Rwanda

Why study a Bachelor or Master in Rwanda

Find all the study programs in Rwanda

  • About
  • Study
  • Living
  • Universities
  • Student Visa
  • How to Apply
  • Scholarship

About Rwanda

If you want to study in Rwanda, you do not need to worry about your admission, application, and accommodation.read on to learn more about the top-ranked universities there and how to apply for universities and a study visa.

 location

Rwanda is a landlocked African country, and Kigali is the capital of the State of Rwanda. Despite its small area, it is one of the highest African countries in terms of population density. Rwanda is characterized by its mountainous nature with scenic views; Deep valleys and steep hills abound in it, so it is called in French the name “land of a thousand hills”, meaning the land of a thousand hills, and its population is concentrated in rural areas.

Rwanda is located in the central and eastern part of Africa. It is south of the Equator. This makes it one of the hottest countries in the region. It is near Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and Congo.

The region

The region is unique for Africa. The region has savannas in the east, beautiful mountain ranges in the west and various lakes throughout the country. Most of the country remains rural, but there are some larger urban regions to study in. The country has three major ethnic groups including the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. Rwanda is home to over 12 million people.

Language

Language is the core of the culture and belief system of the Rwandan people. The people of Rwanda mainly speak three major languages: Kinyarwanda, French and English. These three languages are also official. Interactions with other members of the East African community led to the introduction of the Swahili language in the country, particularly for trade purposes. The pre-colonial, colonial, post-colonial as well as post-genocide periods in the country have influenced the adoption and use of these languages.

religion 

The largest religion in Rwanda is Roman Catholicism, but there have been significant changes in the country’s religious demographics since the genocide, with many conversions to evangelical Christianity and, to a lesser extent, Islam.

Study in Rwanda

study in Rwanda

The country is a formidably interesting country for international students to study in. For those who are looking for an opportunity for study abroad in a country with a very unique and interesting culture, this country could be an unmatched location.

Studying abroad means that individuals need to learn about the country and the opportunities it presents. Rwanda has so much to offer most students including both graduates and undergraduates. With key opportunities available to most students, it helps to get to know what these programs and schools have to offer today’s student.

Why should you study in Rwanda?

There are countless reasons for students to move to Rwanda for accomplishing their studies. Rwanda is culturally rich and has always had a great significance on the international community. Yet the country is diverse in terms of history and landscape where one can always explore the jungles as well as the natural landscape of this great country.

Aspiring students who want to study in this country can always find the wide varieties of courses available in several different universities across the country. Yet there’s prevailing political stability in Rwanda.

The country has a creative environment which engages students to realize their potential. Education system has strived to maintain enviable standards for education with competent trained faculty, the highest standards of learning as well as international recognition for degree programs.

Therefore, students who are moving to Rwanda have too many reasons to count for taking such a step. The environment in the country is suitable for accomplishing study. It’s a new atmosphere and a formidable experiment who want to dig into the wonders of East Africa. There are several cultures competing in the country, benefiting those who will come to it for learning. Yet the country is economically rising. It’s an opportunity for students to study in a country called Singapore of Africa. 

How much does it cost?

There are several cheap universities in Rwanda. There, international students can get access to high education at an affordable cost. At the University of Rwanda, tuition fee for international undergraduate students reach $2,150 a year.

Yet tuition fee for international graduate students amount to $3,500 a year. At KIM University, tuition fee for international undergraduate students reach $3,000 a year and tuition fee for international graduate students are as equal as $4,500 a year. As for Kigali Independent University, tuition fee for international undergraduate students amount to $1,000 a year while tuition fee for international graduate students equal $4,000 a year

. At the University of Kibungo, tuition fees for international undergraduate students reach $1,500 a year while tuition fee for international graduate students amounts to $2,900 a year. 

Hence, there seems to be a wide range of cheap options for international students wishing to complete their studies in Rwanda.

Living in Rwanda

Cost of living 

The cost of living in Rwanda cannot be considered expensive. For example, a family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,582$ (1,609,602RF) without rent. Meanwhile, a single person estimated monthly costs are 444$ (451,486RF) without rent. Kigali is 67.46% less expensive than New York (without rent). In 2022, it’s estimated that one person could spend $630 to live in the country—including rent. 

Accommodation 

Many Rwandan universities offer help for students to find a place to stay. Housing ranges from placing a student in a family, living in university apartments, or offering independent housing.

If a student decides independent living is what they want, they might consider looking around at their Rwandan university’s notice boards as well as on notice boards at another nearby universities.

Many rooms are advertised by word of mouth and students that already spend some time at the host university will know what is available and not.

A good tip for the student is to ask at the home university for students that will be finished their studies in Rwanda for reliable information. In general, an apartment with 1 bedroom, self-contained, costs $68 – $138 per month while a shared apartment (2+ bedrooms, self-contained) costs $59 – $114 per month.

Transportation

One way or return ticket only $0.34, local transportation, monthly pass is $12.50, the normal starting fare for a taxi is $2.65 and takes approximately $1.44 per kilometer, 1 liter gasoline at $1.

Average car prices: the price of a new Volkswagen Golf KW Trendline 1.4 at around $23,057, while a new Toyota Corolla sedan is about $12,009.

Universities in Rwanda

The country has a host of universities with fairly good educational facilities. A memorable experience is awaiting the students who move to Rwanda for studying. 

Kampala International University (KIU)

Established in 2001, the university operates a multi-campus system. It consists of two campuses in Uganda (The Main campus in Kampala and the Western Campus in Ishaka-Bushenyi); one other university in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

There is a third one is being developed in Nairobi Kenya. The University which started as a typical degree-awarding institution has now grown into the number one private university in Uganda. It is currently ranked number 5 in the country according to the 2019 Webometric Ranking, out of 50 universities.

The university is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the Association of Africa Universities as well as the Inter University-Council of East Africa. It offers a variety of programms in Health Sciences, Science and Technology, Engineering, Business and Management, Law, Humanities and Education.

Islamic University of Uganda 

The Islamic University in Uganda was opened in the 1988 by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) under a bilateral agreement between the Government of Uganda (GOU) and the OIC. In 1990, the Parliament of Uganda enacted a law, The Islamic University in Uganda Act (cap 131, Laws of Uganda), formally founding the university in Uganda.

The university’s motto is ‘O My Lord, Advance Me in Knowledge’. It appears in the majors it’s giving to students. It offers a wide range of courses, including on Arts & Humanities, Business and Social Sciences, Engineering, Language and Cultural Studies, Medicine and Health, Science and Technology.

Cavendish University Uganda (CUU)

Cavendish University Uganda (CUU) is a leading private university in Uganda. It was established in 2008. The university is licensed and accredited by the Uganda National Council for Higher Education.

The university’s student-centric academic model deploys global best practices in teaching and learning and aims to fulfill the Mission of CUU, which is to transform and inspire students to reach their full potential in employment, entrepreneurship, and ethical leadership.

The university provides market-relevant and accredited academic programs hosted in four Faculties of Law, Science & Technology, Business & Management, and Socio-Economic Sciences. Additionally, there is a School of Postgraduate Studies & Research.

Learning at the university is innovative, student-centric, participatory, dynamic, and practical. The university offers a sophisticated artificially intelligent platform to support blended learning, projects, case studies, distance learning, and other functional and active learning forms.

The university is said to have a large student population hailing from over 28 countries. More than 8,000 students have graduated from CUU in many different

Student Visa - Rwanda

To study at any of the universities in Rwanda, international students are required to obtain a Rwandan student visa depending on their country of origin. It has made it easy for you to follow the documents that may be required when applying for a visa in this guide!

However, you are advised to always check with the Consulate/Embassy for more details on visa requirements.

To receive a Rwandan student visa, you must first be accepted into an educational institution in Rwanda. This is why it is important to apply through RocApply and secure a vacancy at any university of your choice to proceed with your visa application.

The student must then apply to the Department of State for a permit to obtain your student visa.

Entry requirements for a student in Rwanda

Any foreign national intending to enter Rwanda for study purposes must:

  • Obtaining a Rwandan visa (if any) to facilitate his entry into the country.
  • Enter Seychelles from and through authorized ports of entry only.
  • Bring a valid passport to the immigration officer at the port of entry.
  • Declaration of purpose of entry to the islands and the intended training institution.
  • Go to the designated immigration office after entry and get your student permit to study in Seychelles.

How to apply - Rwanda

When applying for admission to Rwanda universities. you should prepare all required documents. Request a list of necessary documents directly from a university:

  • TOEFL Certificate
  • Photographs
  • Diploma evalution (local authorities)
  • Proof of fee payment
  • Online Application form
  • Passport
  • Application fee

Scholarship in Rwanda

There are many forms of financial aid and scholarships available and several ways to acquire them. Read on to learn more about this topic.

Scholarships

There are scholarships based on merit, sports skill and other skills that can allow you to get financial assistance. There are both government and private scholarships available to students. Here are some of the most popular scholarships you should look into and apply to: 

African Leadership University

African Leadership University offers full scholarships for international students to finish their studies in Rwanda. The scholarship is for all majors chosen by the applicants. Interested persons can be from any country and they must be accepted by the university in order to apply for the scholarship.

Nationality

United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Djibouti, Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Comoros, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen