Every year after UACE results come out, students and parents compare their weights against university cut off points. If you understand how weights are calculated, you can choose courses where you have a realistic chance and avoid wasting application fees.
The method below is the one commonly used by public universities such as Makerere, Kyambogo, MUST and Gulu for government sponsorship and private admissions. Always confirm the specific rules in each university's admission guidelines for the year.
Step 1: Convert your A Level grades to points
- A = 6 points
- B = 5 points
- C = 4 points
- D = 3 points
- E = 2 points
- O (subsidiary pass) = 1 point
- F = 0 points
Subsidiary subjects such as General Paper and Subsidiary Mathematics or ICT are graded as pass (1 point) or fail (0).
Step 2: Identify essential, relevant and desirable subjects
Each university course lists:
- Essential subjects: the two most important principal subjects for the course. Each is multiplied by 3.
- Relevant subject: the best done of the remaining principal subjects that are relevant. Multiplied by 2.
- Desirable subjects: usually General Paper and a subsidiary subject. Each is multiplied by 1.
For example, for Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, Biology and Chemistry are typically essential, while Physics or Mathematics may count as relevant.
Step 3: Add O Level bonus points
Many public universities add a small bonus for O Level results, based on your UCE grades in each subject. Traditionally, a distinction earned about 0.3, a credit about 0.2 and a pass about 0.1 per subject. With the new competency based UCE grading, universities publish how they translate the new grades, so check the current guidelines.
Step 4: Add any other bonus
Female applicants for public university government sponsorship have historically received an additional 1.5 points to promote gender balance. Confirm each year, as policies can change.
Worked example
Amina sat PCB with Subsidiary Mathematics and wants to study a health science course where Biology and Chemistry are essential and Physics is relevant.
- Biology: B = 5 points x 3 = 15
- Chemistry: C = 4 points x 3 = 12
- Physics: C = 4 points x 2 = 8
- General Paper: pass = 1 x 1 = 1
- Subsidiary Mathematics: pass = 1 x 1 = 1
A Level weight = 15 + 12 + 8 + 1 + 1 = 37
Suppose her O Level bonus adds 2.2 points and she qualifies for the female bonus of 1.5 points:
Total weight = 37 + 2.2 + 1.5 = 40.7
She would then compare 40.7 with the cut off points for her chosen courses.
The maximum possible weight
With A in both essential subjects (6 x 3 x 2 = 36), A in the relevant subject (6 x 2 = 12) and passes in two desirable subjects (2), the A Level maximum is 50 before bonus points.
Understanding cut off points
- Government sponsorship cut off points are usually the highest, because places are limited and free.
- Private admission cut off points are lower and vary by course.
- Cut off points change every year depending on the number and quality of applicants.
- Courses like medicine, law, pharmacy, engineering and architecture usually have the highest cut offs.
Tips for choosing courses
- Calculate your weight for each course separately, because essential subjects differ.
- Look at previous years' cut off points as a guide, not a guarantee.
- Mix your choices: include one ambitious course, one realistic course and one safe course.
- Check minimum requirements: two principal passes are generally required for degree admission.
- Consider diploma routes if your points are low. Diploma holders can later join degree programmes.
Frequently asked questions
Do private universities use the same weighting?
Many private universities admit students based on minimum requirements, often two principal passes, rather than strict weights. Some competitive programmes still use weights.
Does a failed General Paper matter?
It reduces your weight and some programmes may treat it differently. Check the university's guidelines.
Can I combine results from two sittings?
Universities have specific rules on combining results. Many consider only one sitting for UACE. Confirm with the admissions office.
Get personal guidance
Choosing the right course can shape your career. Book a short call with a verified education consultant on The Quick Consult to review your results and options. Always confirm current rules with each university.