HEC Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Programmes in Rwanda 2026–2027

Quick update: The Higher Education Council (HEC) has announced the admission requirements for undergraduate programmes starting in September 2026. The notice applies to the 2026–2027 academic year and includes a special one-year transition for secondary school certificates obtained by 2024.

Table of contents

1. Main admission requirements
2. Rule for certificates obtained by 2024
3. What will happen after 2026–2027?
4. What applicants should do
5. Official HEC notice
6. Frequently asked questions

The Higher Education Council informed prospective students about the qualifications needed to join undergraduate programmes in Rwanda's higher learning institutions. The public notice was issued in Kigali on 17 September 2026 and refers to an earlier notice dated 14 March 2025.

These requirements will apply to students seeking admission for programmes that begin in September 2026, during the 2026–2027 academic year.

Main undergraduate admission requirements

According to HEC, applicants must meet one of the following conditions:

• Applicants who completed secondary school in Rwanda must have an Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education.
• Applicants who completed secondary school outside Rwanda must present an equivalent qualification.

Applicant category	Required qualification
Completed secondary education in Rwanda	Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education
Completed secondary education outside Rwanda	An equivalent qualification accepted in Rwanda

Important: Meeting HEC's general requirement does not automatically guarantee admission. A university or college may have additional requirements for a specific programme. Applicants should check the institution's admission notice before applying.

Special transition for certificates obtained by 2024

HEC has provided a temporary arrangement for people who obtained their secondary education certificates by 2024 under the previous university entry requirement.

Certificates that were accepted under the former requirement of Two Principal Passes will remain acceptable for a transition period of one academic year. This transition covers the 2026–2027 academic year, starting in September 2026.

In simple words: If your secondary school certificate was obtained by 2024 and it met the former Two Principal Passes requirement, it may still be used for undergraduate admission during the 2026–2027 academic year.

What will happen after the 2026–2027 academic year?

For the academic years that follow, candidates holding certificates covered by this transition will be required to obtain a results confirmation from the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA). That confirmation must show the candidate's marks under the current grading system.

This means applicants with older certificates should prepare early. When applying after the transition year, they may need to contact NESA and request the required confirmation before submitting an application to a higher learning institution.

What prospective students should do

1. Check the year in which your secondary school certificate was issued.
2. Confirm whether you studied in Rwanda or outside Rwanda.
3. Read the admission rules of the university or college you want to join.
4. If you studied outside Rwanda, ask about the process for recognising an equivalent qualification.
5. If you hold a certificate obtained by 2024, keep a copy of the HEC notice and follow any NESA guidance on results confirmation.
6. Submit your application only through the official platform of the chosen institution.

Applicants should avoid paying unofficial agents. Always confirm deadlines, fees and required documents through HEC or the institution to which you are applying.

Official HEC public notice

The official announcement published by HEC Rwanda is embedded below:

PUBLIC NOTICE

HEC informs prospective students of the admission requirements for undergraduate programmes for September 2026 (Academic Year 2026–2027), including the transitional provision for certificates obtained by 2024.
Full notice 👇https://t.co/91QdvW5MOk pic.twitter.com/11gUPlSHKT

— HEC Rwanda (@HEC_Rwanda) September 17, 2026

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Frequently asked questions

When do the new admission requirements apply?

They apply to undergraduate admissions beginning in September 2026 for the 2026–2027 academic year.

What must a student who completed secondary school in Rwanda have?

The applicant must hold an Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education.

Can a student who completed secondary school abroad apply?

Yes. The applicant must present an equivalent qualification accepted for admission in Rwanda.

Are certificates obtained by 2024 still accepted?

Certificates obtained by 2024 under the former Two Principal Passes requirement remain acceptable during the one-year transition covering the 2026–2027 academic year.

What will holders of older certificates need after the transition year?

They will need confirmation from NESA showing their marks under the current grading system.

Source: Higher Education Council public notice dated 17 September 2026. For clarification, contact HEC through its official website, email or call centre shown on the notice.

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