Rwanda’s Higher Education Council has clarified new admission requirements for undergraduate programmes, while granting a one-year transition period to candidates who completed secondary school under the previous grading system.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, September 17, HEC said the requirements will apply to students seeking admission to universities and other higher learning institutions from September 2026, for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Under the new rules, applicants who completed secondary education in Rwanda must hold an Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education. Those who studied outside Rwanda will be required to present an equivalent qualification.
However, HEC said secondary school certificates obtained by 2024 under the previous requirement of at least two principal passes will remain acceptable for one academic year, beginning in September 2026.
The transition is intended to prevent students who completed school under the former system from being abruptly excluded by the revised admission framework.
After the transition year, candidates holding older certificates will be required to obtain confirmation of their results from the National Examination and School Inspection Authority. The confirmation must show how their previous marks correspond with the current grading system.
The clarification follows an earlier public notice issued on March 14, 2025, outlining admission requirements for undergraduate programmes in Rwanda.
HEC Director General Dr. Edward Kadozi advised students, parents and higher learning institutions seeking further clarification to contact the Council through its official communication channels.
