Uganda should have a valid medical cover.   * Mandatory and non-refundable. To be paid in advance.   ** Refunded after the programme after deducting damages.   ​

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Need Help With Your Application?

If you experience any challenges with the application or payment process, please contact:

Admissions Office- admissions.ug@aku.edu/ nicholas.katende@aku.edu

When contacting the admissions team, please include your full name and a brief description of the challenge you are experiencing.

Please Note

1. Last date for submission of application is Friday, December 18, 2026.

2. All related communication will be made through email. Please make sure that you have a valid functional email address.

Selection Process

• The University will evaluate each application on its merit, including your mark sheets/transcripts and essay. The number of seats in the programme is limited. Care will be taken to include a diverse group of students in the programme.

• The decision of the University will be final.

• If selected, you will receive an Acceptance Form. Only upon receiving our offer to attend the programme should you submit the programme fee in full of the Acceptance Form.

International Students

Selected international students must have a valid visa to be in Uganda. Please consult your country’s immigration office if you have any questions about visas, country-specific policies, or the necessary documentation for your visit. AKU will avail all necessary information should your immigration office require.  

Contacts

For your queries and further details please contact us at