Admissions

What are we looking for?

Problem solvers

CMU-Africa’s mission is to produce creative and technically strong engineers, who have been trained in the African context and are prepared to make a transformative impact in their communities and the world. Applicants must therefore be passionate about solving problems on the continent using the education and skills acquired at CMU-Africa.

Critical thinkers

CMU-Africa’s programs are fast-paced and demanding, and require a critical thinking approach that is ideal for students who are creative and who question conventions.

Leaders of character

CMU-Africa is looking for not only the brightest students, but also those who will become leaders in the communities or organizations they serve. Applicants must have some leadership qualities, though experiences can vary from college extracurricular activities to academic/professional/business achievements to personal triumphs or commitments in the applicant’s community.

Strong academic backgrounds

The admissions team will review your prior academic performance, and the nature of your work experience. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or be in the final year of their bachelor’s program, and while there is no minimum GPA, our students have a strong undergraduate background.

The program requires individuals with strong programming skills and a high proficiency in written and oral English, which is the language in which classes are conducted.

Strong spirit of community

CMU-Africa students spend 80% of their time with fellow students and faculty, and bring together a variety of experiences, cultures and aspirations, as our students are from a variety of countries in Africa. Many graduates find their largest sense of fulfillment to be shaped by how much they shared their experiences with their fellow classmates, supported their colleagues, and learned from and taught their peers. CMU-Africa candidates must exhibit such character.

How to apply to CMU-Africa

Explore a playlist of short videos that outline how to apply to CMU-Africa and visit our step-by-step guide.

Statement of Assurance

Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, ancestry, belief, veteran status or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state or local laws or executive orders.

Inquiries concerning the application of and compliance with this statement should be directed to the Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, telephone 412-268-7125.

Obtain general information about Carnegie Mellon University by calling 412-268-2000.

Carnegie Mellon University publishes an annual campus security and fire safety report describing the university's security, alcohol and drug, sexual assault and fire safety policies, and containing statistics about the number and type of crimes committed on the campus, and the number and cause of fires in campus residence facilities during the preceding three years. You can obtain a copy by contacting the Carnegie Mellon Police Department at 412-268-2323. The annual security and fire safety report also is available online at https://www.cmu.edu/police/reports/index.html.

Information regarding the application of Title IX, including to admission and employment decisions, the sexual misconduct grievance procedures and process, including how to file a report or a complaint of sex discrimination, how to file a report of sexual harassment, and how the university responds to such reports is available at www.cmu.edu/title-ix. The Title IX coordinator may be reached at 5000 Forbes Ave., 140 Cyert Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; 412-268-7125; or tix@cmu.edu.

For more information regarding the statement of assurance please visit www.cmu.edu/policies/administrative-and-governance/statement-of-assurance.html.