The University of Rwanda (UR) is in the final stages of introducing aeronautics and aerospace engineering programs under its College of Science and Technology (CST).

With the two engineering programmes, the UR aims to contribute to Rwanda’s vision of becoming a regional aviation hub.

According to UR officials, the undergraduate programs in aeronautics and aerospace, which have yet to be approved by the Higher Education Council (HEC), could start in September, at the beginning of the 2025/2026 academic year, Bernard Munyazikwiye, the Head of Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering in School of Engineering at CST, said.

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The courses will be offered in partnership with the U.S.-based Kent State University (KSU). Students will benefit from an international dual-degree aerospace programme.

The curriculum will cover aerospace engineering, which includes aerodynamics, propulsion, materials, structures, avionics, and control systems to create efficient, safe, and innovative solutions for air and space travel.

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There is also airspace management, aeronautical engineering, air traffic regulation, and flight management.

While aeronautics focuses on the science and study of flight—including aircraft design and operation—aviation is the practical application, covering commercial air travel, air traffic control, and flight operations.

"The country has been relying on external expertise because Rwandans who studied similar programmes abroad chose to stay there and serve the host countries. Our goal is to change this by developing our own talent,” Munyazikwiye said.

UR’s plan to introduce aeronautics and aerospace studies dates back to a 2018 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kent State University. However, the official said, the programme was delayed due to challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Since 2018, UR has conducted extensive benchmarking with renowned aerospace institutions from the U.S., including KSU itself, as well as Tokyo and Kyoto universities from Japan, and other leading global universities. We received their comments, addressed them, and reviewed our programme. We also visited some startups specialized in space,” he said.

The University of Rwanda is also engaging local stakeholders, including the Rwanda Space Agency, Rwanda Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Defense Force, and Akagera Aviation, a private aviation training institution to provide internships to students once the programme starts.

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Students eligible

At least 25 students will be part of the first cohort, said Munyazikwiye.

"Only students with a background in Mathematics, Geography, Computer Science, Chemistry, and Physics will be eligible to join the new program,” he said.

"However, they must have at least principal passes in those subjects within their respective combinations.”

Munyazikwiye emphasized that the establishment of these programmes aligns with Rwanda’s policy goals.

The country has invested heavily in monitoring space, satellite applications in agriculture, and smart technologies—areas that require advanced expertise.

"Rwanda is expanding its airport infrastructure, including the airport under construction in Bugesera and integrating more Internet of Things (IoT) solutions into air transport,” he said.

"It is crucial to develop a self-sustaining aviation and aerospace-qualified workforce rather than relying on foreign expertise,” he added.

Despite the promising outlook, UR acknowledges that challenges related to equipment and laboratories could hinder the early stages of the programme and affect the effective delivery of standard learning.

However, with growing investment in the sector, the university remains optimistic that the programme will contribute to Rwanda’s long-term vision of becoming an aviation and aerospace leader in the region.

"This program requires high-tech laboratory equipment; however, we have plans for procurement. In the first two years, students will share facilities with mechanical engineering students,” Munyazikwiye said.

"Another challenge is qualified staff; we currently do not have a dedicated team specifically for this field.”