Prepare for graduate study

Carnegie Mellon University Africa offers a program for undergraduates in their final year of study that provides a bridge to graduate study. The free intensive graduate study preparation program is intended for promising and motivated students who are interested in studying in one of the following areas at a master’s level: electrical engineering, computer engineering, information technology, telecommunications, networking, big data, artificial intelligence, or software engineering.

We have hosted 276 students as bridge program participants, 36 percent of which are female.

Applications are open through September 6, 2026

Please read prerequisites before applying

Program overview

The program will:
  • Raise your awareness of the specific academic skills required for successful graduate study
  • Deliver training on embedded system project development, incorporating IoT connectivity and AI capabilities
  • Give you a feel for the graduate study experience

Prerequisites and other information

Fall 2026 cohort

September 28 - November 13, 2026

  • Requirements:
    • Must be a Mount Kigali University Rwanda, University of Kigali, University of Rwanda, African Leadership University, Adventist University of Central Africa or UNILAK student currently in their final year or recently graduated.
    • Must be studying information technology, computer science, computer engineering, information systems, electronics and telecommunication engineering, or electrical engineering.
  • Location: in-person at CMU-Africa (Kigali, Rwanda) 
  • Transport: Transportation to and from CMU-Africa will be provided
  • Time commitment: 10 hours per week (Monday-Thursday 5:30-7:30 pm CAT and Friday 4-6 pm CAT)
  • Cost: Free for all admitted students
    • Refreshments provided (morning tea and lunch)

Read more about the bridge program