Universities in Rwanda ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 19 Universities in Rwanda

The Republic of Rwanda is divided into 5 provinces (Kinyarwanda: intara), which are further subdivided into districts (akarere) and municipalities (umujyi). The majority of higher education institutions meeting the uniRank selection criteria are located in the Kigali province, which hosts Kigali, the capital and largest city of Rwanda. The following uniRank sub-rankings and league tables consider all provinces that include at least one Rwandan higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Eastern Province (1)  
Kigali Province (10)  
Northern Province (2)  
Southern Province (5)  
Western Province (1)  

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Overview of Rwanda Universities

Rwanda's higher education system comprises public and private institutions offering diverse academic programs. Established primarily after 1963, universities concentrate in Kigali Province but extend to all five provinces. The sector is characterized by rapid growth in private institutions (89% of universities) and specialization in fields like health sciences, technology and leadership. Universities follow the bachelor-master-doctorate degree structure under Rwanda's National Qualifications Framework.

Top 10 Rwanda Universities

1. University of Rwanda (UR)
   Country Rank: 1 | World Rank: 3541
   Location: Kigali, Kigali Province
   Established: 1963 | Public
   Research Status: Not reported | University Type: Not reported
   Fields of Study: Not reported | Levels of Study: Not reported
2. African Leadership University, Rwanda (ALU Rwanda)
   Country Rank: 2 | World Rank: 5360
   Location: Kigali, Kigali Province
   Established: 2017 | Private
   Research Status: Not reported | University Type: Not reported
   Fields of Study: Not reported | Levels of Study: Not reported
3. University of Global Health Equity (UGHE)
   Country Rank: 3 | World Rank: 5598
   Location: Kigali, Kigali Province
   Established: 2015 | Private
   Research Status: Not reported | University Type: Not reported
   Fields of Study: Not reported | Levels of Study: Not reported
4. Kibogora Polytechnic (KP)
   Country Rank: 4 | World Rank: 7458
   Location: Nyamasheke, Western Province
   Established: 2012 | Private
   Research Status: Not reported | University Type: Not reported
   Fields of Study: Not reported | Levels of Study: Not reported
5. Kigali Independent University (ULK)
   Country Rank: 5 | World Rank: 9733
   Location: Kigali, Kigali Province
   Established: 1996 | Private
   Research Status: Not reported | University Type: Not reported
   Fields of Study: Not reported | Levels of Study: Not reported
6. University of Kigali (UOK)
   Country Rank: 6 | World Rank: 9812
   Location: Kigali, Kigali Province
   Established: 2013 | Private
   Research Status: Not reported | University Type: Not reported
   Fields of Study: Not reported | Levels of Study: Not reported
7. Ruhengeri Institute of Higher Education (INES-Ruhengeri)
   Country Rank: 7 | World Rank: 10170
   Location: Musanze, Northern Province
   Established: 2003 | Private
   Research Status: Not reported | University Type: Not reported
   Fields of Study: Not reported | Levels of Study: Not reported
8. Catholic University of Rwanda (CUR)
   Country Rank: 8 | World Rank: 10851
   Location: Butare, Southern Province
   Established: 2010 | Private
   Research Status: Not reported | University Type: Not reported
   Fields of Study: Not reported | Levels of Study: Not reported
9. Adventist University of Central Africa (AUCA)
   Country Rank: 9 | World Rank: 11118
   Location: Kigali, Kigali Province
   Established: 1984 | Private
   Research Status: Not reported | University Type: Not reported
   Fields of Study: Not reported | Levels of Study: Not reported
10. University of Technology and Arts of Byumba (UTAB)
    Country Rank: 10 | World Rank: 11194
    Location: Byumba, Northern Province
    Established: 2006 | Private
    Research Status: Not reported | University Type: Not reported
    Fields of Study: Not reported | Levels of Study: Not reported

Analysis of University Types

Rwanda has 19 universities total. Public institutions constitute 10.5% (2 universities), while private universities dominate with 89.5% (17 institutions). This reflects significant private sector participation in higher education development since the 1990s.

Global Ranking and Standing

No Rwandan universities currently rank in the global top 200 (0% of institutions). Similarly, none appear in the top 1,000 worldwide (0% of institutions). The highest-ranked institution, University of Rwanda, holds position #3541 globally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many universities are in Rwanda?
A: Rwanda has 19 recognized universities.

Q: What is Rwanda's top-ranked university?
A: University of Rwanda holds the #1 national position.

Q: Are most Rwandan universities public or private?
A: 89.5% are privately operated (17 institutions), while 10.5% are public (2 institutions).

Q: Where are Rwanda's universities located?
A: Most are in Kigali Province, with others distributed across Northern, Southern and Western Provinces.

Q: What is Rwanda's oldest university?
A: University of Rwanda, established in 1963.

Q: Do Rwandan universities appear in global rankings?
A: Currently no Rwandan universities rank within the world's top 1,000 institutions.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Rwandan universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Rwanda
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Rwandan post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Rwanda
  Search for Rwandan higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Rwandan Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Rwandan town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Rwanda
  Discover Rwandan public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Rwanda
  Find out about Rwandan private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Rwanda
  Explore Rwandan not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Rwanda
  Look for Rwandan for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Rwandan Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Rwanda have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Rwandan Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Rwanda that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Rwandan Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Rwanda are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Rwandan Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Rwanda with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.