University of Rwanda | Tuition Fees and Admission
General Information
Overview
University of Rwanda (UR) is the largest public higher‑education institution in Rwanda, established in 2013 through the consolidation of several former public institutions into a unified national university. UR is located primarily in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, and has multiple campuses across the city and other regions, reflecting its broad mandate to serve the higher‑education needs of the country. The university aims to offer a wide array of academic programs including arts, social sciences, medicine, engineering and technology, agriculture, business and economics, among others — positioning itself as a comprehensive institution equipped to train professionals in many fields.
Since its founding, UR has committed to strengthening Rwanda’s human resource base, promoting research and innovation, and contributing to national development. The university plays a pivotal role in Rwanda’s Vision 2020 and Vision 2050 strategies, supporting the country’s socio-economic growth through skilled graduates, applied research, and regional collaborations. UR also emphasizes values such as academic excellence, ethical standards, social responsibility, and inclusivity, aiming to produce graduates who can contribute positively to society and the global workforce.
Contact Informations
Main Address / Headquarters: KN 75 Street, Nyarugenge, Kigali, Rwanda
General Email: info@ur.ac.rw
Admissions Email: admissions@ur.ac.rw
Key Contacts: Registrar Office and Admission & Registration Specialist, available via UR registry
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2013 (through merger of former public institutions) |
| Type | Public national university |
| Location / Campus Structure | Multiple campuses across Kigali and other regions; headquarters in Nyarugenge, Kigali |
| Number of Colleges / Faculties | Six main colleges: College of Arts and Social Sciences; College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences & Veterinary Medicine; College of Business and Economics; College of Education; College of Medicine and Health Sciences; College of Science and Technology |
| Student Enrollment (Recent) | Approximately 31,267 students |
| Academic & Administrative Staff (2024) | Total staff 1,982 — 1,357 academic staff, 625 administrative/support staff |
| Research Output (since 2013) | Over 3,432 publications by staff, majority from STEM colleges |
University of Rwanda Rankings
| Ranking Type | Standing / Notes |
|---|---|
| National (Rwanda) | Considered the flagship national public university, largest in the country, offering broad program coverage |
| Continental / Global Recognition | Appears among African universities in various institutional rankings; research centers contribute to its regional academic standing |
| Program‑based Strengths | Strong STEM programs, health sciences, agriculture, business, and economics given broad portfolio of colleges |
University of Rwanda Academics
University of Rwanda Faculties / Departments
- College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS)
- College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM)
- College of Business and Economics (CBE)
- College of Education (CE)
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS)
- College of Science and Technology (CST)
University of Rwanda Courses and Programs / Majors
- College of Arts and Social Sciences: Bachelor of Arts in Languages and Communication Studies, Creative and Performing Arts, Journalism and Communication; Bachelor of Social Sciences in History and Heritage, Public Administration, Political Science, Sociology, Social Work
- College of Business and Economics: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting & Corporate Finance, Transport & Logistics Management, Business Information Technology; Bachelor of Science in Economics
- College of Education: Bachelor of Education in Biology & Chemistry, Physics & Chemistry, Mathematics & Geography, Computer Science & Mathematics, languages; Special‑Needs Education; Early Childhood Education; Educational Psychology
- College of Science and Technology: Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, applied and basic sciences, engineering disciplines
- College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine: Agriculture, Animal Sciences, Veterinary Medicine
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences: Medicine, Public Health, Allied Health Disciplines
- Postgraduate programs including master’s and PhD tracks in STEM, social sciences, business, and health sciences
Online Learning
University of Rwanda offers digital platforms for admissions, course coordination, and postgraduate program management. Full degree programs are largely campus-based, with limited online instruction options primarily for administrative and supplementary purposes.
Average Test Scores
| Standardized Test | Data / Notes |
|---|---|
| SAT / ACT / GRE or equivalent | Not applicable; admissions are based on national qualifications and local entrance requirements |
Retention and Graduation Rates
UR does not publish detailed retention or graduation rates. Institutional data indicate tens of thousands of students have graduated since 2013, reflecting substantial throughput and program completion.
University of Rwanda Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
UR does not use GPA or standardized test metrics like SAT or ACT. Admissions are based on national qualifications, school-leaving certificates, and college-specific subject requirements.
University of Rwanda Acceptance Rate
| Admissions Type | Approximate Acceptance / Notes |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Admissions | Estimated 60–70%, selective but accessible to qualified candidates |
University of Rwanda Application Requirements
Applicants must submit certified secondary school credentials or international equivalents for foreign students. Required subject passes vary by program, especially for STEM and professional courses. International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency, and may need to complete preparatory modules if lacking proficiency. Additional evaluation may be required for certain programs. The process ensures applicants are academically prepared and aligned with UR’s standards and development goals.
Application Process
- Submit application through the UR admissions portal
- Provide academic transcripts and certifications
- Meet subject requirements for intended program
- International applicants submit credential evaluations and proof of English proficiency
- Accept admission offer and complete registration, including payment of fees
University of Rwanda Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Intake / Event | Typical Period / Notes |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Admission Intake | Mid-year, specific dates vary; check current announcements |
| Postgraduate Programmes | Master’s and PhD: September and April intakes; PhD by research: rolling admissions |
Essay Prompt
No uniform essay prompt for undergraduate admissions; focus is on academic credentials and program-specific requirements.
University of Rwanda Scholarships
Scholarships include government-backed sponsorships for eligible students, support for postgraduate studies, and international partnership opportunities for research and funded programs.
University of Rwanda Tuition Fees (Costs)
| Program / Level | Approximate Tuition / Notes |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 900,000 for STEM programs and 600,000 for Non STEM programs |
| Postgraduate | Average 2,500,000 for a Master Program (RWF) |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
UR enrolls approximately 31,267 students. Female students constitute about 38% of the student body. Age and ethnic breakdowns are not publicly specified.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Many students receive government sponsorships, indicating significant low-income representation. UR provides support services for students with disabilities, though detailed data are not publicly reported.
Student Body
| Category | Data / Notes |
|---|---|
| Total Enrolled Students | ~31,267 |
| Female Students | ~38% |
| International Students | Accepted; exact numbers not publicly reported |
University Diversity
UR serves a diverse student population across Rwanda and internationally. The student body spans multiple socio-economic backgrounds due to government sponsorships and private funding options. Gender representation shows efforts toward balance, and the wide range of programs fosters intellectual and disciplinary diversity. Inclusion of students with disabilities and postgraduate international researchers enhances cultural, academic, and experiential diversity. This environment supports collaboration, equity, and exposure to global perspectives while preparing graduates for varied professional contexts.
Average Earnings
UR does not publish average earnings of graduates. Employment outcomes vary widely based on program, specialization, experience, and sector. Graduates in STEM, health sciences, business, and technology are likely to have competitive opportunities due to demand in Rwanda and the region.
University of Rwanda Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
UR employs approximately 1,982 staff members, including 1,357 academic staff and 625 administrative/support staff. Academic staff increasingly hold advanced degrees to support teaching and research missions.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty expertise covers STEM fields, health sciences, agriculture, business, social sciences, humanities, and education. Over 3,400 publications since 2013 reflect active research engagement. Faculty participate in postgraduate supervision, research programs, and institutional collaborations, contributing to UR’s academic quality and national development objectives.
University of Rwanda Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
UR has multiple campuses in Kigali and other regions. Student life includes clubs, societies, research participation, and academic events. Housing is a combination of university-provided accommodation and urban private housing, reflecting the urban campus setting.
Transportation
Students have access to Kigali’s public transport system, taxis, and walking routes. Multi-campus distribution may require commuting. The urban location provides access to city amenities, cultural, and professional opportunities, complementing academic life.