The University of Rwanda (UR) graduated 4,953 students in the Class of 2026, a 48 per cent drop from 9,526 in 2025 last year, as reforms extending some undergraduate programmes from three to four years affected the number of students completing their studies, according the university.

The graduation ceremony took place at Rukara Campus on Friday, October 23, in the presence of Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana. This is the 12th graduation since UR’s establishment.

Of the graduates, 3,783 completed undergraduate programmes and 1,170 postgraduate studies. Men accounted for 3,036 graduates, compared with 1,917 women.

The undergraduate cohort comprised 3,480 bachelor’s degree recipients, 302 advanced diploma recipients and one diploma recipient.

Among postgraduate graduates, 1,086 received master’s degrees, 49 earned PhDs, 21 received postgraduate certificates, 11 earned subspecialty certificates and three received postgraduate diplomas.

Graduates by UR college

Of the 4,953 graduates, the College of Medicine and Health Sciences had the largest cohort, followed by the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sciences and the College of Science and Technology.

The distribution across the university’s seven colleges was as follows:

• College of Medicine and Health Sciences: 1,323

• College of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sciences: 1,226

• College of Science and Technology: 1,215

• College of Business and Economics: 438

• College of Education: 317

• College of Arts and Social Sciences: 297

• College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences: 137

Reforms explain drop in graduates as PhD numbers rise

Addressing the 12th cohort, UR Vice Chancellor Dr Raymond Ndikumana attributed the decline to reforms introduced in the 2022–2023 academic year to standardise undergraduate programmes at four years. He said many students enrolled in programmes that previously lasted three years were yet to complete the extended courses.

"Today’s graduates are fewer due to the continuous reforms and adjustments. In 2022, most of our three-year programmes were extended to four years, and so the majority of students in those programmes are yet to graduate,” Ndikumana said.

Despite the lower overall numbers, PhD graduates increased by 40 per cent, from 35 in 2025 to 49 this year. Ndikumana said the ceremony reflected the range of academic disciplines across the university’s colleges.

He urged graduates to uphold the university’s reputation while adapting to technological advances, particularly the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI). He encouraged them to keep upgrading their skills and turn their education into practical solutions.

"Do not fear this change. Just take courage, lead it, adapt and readapt with skill, and upskill. Always strive to stay relevant. I challenge you today to turn your learning into actual solutions, bring innovation to your communities, and bring honesty to your jobs and strength to the development of our nations,” he said.

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Graduates urged to persevere and create value

UR Chancellor Patricia Campbell reminded graduates that careers rarely follow a predictable path, urging them to remain resilient when faced with setbacks.

"There are always unexpected challenges. One needs to adjust, renew commitment and recover with perseverance, knowing that, over time, things can reach new heights,” Campbell said.

She encouraged the graduates to make the most of the opportunities available to them and use their education to contribute to society.

"We are most fortunate to be here today, and we all want to make the most of the gifts that we have. You have opportunity. You live in an environment that supports growth, and you have the ability to contribute,” she said.

Campbell challenged them to consider how they would use their education to improve their lives and contribute to the well-being of their families, communities and country.

"What will you do with your one wild and precious life? You will appreciate what you have, and you will design lives that contribute to the well-being of yourself, your family, your community and your country,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Bravo Shema, guild president of UR’s Rukara Campus, said they were leaving the university with more than academic qualifications.

Education must translate into practical solutions

Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana thanked parents for supporting their children throughout their education and urged graduates to apply their knowledge to Rwanda’s development priorities.

He highlighted the need to create jobs, strengthen education and health systems, modernise agriculture, expand industry and accelerate digital transformation.

"Meeting these needs requires more than academic qualifications. It requires critical thinking, creativity, integrity and the ability to turn knowledge into practical solutions. This is where you come in. Your degree is an important achievement, but its true value will be demonstrated by what you do with the knowledge and skills you have acquired,” Nsengimana said.

He urged graduates to look beyond seeking employment and consider how they could create value and help solve problems.

"I encourage you to look beyond the question: ‘Where will I find my job?’ and ask yourselves: ‘What value can I create? What challenge can I help solve? How can I contribute to Rwanda’s development?’” he said.

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