Rwanda is offering scholarships to East African Students at CMU-R

Remy Sinkazi (Burundi Ambassador to Rwanda), Professor Bruce Krogh (CMU-R), Amb. William Kayonga (PS. MINEAC)

In a press conference that gathered different leaders of the East African community (EAC), the government of Rwanda invited future technology leaders from across the region to take advantage of the world-class education on offer at the Kigali Campus of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU-R)- and announced it would offer scholarships amounting to 50% course fees to all successful applicants.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of EAC William Kayonga told guests that the decision to extend the 50% scholarship to all EAC nationals reflected the importance of ICT to the region’s future economy.

“The presence of a world-class research university like CMU-R will play a critical part in achieving Rwanda’s vision to build capacity and foster growth in ICT as well as serve as a catalyst to the regional socio-economic transformation. After all, there would be no Silicon Valley without Stanford University- and India’s technology-fuelled boom was made possible by the abundance of higher education opportunities for its talented young people.” Explained the PS and former Ambassador Kayonga

Nyirishema P. (RDB),Katusime A.(Uganda), Eshikuta F.(Kenya) and RennySinkazi (Burundi)

The PS went ahead to request EAC Member States representatives present to inform their citizens, especially potential applicants for the CMU masters and short courses that they are eligible for the scholarships funded by the Government of Rwanda.

While all successful EAC applicants will benefit from the government scholarship subject to financial needs assessment, Rwandans citizens will benefit from additional loan support from the Rwanda Education Board.

Professor Bruce Krogh, Director of Carnegie Mellon University in Rwanda, welcomed the government’s support and expressed confidence that the Kigali campus will act as catalyst for innovation in the region and beyond.

“We are convinced that the technological breakthroughs that are going to be the foundations of the ICT industry in Africa will come from inventors and entrepreneurs who work in Africa and understand the technological challenges and needs that are unique to Africa.” Explains the CMU Professor Krogh