Before you arrive at CMU-Africa

All students

  • Undergraduate transcript: To enroll for Fall 2026, you are required to submit your official (final) transcripts to the Office of Graduate Admissions by the end of June. For that, you must order your transcripts from the Registrar's Office at your undergraduate institution and have them mailed to CMU-Africa before you arrive on campus. We strongly advise that you start the process as soon as possible as it can take time.
  • HEC Equivalence Certificate: A compulsory Rwandan government regulation dictates that any student who obtained their undergraduate degree from an institution outside of Rwanda must secure an Equivalence Certificate from the Higher Education Council (HEC). You must initiate this application online via the Irembo platform.
  • Documents to prepare for HEC notarization: You must take your physical, official undergraduate degree certificates and complete academic transcripts to a recognized Rwandan notary to be formally notarized. Along with your passport and official CMU-Africa admission letter, these notarized files complete your HEC application, which carries a standard processing turnaround time of 7 to 10 working days.

International students

  • Mandatory Police Clearance Certificate: Under strict Rwandan law, all incoming international students MUST obtain an official, original police clearance certificate (or certificate of good conduct) from their home country or current country of residence before traveling to Rwanda. This is a mandatory government document required to process your formal student visa application.
  • Student Visa Application: Upon landing in Kigali, international students must log into the official government student visa application portal and submit their visa application within 15 days of arrival in Rwanda. Once the student visa is formally approved, you will proceed to register for and obtain a Foreigner's ID card.
Two seated students

What to bring

Kigali's landscape, climate, and daily routines may differ from what some students are used to, so packing thoughtfully can make your transition more comfortable.

Comfortable walking or sports shoes are strongly recommended, as Kigali is a very hilly city and students often walk between transportation points, shops, restaurants, and housing areas. Casual everyday clothing is appropriate for most activities outside formal university events.

Students should also bring professional or business-casual attire for formal sessions, presentations, networking events, and other university activities during SIP and the academic year.

Additional items students often find useful include:

  • a light rain jacket or umbrella for rainy periods
  • a reusable water bottle
  • adapters or converters for electronic devices if needed
  • and any essential personal medications or supplies

Once on campus, students will receive a university laptop and access to campus Wi-Fi and facilities.

Man overlooking the Kigali landscape

When you arrive

Preparing for your arrival in Kigali ahead of SIP will help make your transition smoother and reduce stress during your first few days in Rwanda.

After arriving in Rwanda, it is recommended that you exchange some money into Rwandan Francs (RWF), either at the airport or at the border. Having local currency available for immediate expenses, such as transportation, food, or small purchases, can make your arrival and first few days significantly easier. It is also advisable to arrive with a fully charged phone and a power bank, particularly in case you need to coordinate transport, communicate with contacts, or access important travel information upon arrival.

Before leaving the airport or border area, make sure you know the exact location of your accommodation and how to get there. It is also useful to learn the name of your hotel or neighborhood area in Kinyarwanda, as this can make it easier to ask for directions or communicate with drivers and local residents.

Once you have settled in, one of your first priorities should be purchasing an SIM card and activating Mobile Money. Mobile payments are widely used throughout Rwanda for transportation, shopping, restaurants, and everyday transactions. Many students also find it helpful to open a local Rwandan Franc bank account to simplify receiving international transfers and managing expenses during their studies.

You are encouraged to arrive with enough time before the start of required in-person SIP activities to settle in, adjust to the environment, and complete any remaining onboarding tasks.

Settling in

Housing

CMU-Africa does not provide student accommodation. Students are responsible for arranging their own housing.

Transportation

A campus shuttle service is provided throughout your time at CMU-Africa.

Health insurance

All CMU-Africa students are eligible to join the institutional medical insurance plan.

Connectivity

Students can access high-speed network resources (internet, Canvas, email, and libraries) directly via the campus wireless network.

Discover Kigali

Neighborhoods

CMU-Africa is located in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. Kigali is widely known for being clean, organized, calm, and safe, and many international students describe it as one of the easiest African cities to adjust to. While common sense and vigilance are still recommended, students coming from larger or faster-paced cities sometimes find Kigali quieter than expected. However, many grow to appreciate its balance, accessibility, and sense of order.

Because Kigali is built across many hills, each neighborhood has its own atmosphere, views, and rhythm.
Students who want to live close to campus often stay in areas that are generally quieter and more convenient for commuting to CMU-Africa, such as:

  • Bumbogo
  • Kwa Nayinzira
  • Zindiro
  • Kwa Mushimire

For affordable shopping, many students visit Kimironko Market, one of Kigali’s busiest local markets, where you can buy fresh produce, clothing, household items, and everyday essentials.

Transportation around Kigali is generally accessible through buses, moto taxis, and ride-hailing apps such as Move. Since some drivers or vendors may primarily speak Kinyarwanda, students often find it helpful to learn a few basic Kinyarwanda words or phrases - especially numbers, greetings, directions, and simple service requests. Even small efforts to communicate in Kinyarwanda are often appreciated and can make daily interactions easier.

Culture

Rwandans are generally known for being welcoming, respectful, and community-oriented. It is common for people to greet one another politely, offer directions to visitors, or engage in conversation even when meeting for the first time. Public spaces are well maintained, and there is a strong shared sense of responsibility for community environments.

On the last Saturday of every month, Rwanda observes Umuganda, a national community service day during which citizens participate in activities such as neighborhood cleaning, tree planting, road repair, and other community projects. Umuganda reflects Rwanda’s emphasis on collective responsibility, participation, and civic engagement.

Kinyarwanda is spoken throughout the country, while English, French, and Swahili are also widely used in schools, businesses, and many public spaces.

Safety

Kigali is widely recognized for its safety and public order. Many international students describe the city as comfortable and easy to navigate once they become familiar with their surroundings.

As with any city, students are still encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings, use trusted transportation options, and take reasonable precautions when traveling at night or carrying valuables.

For campus security, all students, faculty, and staff are registered for the CMU-Africa Alert Emergency Notification Service. This system sends immediate text messages and emails to registered devices in the rare event of an active campus emergency.

Students are also encouraged to save important emergency contacts and become familiar with university safety procedures after arriving on campus.