POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP AT CMU-AFRICA IN RWANDA
- TKI
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
Early Deadline: 15 December 2025
Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) is committed to educating future technology leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators for Africa. Through transformative academic programs, collaborative research, and innovation, CMU-Africa prepares students to tackle Africa’s and the world’s most pressing challenges.
The university values applicants who are passionate about making a difference, exhibit strong problem-solving skills, and aspire to use their education to address critical issues on the continent. CMU-Africa cultivates a close-knit, multicultural academic community where students spend around 80% of their time engaged with peers and faculty, learning collaboratively and supporting one another.
Scholarship Benefit
With generous support from the Mastercard Foundation, Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) offers comprehensive, need-based financial aid to ensure that students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can pursue and complete a Master of Science degree—regardless of financial circumstance. All admitted students are eligible to apply for financial aid. Awards are based on demonstrated financial need and often cover a significant portion of the total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses.
In addition to tuition support, financial aid packages may include:
A laptop for academic use
Required textbooks
Technology fees
Health insurance
Access to a campus shuttle service
Participation in student life activities
Applicants must submit a separate financial aid assessment form after completing their online application for admission. The financial aid form becomes available once the application has been submitted. This process ensures that financial need is assessed independently of admission decisions. Before enrollment, each student receives a financial aid award letter, which outlines the full details of the financial package and the student’s expected contribution toward educational and living expenses.
Academic Programs
1. Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT): This program spans 16–20 months and integrates technology, business, and innovation. It is designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in information and communication technology across Africa. Students engage in an interdisciplinary curriculum covering topics such as data science, cybersecurity, software engineering, and networks.
2. Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MS ECE): This program is offered over 10–16 months. It encompasses a broad and diverse array of application areas across electrical and computer engineering, including: nanotechnology, large‑scale systems, communications, computing & networking, energy & cyber‑physical systems, biotechnology, robotics, computer vision, information storage & security, data analytics, distributed systems, and privacy.
3. Master of Science in Engineering Artificial Intelligence (MS EAI): This program runs for 16–20 months, and is geared toward engineers who wish to design powerful solutions to modern challenges. It sits at the intersection of AI, machine learning, and data science, and is applied to fields such as transportation, building systems, manufacturing, energy, agriculture, security, health, and climate. Students build on engineering, IT, and software foundations through theoretical and practical, hands-on study of real‑world applications.
Eligibility
To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Academic Background: Hold a bachelor's degree or be in the final year of a bachelor's program. While there is no official GPA cutoff, successful applicants typically have a strong academic record.
Technical Skills: Demonstrate strong programming capabilities.
Language Proficiency: Be proficient in English, both written and oral, as all instruction is delivered in English.
Leadership and Community Engagement: Show evidence of leadership, whether through academic, extracurricular, professional, or community activities.
Personal Fit: Exhibit a spirit of collaboration and a commitment to contributing to the university's diverse, inclusive community.
How to Apply
There is no application fee for CMU-Africa applications. Candidates must submit an Online Application for Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU‑Africa). Applicants must provide several materials when submitting their online application:
An unofficial transcript (no notarised official version required at this stage). If still in the final year of undergraduate study, applicants should upload unofficial transcripts to the most recent semester.
A document explaining the grading scale or key (sometimes the back page of the transcript) to clarify how grades map at the applicant’s institution.
A statement of purpose or essay(s), depending on the programme:
A video essay: Applicants will be given a prompt to respond to via video. They will have 30 seconds to prepare, then up to 3 minutes (180 seconds) to record. No re‑recording is allowed. Only certain browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox) on desktops, laptops or Android devices are supported.
An up‑to‑date CV summarising academic and professional experience.
Recommendations:
For MSIT / MS EAI: Applicants do not upload letters of recommendation; the admissions team contacts referees.
For MS ECE: Applicants must submit contact information for three recommenders. Those recommenders are emailed to submit letters, and applicants can track the letters via their application portal.
A valid identification document: national ID or passport is required
Language scores: 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)
Support & Contact Information
If applicants need help with the online application, they can contact the admissions office via email (applyafrica@andrew.cmu.edu) or phone/WhatsApp (+250‑791‑446‑398)
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