Thirty-four Rwandan students have been awarded government scholarships to pursue studies in 11 countries.

The countries are Hungary, the United States, Mauritius, South Korea, Sweden, Poland, France, Kenya, India, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

The students, who attended a pre-departure orientation with their parents on Thursday, August 13, include 10 pursuing bachelor’s degrees, 16 master’s students and eight PhD candidates.

Dr Edward Kadozi, Director General of the Higher Education Council (HEC), said the orientation was organised to congratulate the students and their parents, explain the next steps in the scholarship process.

"The purpose of this meeting was first to call the students and parents to congratulate them and share with them the process that is going to follow, while reminding them of their obligations to study well and comply with other requirements,” Kadozi said.

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He said the students are pursuing programmes in areas aligned with Rwanda’s development priorities, particularly fields where the country currently lacks sufficient skills but needs them in the short, medium and long term.

"That is why we are sending them to different countries to study, return and contribute by bringing back their skills and the technologies they have learned to contribute to the development of the country,” he said.

The priority areas include health, nuclear energy, aviation, aerospace, agriculture and emerging technologies.

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Students to be followed up while abroad

Kadozi urged the students to maintain close communication with Rwandan embassies in the countries where they will study.

The students will travel at different times depending on when their respective universities begin their academic programmes. Most are expected to travel towards the end of August and in early September.

Kadozi said HEC has measures in place to monitor the students’ progress while they are abroad.

"Every quarter, they have to submit a progress report showing how they are progressing. The report we receive will determine whether another payment is triggered for the next quarter. We also work with the embassies to follow up with them,” he said.

He also urged parents to play their part in supporting their children.

"We also invited the parents to remind them that the government has accepted to support their children. When we support their children, we are also supporting the parents,” Kadozi said.

Rwf19 billion spent annually on students abroad

Kadozi said the Government spends about Rwf19 billion annually on Rwandan students studying abroad.

The amount covers tuition fees, living allowances, air tickets and related costs.

"On average, we pay between $6,000 and $7,000 per student, although the amount varies,” he said.

He added that the programme sends about 120 students abroad each year.

The students are required to study, regularly report on their academic progress and inform HEC and Rwanda Development Bank (BRD) once they complete their studies. They are also expected to repay the study loan once they start working.

BRD urges students to value opportunity

Berna Mutegwaraba, a disbursement officer in charge of students’ welfare at BRD, urged the students to maintain discipline, reminding them that they were selected from many applicants to acquire knowledge abroad.

"You have to value this opportunity. The government is giving you a lot of money, which differs from scholarships for students studying in Rwanda. Those studying in the country pay back all the money they borrow, but we give you a grant and add much more that you do not pay,” Mutegwaraba said.

She urged the students to ensure that the investment in their education is not wasted.

Mutegwaraba also asked the students to report any changes or challenges they face to the Rwandan embassy, BRD and HEC.

She also called on parents to work closely with the Government in monitoring the welfare of their children while they are abroad.

Students' reactions

Patience Alain Shema, who is set to pursue a PhD in Computer Science at Kent State University in Ohio, the United States, said his research will focus on the application of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity.

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"I’m very happy that I got this opportunity. This is something everyone can wish to have, but not everyone gets it. This was my dream to study for a PhD. I like learning,” he said.

Shema said he plans to return to Rwanda after completing his studies and contribute to the country through teaching and research.

Shema, who is a police officer, thanked the leadership for giving him the opportunity to further his education.

Isabelle Shema Mwiza, who is set to pursue a master's degree in mechanical engineering in Hungary, thanked the government for the opportunity.

"This is a great opportunity our country has given us, and I have the purpose of giving back what is expected of me. I’m going to look for knowledge and bring back knowledge to my country,” she said.

"I have to make myself, my family and my country proud through hard work,” she added.

Scholarship selection process

Kadozi said the scholarship programme has two application cycles each year and that the process is open, competitive and transparent.

During each cycle, HEC announces a call for applications, mainly targeting students seeking government support for programmes that fall under the country’s priority areas.

Students first identify universities in different countries and apply to programmes that meet the specified criteria. When they are admitted to the university, they apply to HEC through an online system.

Applicants are required to submit documents including a motivation letter, admission letter, details on tuition fees and other costs they will need.

He said the assessment is conducted confidentially, after which the system generates a report showing how applicants performed.

"We look at the report and respond to the students. We identify those who have performed and passed and those who have failed, and we inform them,” he said.

Successful applicants are then taken through another phase for approval. Once approved, they are sent to BRD to sign a contract.

After the contract is signed, BRD prepares the required support, including sending tuition fees to universities through Rwandan embassies, paying for air tickets and covering other approved costs.

"Therefore, the process is open and competitive. Students are responsible for identifying the universities they want to attend and applying to them. They choose universities they consider good, as long as the programmes fall within the government’s priority areas. After receiving admission, they apply to HEC for government support,” Kadozi said.