Mount Kigali University, Rwanda, has said it is preparing to start offering Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes, marking a major milestone as it celebrates 15 years this year since it started operations in the country.
MKU Rwanda began its journey in 2010 as a campus of Mount Kenya University, at a time when Rwanda was experiencing a growing demand for quality higher education.
During a visit to the country this week, MKU Rwanda founder Prof Simon Gicharu said the university has, over time, grown and is now ready to offer PhD programmes and has already lodged applications with authorities in Rwanda.
“Today, Mount Kigali University is preparing to offer Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in various fields. Applications for these programs have already been submitted to the Rwanda Higher Education Council (HEC), and we are currently awaiting their feedback,” said Prof Gicharu.
“With our expanding academic programs, modern facilities, and supportive learning environment, we are strategically positioned to attract even more international students. In light of evolving global dynamics, such as shifts in education access influenced by policy changes in countries like the United States, we see an increasing opportunity to serve as a reliable and affordable alternative for students seeking quality education closer to home. Mount Kigali University aims to become a hub for pan-African academic excellence, fostering diversity, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange.”
On Tuesday, he paid a courtesy call to Rwanda's Minister of State and Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe James.
The two held discussions geared towards strengthening investments in education that can attract international students to Rwanda.
Prof Gicharu reflected on the university’s journey, noting that it had made major progress and offered numerous young people access to education at home and launch successful careers in the country as well as with the East African region.
He noted that previously, due to the limited number of higher education opportunities, students had to travel to other countries, including other countries in search of education.
He also urged African universities to enhance their capacity to train more young people following recent developments in the US.
President Donald Trump’s administration has frozen enrolment of foreign students at the prestigious Harvard University, and there are fears that more could follow.
This has thrown many foreign students at the institution into confusion, and they are now unsure of their future.
In recent developments in the US, where President Trump put a halt on further admission of international students to the US, Prof Gicharu said, “It is now an opportune time for African universities to enhance their investments in education to fill the gap that has been created as a result of the freeze by the Trump administration."
He added that before the growth of local institutions such as MKU Rwanda, many students were compelled to pursue studies abroad, including neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania and even as far as India.
“The establishment of a local institution offering internationally competitive programs was therefore both timely and necessary. MKU Rwanda has been addressing some of the gaps in higher education by providing bachelor’s and master’s degree programs across a wide range of disciplines,” he said.
The university has since played a part in partly reversing the trend of seeking education overseas, as currently, the university hosts over 700 international students, the majority of whom, Gicharu said, come from various African countries, reflecting our growing reputation as a preferred academic destination within the continent.
Kabarebe acknowledged the role that different universities had played in nurturing Rwanda’s young people who are now in different careers and playing their part in building the region’s economy.
Prof Gicharu noted that through consistent growth and development, Mount Kigali University transitioned from a campus to a fully-fledged, autonomous university.
This transformation was officially recognised in May 2023, when the institution received full accreditation from the Rwanda Higher Education Council (HEC) under the Ministry of Education. To date, the university has proudly graduated over 10,000 alumni in both the sciences and the arts.
“These graduates are making significant contributions in Rwanda and beyond, many of them holding influential positions across both the public and private sectors,” said Gicharu.
“Our journey has not been without its challenges. In the early years, the university operated from three different leased locations while working toward establishing a permanent home. With strategic planning and unwavering commitment, we successfully mobilised resources to purchase land and construct a state-of-the-art campus in Gatenga Sector, Kicukiro District.”
“This modern facility now serves as the university’s permanent home and stands as a symbol of resilience, growth, and our long-term commitment to excellence in higher education.”
Students walk past the main administration building at the Mount Kigali University, Rwanda's main campus. The University, which launched in 2010 as a satellite campus of MKU, has over the years grown to become a fully fledged university and is set to start offering Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes/ JOHN MUCHUCHA
The university has made investments hence playing a part in strengthening the country's higher education and service sectors.
This includes the development of MKU Rwanda’s infrastructure, which includes state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced teaching and learning facilities, a postmodern and fully equipped library, and a comprehensive online learning system that supports flexible, digital education.
The university also boasts student hostels and recreational facilities, such as a swimming pool attached to the girls’ hostel, all designed to promote an enriching academic environment.
Additionally, the Kigali Paramount Hotel, a 4-star application hotel, is a sister establishment to the University and provides hands-on training for hospitality students, offering a local alternative to expensive international programs.
Further investments include Royal FM Radio, a practical training ground for journalism and mass communication students, and a University Medical Center, complete with a community pharmacy, which serves both as a healthcare provider and a clinical training site for students in nursing, medical laboratory sciences, and dental therapy.
“These targeted investments reflect a deep commitment to capacity building, skills development, and socio-economic growth in Rwanda,” said Prof Gicharu.
He added that MKU Rwanda is currently undertaking a major infrastructure expansion project.
“This involves the construction of a seven-storey classroom block on expropriated land behind the existing campus, expected to be completed within one year. Upon its completion, the university will proceed with the construction of a six-floor administration block, further enhancing our capacity to deliver quality education and services,” he said
Students walk past the main administration building at the Mount Kigali University, Rwanda's main campus. The University, which launched in 2010 as a satellite campus of MKU, has over the years grown to become a fully fledged university and is set to start offering Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes/ JOHN MUCHUCHA
