Frequently asked questions

October 1, 2022:  Applications for all programs open

December 15, 2022:  Early admission deadline

January 15, 2022:  Final application deadline

A complete application consists of a filled online application, response to the essay and video questions, CV/Resume, contact details of three referees, and unofficial transcripts. In addition, you can submit Duolingo English Test (DET), TOEFL, or IELTS score reports if you have them; CMU-Africa covers DET test fees for first-time applicants who submitted their applications before the early admission deadline of December 15th, 2022.

• Essays: You are required to answer a few questions in an essay format on the online application portal and one video essay.
• CV/Resume: You should upload your resume as a pdf file. The document uploaded should not be longer than two pages; additional pages will not be considered. 
• References/Recommendation: Once you access the online application, you will be required to enter the names, titles, and email addresses of your three referees.
  • MSECE: Your referees will receive a link to the online recommendation form they submit. 
  • MSIT/MSEAI: The Office of Graduate Admissions contact your references directly if needed.
• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts showing awarded grades to all coursework up to date must be uploaded to the online application portal. If you completed more than one degree, both transcripts must be uploaded as individual files.

Please review the graduate application process steps. Jump to the application page to start your application. 

1. You are a first-time user and are required to create an account and start a new application if:
   • You are applying to MSIT/MSEAI/MSECE for the first time.
   • You are a returning MSIT/MSEAI applicant, applying to the same program.
   • You are a returning MSIT/MSEAI/MSECE applicant, applying to a different program.
2. You are a returning user and are required to log in to continue your previous application if:
   • You are a returning MSECE applicant, reapplying to MSECE.
   • You have already created an application this cycle.

First, please have your recommender check his or her spam mail. If your recommender still did not receive the email, please log into your application and edit your Letters of Recommendation. Click 'exclude' to exclude the recommender who is unable to receive the email, and then add a new recommender. This can be the same person, but try using a different email address. If a personal email address is used for the recommender, the reference letter must be written on letterhead and attached to the email.

Please review the checklist on the status page of your submitted application to review completeness. If you have additional questions, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at applyafrica@andrew.cmu.edu and expect a response within 48 hours of sending your query.

Please wait to mail your transcript until you have been requested to do so. The Office of Graduate Admissions will share the address with you at the beginning of the matriculation process. 

GRE is not required for the 2022-2023 intake. 

All non-native English speakers must submit at least one valid score report from one of the following examinations: IELTS, TOEFL or the Duolingo English Test (DET).

Only applicants with undergraduate degrees from the USA, U.K and Canadian universities are exempt from providing English language exam scores with their application.

You may take either the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English test to fulfill the English proficiency requirement. While there are no minimum requirements, our admitted students typically score more than 90 on the TOEFL , 6.5 on the IELTS, or 105 on the Duolingo English Test.

If you choose to take the TOEFL or IELTS, please make sure you indicate CMU as a recipient for your test scores.

• TOEFL: Carnegie Mellon University - DI Code: 2074
• IELTS: Use the information below to send the scores to Carnegie Mellon University

Account Name: Carnegie Mellon University  

Address: 

Carnegie Mellon University 
College of Engineering
431 Hamerschlag Drive
Ansys Hall Suite 250
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

While there are no "cut-offs" for GPA, most of our students have graduated with 2nd class honors and above. Both the test scores and GPA are evaluated in the context of your entire application package.

Limited sections of the online application will remain open. Applicants are still able to update their resumé (CV), test scores, and upload unofficial transcripts after the application has been submitted. To edit your application, simply log into your application to upload a new document. 

MSECE applicants can also make changes to their referees. After logging in, you can send a reminder, request new letters, and exclude letters.

Applications will officially be closed on January 15th, 2021. Applicants will not be able to make any changes to their applications after that date. 

For any other inquiries regarding your application, please contact our Admissions team: applyafrica@andrew.cmu.edu.

There is a separate financial aid form to be filled out by applicants once they have submitted their applications. This form will be part of your checklist on the status page of your application. Please note that only admitted applicants of African nationality are eligible for consideration for financial aid. 

There is no application fee for the 2022-2023 application cycle.

Yes, you are welcome to apply. This is part of the additional information you can provide as part of your essays when completing the application form.

No, you may only apply to one program. In the case where you apply to multiple programs, we will ask you to choose which program you would like to pursue.

Our programs are tailored for candidates with a strong computer science/engineering background. Without it, it is very unlikely that you would succeed. If you are really interested in pursuing your career in IT or engineering, it would be advised that you spend some time working on acquiring the necessary technical competencies and qualifications before you apply.

Yes, you can apply again for the next application. All that is required is for you to start a new application and make sure you submit it before the deadline to be considered for admission.

Your new application will retain some previously entered biographical information. However, other sections will need to be completed again. You do not need to request ETS to send new official scores if you had requested them with your previous application UNLESS you have retaken the tests and have updated scores.