12 MSc and PhD programs earn AQAS International Accreditation

In a significant milestone for higher education and innovation in Africa, twelve (12) postgraduate programs at the University of Rwanda (UR) have been awarded international accreditation by the Agency for Quality Assurance through Accreditation of Study Programs (AQAS), one of Europe’s most respected quality assurance and accreditation agencies based in Germany. The accredited programs are offered under the College of Science and Technology (CST) and the College of Education (CE).

At the College of Education, eight (8) programs from the African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Teaching and Learning Mathematics and Science (ACEITLMS) received accreditation. These include four PhD and four Master’s programs in Biology Education, Chemistry Education, Mathematics Education, and Physics Education.

Meanwhile, the College of Science and Technology secured accreditation for four (4) programs offered by the African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACE-IoT). These comprise two PhD and two Master’s programs in the fields of Embedded Computing Systems and Wireless Intelligent Sensor Networking.

Commenting on the achievement, Prof. Jean Uwamahoro, Director of the African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Teaching and Learning Mathematics and Science, noted that the accreditation affirms the quality, relevance, and rigor of postgraduate training in science education. He explained that the AQAS review process assessed curriculum design, learning outcomes, research orientation, supervision quality, academic staffing, and internal quality assurance systems, confirming strong alignment with internationally accepted standards.

Reacting to the milestone, Prof. Damien Hanyurwimfura, Director of the African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things, described the accreditation as a major step forward for the Centre.

“With this accreditation, ACE-IoT joins a distinguished group of global centres recognized for academic excellence. This means that degrees, certificates, and research outputs from ACE-IoT are more likely to be accepted and trusted by universities, employers, and collaborators worldwide,” he said.

Master’s Program in Embedded Computing Systems is among accredited programs

He further noted that governments, industry partners, and donors increasingly invest in institutions with proven quality assurance. AQAS accreditation strengthens ACE-IoT’s case for funding and support that can drive innovation across Africa’s technology ecosystems.

Beyond academic validation, the AQAS accreditation enhances the global visibility and credibility of the University of Rwanda, opening opportunities for international collaboration, academic mobility, joint research, and cross-border recognition of qualifications. This achievement positions both students and staff to pursue broader academic and professional opportunities at the international level.