CMU-Africa's Graduation Ceremony

May 15, 2026

10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CAT

Kigali Serena Hotel, KN 3 Ave Kigali, Rwanda

Group photo of students at graduation

We extend a warm invitation to graduating students and their guests to participate in the graduation ceremony on Friday, May 15. This ceremony will feature the conferral of degrees and diploma awards and will include a host of distinguished speakers. The keynote speaker will be Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, founding partner of Future Africa. A unicorn entrepreneur, he is also co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave.

Each graduate is limited to two guests who can attend the ceremony and registration is required. Please note that no external photographers or videographers will be permitted at the event. Graduating students will receive a registration link to secure their guests' attendance. 

Celebrate with us

Resources for graduating students

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! We are excited and look forward to celebrating with you. As you plan for graduation, refer to this page for information about deadlines and collect your cap and gown.

Students at graduation

Graduation portraits

In-person graduation portraits will be taken prior to graduation on May 4, 6, 8, and 12 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. CAT in the CMU-Africa studio.

Cap and gown

To participate in the graduation ceremony, Carnegie Mellon University mandates that all graduates wear official regalia, including a cap and gown. Cap and gown pick up will be held May 4 to May 12 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CAT in room F307.

Diplomas

Graduating students will receive their diplomas on graduation day and the week following the graduation ceremony. If you cannot attend the graduation ceremony, your diploma will be mailed to you.

Should you have any inquiries about the distribution of diplomas, please do not hesitate to reach out to studentsupport-africa@andrew.cmu.edu.

CMU-Africa Alumni Association

Following your graduation, you will begin receiving information on upcoming events, available resources, campus news, and more to help stay connected with the university through the Alumni Association. To ensure that you receive these communications, please take a moment to update your contact information. As you transition through different cities, jobs and life stages, keeping your details current will help us stay connected.

Resources for families and guests

student standing with diploma

Accommodations

It is highly recommended that guests who seek lodging in Kigali for graduation make their arrangements well in advance. There will be a large conference in Kigali during this timeframe, so it is important to book your room as soon as possible.

The selected graduation ceremony venue is easily accessible, with a range of public transportation options available, including taxicabs, and motorbike services.

Suggested nearby accommodations:

Visit Rwanda

We hope you take advantage of all the attractions, culture, and food that Kigali has to offer.     

Information for international guests

Please visit the website of the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration for information on travel and visa requirements.

Graduation ceremony live streaming

For graduating students and guests who cannot travel, the graduation ceremony will be live-streamed. Watch the live stream.

Register for the graduation ceremony:

Register for CMU-Africa's Graduation Ceremony

For more information on this event, please contact Marie-Ange Rukundo:

Learn more for CMU-Africa's Graduation Ceremony

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