At Carnegie Mellon University Africa we are committed to making our education affordable for all African students. The generous support from the Government of Rwanda, the Mastercard Foundation, and our other partners enables CMU-Africa to offer comprehensive, need-based financial aid designed for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds regardless of financial circumstance to attend our institution and successfully complete a master of science program.
All CMU-Africa students are eligible for need-based financial aid. Our need-based financial aid is awarded to students who can demonstrate financial need for assistance with educational costs. Many of our students are awarded a financial package that covers a substantial fraction of the cost of attendance. Prior to enrollment, eligible students are given a financial aid award letter to ensure there is a full understanding of their contribution for educational and living expenses.
Student housing and transportation
CMU-Africa is a non-residential campus. Students are responsible for their own living costs such as housing and dining costs. For international students, it is important to plan and prepare a budget before you arrive in Kigali. Your tuition fees do not include living costs.
CMU-Africa offers bus shuttle services for the students. Travel in Kigali includes motorcycle taxis, public buses, and private taxis.
Cost of attendance
All figures are in USD. Estimated monthly cost of living is based on student survey results.
| Tuition for academic year 2026-2027 |
|
|---|---|
| African students | $16,000 |
| International students | $61,510 |
| Estimated monthly cost of living | Low range | High range |
|---|---|---|
| Housing and utilities | $180 | $320 |
| Food | $100 | $150 |
| Transportation | $20 | $40 |
| Mobile data and connectivity | $10 | $20 |
| Personal care and hygiene | $15 | $30 |
| International student visa fee | $20 | $20 |
| Total for estimated monthly living expenses | $345 | $580 |
Resources provided:
- Laptop
- Textbooks
- Technology fee
- Health insurance
- Campus shuttle service
- Student life activities
Types of financial aid
At CMU-Africa there are various types of need-based financial aid to ensure our education is accessible and affordable to eligible students. The forms of financial aid include:
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Government of Rwanda grant
- Government of Rwanda East African Community Scholarship
- Government of Rwanda loan program
- Innovators Forward Fellowship Fund
- CMU-Africa Scholarship
- Pierce Family Fellowship
- Greg Hamm and Wanda Ingmire Fellowship
- Liu Perkins Family Endowed Fellowship
- Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS)
Payment options
Wire transfer payment
For wire transfers, please allow a minimum of 10-14 days to process your wire transfer. Carnegie Mellon University is not held responsible for incorrect remittance wire transfers. If you make a mistake with your wire transfer, please contact the company to resolve your issue. Please use the information below to execute a wire transfer to Carnegie Mellon University.
- Bank name: Ecobank Rwanda
- Account name: Carnegie Mellon University
- Account number: 6775003004
- Account currency: USD (United States dollars)
- Swift number: ECOCRWRW
- Student name: first, middle, and last name
- Andrew ID: Student Andrew ID*
*For example, if "smith@andrew.cmu.edu" is your student email address, for the wire transfer, you will only insert "smith" for your Andrew ID.
Check and cash payments
Carnegie Mellon University Africa does not accept check or cash payments at the Kigali, Rwanda location. You can visit the Ecobank in person and deposit the USD check or cash into the Carnegie Mellon University bank account stated above.
- Step one: Please make your check payable to Carnegie Mellon University. Please insert your full legal name and Andrew ID on the check memo line.
- Step two: Ecobank will provide you an advice slip to confirm receipt of your payment.
- Step three: Please email the advice slip to Reginald Donkor at rdonkor@andrew.cmu.edu. You can also hand deliver your advice slip to the financial officer in the Operation Hub at A205.
Other payment options
For other payment options, please visit The Hub.