Frequently asked questions

Updated for fall 2025 application

What are the admission deadlines?

October 1: Applications for all programs open

December 15: Early admission deadline

January 15: Final application deadline

What do I need to submit for my application to be considered complete?

A complete application consists of a filled online application, response to the essay and video questions, CV/resume, contact details of three referees, and unofficial transcripts. In addition, you can submit Duolingo English Test (DET), TOEFL, or IELTS score reports if you have them. CMU-Africa covers DET test fees for first-time applicants who submitted their applications before the early admission deadline of December 15.

Essays: You must answer a few questions in an essay format on the online application portal and one video essay.
CV/Resume: You should upload your resume as a PDF file. The document uploaded should be at most two pages; additional pages will not be considered.
References/Recommendations: Once you access the online application, you will be required to enter the names, titles, and email addresses of your three referees.
- MSIT/MS EAI: The Admissions Team will contact your references as needed.
- MS ECE: Your referees will receive a link to the online recommendation form. They must complete and submit the recommendation online.
Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts showing grades awarded to all coursework up to date must be uploaded to the online application portal, and the school information must be entered. All the transcripts must be uploaded as individual files if you have completed multiple degrees. Upon admission, the Admissions Team will require an official hard copy of your transcripts sent by the Registrar of your Undergraduate institution.

First-time user vs. Returning user

Please review the graduate application process. Visit the application page to start your application.

If you are applying to MSIT, MSEAI, or MSECE for the first time, you are considered a first-time user. You will be required to create an account and start a new application.
You are considered a returning user and must log in to continue your previous application if
- You are a returning MSIT, MSEAI, or MSECE applicant applying to the same program again.
- You are a returning MSIT, MSEAI, or MSECE applicant applying to a different program.
- You have already created an application this cycle.

What are the English proficiency requirements for admission?

All non-native English speakers must submit at least one valid score report from one of the following examinations: IELTS, TOEFL, or the Duolingo English Test (DET) to fulfill the English proficiency requirement.

Only applicants with undergraduate degrees in residence in the US, UK, or Canada (excluding Quebec) are exempt from providing English language exam scores with their application.

We recommend that students have a minimum of 93 on the TOEFL, 6.5 on the IELTS, and 120 on the DET. Enrolled students with lower English proficiency levels might be required to take the Academic Skills course in their first year.

Will you accept the ETS Tests Home Testing?

Yes, there is no distinction between the at-home tests and those taken at a testing center.

Do I need to submit my application with TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) scores?

If you have already done the TOEFL, IELTS, or DET tests, you can submit scores with your application to fulfill the English proficiency requirement.

CMU-Africa will cover DET fees for first-time applicants who submit their applications by the December 15 early application deadline. Returning applicants will be required to take the tests at their own cost.

If you submit your application after the early admission deadline of December 15, you MUST submit the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English test scores or indicate a date you plan to take the test.

Can I self-report my TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English test (DET) scores?

Yes. You can include self-reported TOEFL, IELTS, or (DET) scores with your application; however, it will only be considered complete once your scores are verified in the system.

Where should I send the results of my TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English test (DET) scores?

To submit the TOEFL, IELTS, or DET scores, please use the following information and ensure you send your test scores in time to meet the admissions deadline:

DET: indicate Carnegie Mellon University Africa as a recipient.
TOEFL: request ETS to send your scores to Carnegie Mellon University, Institution Code: 2074.
IELTS: use the information below to send the scores to Carnegie Mellon University.
Account Name: Carnegie Mellon University
Address:
Carnegie Mellon University
College of Engineering
431 Hamerschlag Drive
Ansys Hall Suite 250
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

I submitted my score reports. Have they been received?

To complete your IELTS, TOEFL, or the Duolingo English Test (DET) requirements, you must follow the following steps:

You must submit your test/score information with your application. If you previously entered a "pending" test into your application, you must log back in and enter the scores and test data again.
You must request that the testing center (ETS/Duolingo/IELTS) send CMU the official scores.

It may take several days for CMU to receive and verify your scores.

Please note that the system may not be able to link scores to an application in which the names are entered differently. If you believe there is a discrepancy between the name in your application and your name in the ETS/Duolingo/IELTS system, please email us at africa-admissions@andrew.cmu.edu, and we will check your scores.

Is the GRE required to complete my application?

GRE is not required for the fall 2025 intake. Applicants who submit a GRE score report as part of their application package will be considered equally for admission and those who do not submit scores.

Do I need to go through any other assessment?

Yes. Once your application is considered complete, you will be invited to take a Technical Test. The test assesses your analytical and quantitative skills and programming logic. CMU-Africa will cover the test fees.

What is the minimum GPA required for admission?

While no "cut-offs" exist for GPA, most students have graduated with 3.0 and above. The test scores and GPA are evaluated in the context of your entire application package.

How much is the application fee?

There is no application fee for the fall 2025 intake application.

How can I check my application status?

Please review the checklist on your submitted application's status page for completeness. If you have additional questions, contact the Admissions Team at africa-admissions@andrew.cmu.edu and expect a response within 48 hours of sending your query.

Can I update my application after it has been submitted?

Limited sections of the online application will remain open. Applicants can still update their resume (CV) and test scores after applying. To edit your application, simply log into your application to upload a new document.

MSECE applicants can also make changes to their referees. After logging in, you can send a reminder, request new letters, and exclude letters.

Applications officially close on January 15. Applicants cannot make any changes to their applications after that date.

For any other inquiries regarding your application, please contact our Admissions Team at africa-admissions@andrew.cmu.edu.

MS ECE program: One of my recommenders did not receive a request to submit my letter of recommendation. What should I do?

First, please have your recommender check their spam mail. If your recommender still has not received the email, please log into your application and edit your letters of recommendation. Click the 'exclude' button to exclude the recommender who cannot receive the email, and then click to add a new recommender. You can then add a new recommender or even enter the same recommender using a different email address. The reference letter must be written on a letterhead and attached if you use the recommender's personal email.

Are all applicants considered for financial aid? Is there a separate financial aid form?

Applicants must fill out a separate financial aid form once they have submitted their applications. This form will be part of your checklist on the status page of your application. Please note that only admitted applicants of African nationality are eligible for financial aid.

I already have a graduate degree; can I still apply?

Yes, you are welcome to apply. You can expand on this in your essays when completing the application form.

I do not have a background in ECE, engineering, or IT. Can I still apply?

Our programs are tailored for candidates with a strong computer science/engineering background. Without it, it is unlikely that you would succeed.

If you want to pursue a career in IT or engineering, please take the time to acquire the necessary technical competencies and qualifications before applying.

Can I apply for more than one program?

No, you may only apply to one program. If you apply to multiple programs, we will ask you to choose which program you want to pursue.

Can I pursue a graduate degree on a part-time basis?

We do not offer any part-time tracks. All of our programs are full-time and in-person. Working professionals should plan their schedules accordingly.

Does CMU-Africa admit students to enter in the spring semester?

No. We only admit for the fall semester. Our students begin their programs in July for the Student Induction Program.

Where do I mail my transcript(s) after I am admitted?

You will be notified when it's time to send your official transcript to the Admissions Office. Official transcripts will only be considered if they are sent directly from the University Registrar in a signed and sealed envelope. The Admissions Team will share the address with you at the beginning of the matriculation process.

Can I defer my admission once admitted?

Enrolled students can defer their enrollment up to one year, which is non-renewable. To request a deferral, simply email us, letting us know you'd like to defer or take a gap year. We'll then send you an official enrollment deferral/gap year request form. Your request is only approved once our office processes it and sends you an official confirmation letter. An approved deferral will secure your place in the incoming class for the following fall.

Can I withdraw a submitted application?

Yes. You can withdraw an application before an admission decision is rendered

If I am not admitted, can I reapply?

Yes, you can apply again for the next application. All you need to do is log in as a returning user to continue your application and submit it before the deadline to be considered for admission.

Your new application will retain some previously entered biographical information. However, some sections, including your program selection, must be completed again. Each section must be reviewed/updated and saved to complete the new cycle application process. Ensure you have submitted the most updated information.

You do not need to request that ETS send new official scores if you had requested them with your previous application unless you have retaken the tests and updated your scores.

I have more questions; who can I address them to?

You may contact the Admissions Team at africa-admissions@andrew.cmu.edu.

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