Founded on a need East Africa still has

Shepherds Training College (STC) is a private Christian institution categorized as an Other Degree Awarding Institution (ODAI) accredited by the responsible body in the government of Uganda. STC was founded in 2018 based on the need in East Africa for competent, affordable, biblical, and theologically-sound Christian tertiary education.

In February 2019, STC received its first group of students from a variety of churches and denominational partners.

  • Shepherds Training College (STC) is a private Christian institution categorized as an Other Degree Awarding Institution (ODAI) accredited by the responsible body in the government of Uganda. STC was founded in 2018 based on the need in East Africa for competent, affordable, biblical, and theologically-sound Christian tertiary education.

  • To see a multitude of pastors faithfully shepherding thriving, Christ-exalting churches that transform their communities for the King and his kingdom

  • To systematically and comprehensively equip pastors for the weighty task of shepherding God’s Church and penetrating the world with God’s Word by providing excellent and rigorous God-centered programs in a loving and nurturing environment

    • Knowledge: To provide training focused on biblical and theological accuracy and competency

    • Character: To develop men who live consistent lives of Christian virtue and provide examples to their communities as demonstrated by faithfulness to God and fruitfulness in ministry

    • Skills: To equip pastors with essential ministry skills of preaching, biblical counseling, and church leadership

    • Accessibility: To provide affordable Christian tertiary education to church leaders that equips them to effectively minister in their own local churches and communities

Why a pastoral college, why here

The need

Churches across East Africa lacked trained leaders grounded in Scripture. Affordable, accredited, and biblically faithful education was urgently needed to equip men and women for ministry.

The response

Founded in 2018, S offers accredited certificate, diploma, and degree programs. With 97% of tuition covered by scholarships, students from diverse churches receive accessible, Christ‑centered training.

The result

Graduates return to their churches equipped for leadership and service. They strengthen ministries with biblical conviction, creating a growing network of leaders sustaining gospel‑centered work across Uganda and East Africa.

What we believe

Shepherds Training College (STC) holds to the doctrinal statement of Sufficiency of Scripture Ministries in full - covering Scripture, the Godhead, salvation, and the church. Every course taught at STC is accountable to it.

Read the full doctrinal statement

Frequently Asked Questions

  • STC is a private Christian institution in Kubamitwe, Luweero, Uganda, categorized as an Other Degree Awarding Institution (ODAI) accredited by the responsible body in the government of Uganda. STC was founded in 2018 to meet the need in East Africa for competent, affordable, biblical, and theologically sound Christian tertiary education. The first group of students arrived in February 2019.

  • STC holds to the doctrinal statement of Sufficiency of Scripture Ministries in full, covering Scripture, the Godhead, salvation, and the church. Every course taught at STC is accountable to this statement. Read the full doctrinal statement.

  • Three pathways: a Certificate in Christian Foundations & Discipleship, a Diploma in Pastoral Ministry, and a Bachelor of Pastoral Ministry degree. Coursework covers Bible & Theology, Preaching & Teaching, Pastoral Ministry, and Christian Living.

  • The Certificate is a 2-year program (1 year residential, 1 year of field-based ministry practicum). The Diploma and Degree programs are 3 years, fully residential, with students' families living on campus. Each term runs 8 weeks at the certificate level and 15 weeks for the Diploma and Degree, across 3 terms per year.

  • Yes. Certificate students are residential in year one before moving to field work; Diploma and Degree students are fully residential for all three years, together with their families.

  • Requirements vary by program and by whether you're a Ugandan or international student (for example, UCE/UACE passes for Ugandan applicants, or NCHE-recognized qualifications for international applicants), with a Mature Age Entry Scheme also available. Full requirements for each program are listed on the Admissions page.

  • Download and complete the application form, attach the requested supporting documents, then either return it to the STC campus or scan and email/WhatsApp it as a single PDF. STC will then contact you to schedule a personal interview. Download the PDF application.

  • All certificate students receive scholarship support, with 97% of tuition covered by scholarships.

  • STC is along Gulu Road in Luweero, Uganda, about 8 km off the Gulu–Kampala highway (from Lukomera). Follow the SOS Ministries signposts to the SOS Ministries campus. Address: P.O. Box 7, Luweero along Gulu road, Uganda.

  • Phone: +256 (0) 709 004 486 · WhatsApp (Admissions): +256 (0) 709 004 481 · Email: info@stc.ac.ug · Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm.