Universities in Rwanda
The higher education system
| Type | Institutions, 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| General higher education institutions | 34 |
| Polytechnics | 5 |
| Total | 39 |
| Of which public | 3 |
| Of which private | 36 |
Source: Ministry of Education: Education Statistical Yearbook 2024/25; Ministry of Education: Higher learning institutions1,2
The Higher Education Council (HEC) regulates universities and their quality. Before hiring, an employer can check with the HEC that a private institution and its programme are recognised.
Public institutions
- University of Rwanda (UR): the largest university and the only public one, created in 2013 by merging six public institutions. It has 14 campuses; admission to medicine, engineering, law and pharmacy is very competitive.
- Rwanda Polytechnic (RP): the public polytechnic, with several campuses, for technical and vocational higher education.
- Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD): postgraduate legal training.
International campuses
| Institution | Where | What it teaches |
|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University Africa | Kigali Innovation City | Master’s degrees in information technology, electrical and computer engineering and engineering artificial intelligence, since 2011 |
| African Leadership University (ALU) Rwanda | Kigali Innovation City | Bachelor’s degrees in software engineering, entrepreneurial leadership and international business and trade, accredited by the HEC |
| University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) | Butaro, Burera District | Medicine and global health delivery, founded with Partners In Health in 2015 |
Source: Carnegie Mellon University Africa: About; African Leadership University: About ALU; Ministry of Education: President Kagame inaugurates the University of Global Health Equity, Butaro campus3,4,5
These campuses draw students from across Africa. Their graduates are a source of English-speaking engineers, software developers and health professionals for employers in Rwanda.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many universities are there in Rwanda?
Rwanda had 39 higher learning institutions in 2024/25, with 153,318 students. Enrolment grew by 17.5% in one year.
Which international universities have campuses in Rwanda?
Carnegie Mellon University Africa, the African Leadership University (ALU) and the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) have campuses in Rwanda.
How many students are in public institutions?
45,378 students were in public institutions in 2024/25, mainly the University of Rwanda and Rwanda Polytechnic. The rest study at private universities.
Sources
- Ministry of Education: Education Statistical Yearbook 2024/25
- Ministry of Education: Higher learning institutions
- Carnegie Mellon University Africa: About
- African Leadership University: About ALU
- Ministry of Education: President Kagame inaugurates the University of Global Health Equity, Butaro campus
Figures checked 8 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
