Victoria University has emerged as Uganda’s second-best-ranked university in the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) Revised Institutional Ranking Report, a milestone that highlights the institution’s growth and the importance of sustained investment in modern higher education facilities.
The achievement reflects years of investment under businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, whose financial commitment to the university has supported the development of modern learning infrastructure and facilities aimed at preparing students for the demands of today’s job market.
Victoria University scored 87.4 points in the NCHE ranking, narrowly behind Makerere University, which led with 88.9 points. Kampala International University placed third with 85.8 points.
The recognition comes as Victoria University prepares to hold its 10th graduation ceremony on October 20, 2026, marking another milestone in its development as a private higher education institution.
For Dr. Sudhir, whose business interests span real estate, hospitality, education and other sectors, the university’s performance provides a significant moment in assessing the role of private investment in strengthening Uganda’s higher education sector.
Investment in Modern Facilities Supports Growth
Victoria University’s rise in the national rankings highlights the importance of investing in facilities, academic programmes and learning environments that respond to changing educational needs.
Through the resources committed to the institution, Dr. Sudhir has supported efforts to position the university as a modern learning centre, with facilities intended to support teaching, practical training and professional development.
Modern universities increasingly require more than lecture rooms. Students need access to appropriate learning technologies, practical training environments, research resources and other facilities that connect classroom learning to real-world professional demands.
Such investments are particularly important in Uganda, where universities are under growing pressure to equip graduates with skills relevant to employers and the wider economy.
Victoria University’s latest ranking offers an opportunity to assess how infrastructure development, academic delivery and institutional management can work together to strengthen a university’s standing.
Enrolment and Academic Programmes Expand
According to the reported NCHE figures, Victoria University has an enrolment of 14,113 students across 66 academic programmes, earning it a place in the regulator’s “Leading” performance category.
The ranking assesses institutions against seven indicators: student enrolment, programme viability, graduate training, gender balance, participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), female participation in STEM and curriculum relevance.
These measures provide a broader assessment of institutional performance beyond reputation alone, examining student participation, programme delivery and the alignment of academic training with national development needs.
Victoria University’s second-place finish therefore places the spotlight on its progress as it continues to develop its academic offering and strengthen its position in Uganda’s competitive higher education market.
Women’s Participation and STEM Training Stand Out
The university’s reported figures also indicate progress in gender representation and science-related education.
Women account for 50.1 per cent of the student population, while STEM programmes account for 52.7 per cent of total enrolment. Female students represent 49.2 per cent of those enrolled in STEM disciplines.
These figures point to a student population with substantial female participation and a strong presence in science- and technology-related fields.
For Uganda, expanding access to STEM education is important as the country seeks to strengthen its capacity in technology, engineering, innovation and other skills-intensive sectors.
Universities have an important role in this process by providing learning opportunities that equip students to participate in a changing economy.
A Milestone Ahead of the 10th Graduation
The national ranking comes as Victoria University marks a decade of academic development and prepares to graduate another cohort of students.
The institution’s performance also reinforces the wider discussion about the contribution of private investors to education in Uganda. Beyond establishing institutions, sustained investment must translate into quality teaching, relevant programmes, practical skills and opportunities for graduates.
For Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, Victoria University’s performance represents an important milestone in the education component of the Ruparelia Group’s diversified investment portfolio.
The next challenge will be to sustain the institution’s performance through continued investment in academic quality, research, innovation, staff development and facilities that meet recognised standards.
As Uganda’s higher education sector evolves, Victoria University’s second-place ranking places it among the institutions attracting national attention. Maintaining that position will depend on turning investment in infrastructure into lasting academic outcomes and graduates who can contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
