Prepare for graduate study

Carnegie Mellon University 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 to the Bridge Program are open through May 8, 2026

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

  • Dates: July 13, 2026 - July 24, 2026

  • Hours: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Monday - Friday)

  • 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.
  • Format: in-person at CMU-Africa 
    • All applicants should make sure that they will be physically in Kigali city from July 13 - July 24.
  • Transport: Transportation to and from CMU-Africa will be provided
  • Refreshments provided (morning tea and lunch)
  • Cost: Free for all admitted students

  • Applications will open on Monday, April 6, 2026 and close on Friday, May 8, 2026.

Read more about the bridge program