Funding higher education in Rwanda with the public loan
In Rwanda, the main student loan is the public higher education loan managed since 2016 by the Development Bank of Rwanda. It covers tuition and a living allowance for selected students, who repay it once they start working.
The BRD as manager of the study loan
Since 2016, the Development Bank of Rwanda has run the loan scheme for higher education students, previously handled by a body under the Ministry of Education. It oversees disbursements, recovery and relations with graduates who have become employees.
Who can receive the loan
The loan targets qualified secondary school leavers and some students at higher levels, selected on results and criteria set by the education authorities. Programmes considered a priority for the Rwandan economy may be favoured when places are allocated.
Expenses the loan covers
According to information published in the Rwandan press, the loan can cover tuition fees, a living allowance, computer equipment and research costs. Transport, health insurance and emergencies abroad are excluded from what the scheme will pay for.
Eligible institutions
Funding applies to public institutions, private institutions subsidised by the state and some accredited foreign universities. A student enrolled at a private university that is not on the list must look for other solutions, from family or banks, in Rwandan francs.
University of Rwanda and regional campuses
The University of Rwanda hosts a large share of beneficiaries on its campuses in Kigali, Huye, Musanze, Rwamagana and Nyagatare. The cost of living differs from one campus to another, which affects the real value of the living allowance.
Reported rates and repayment period
The Rwandan press reports fixed rates of 11 % for bachelor's degrees and 12 % for postgraduate studies, with repayments spread over two to ten years depending on the amount borrowed. These indicative figures should be confirmed with the BRD.
Stronger loan recovery
The BRD has stepped up campaigns to recover the sums owed by graduates, announcing record recovery for 2024. Former students who now have a salaried job are asked to come forward and set up regular repayments with the bank.
Bank loans for a master's degree
For a master's or professional course that is not covered, some banks and SACCOs lend to employees or parents. This financing follows the rules of a personal loan in Rwanda, with the salary paid into the bank serving as the main security.
Studying abroad and paying fees
Students leaving for India, China, Europe or Kenya often have to pay their fees in foreign currency. A prepaid card or a Rwandan international bank card makes payments easier, subject to the exchange commissions charged by the bank.
Scholarships and alternatives to borrowing
Government scholarships, foundation programmes and cooperation agreements offer funded places at Rwandan or foreign universities. They do not have to be repaid, but selection is highly competitive and the awards come with commitments for the student.
Before university: school fees
Families preparing for higher education are often already paying for secondary boarding school. Advances, SACCO loans and savings options for these termly costs are presented on our page about school loans in Rwanda, with tips on budgeting.
How Kenya's HELB compares
Kenya has a dedicated body, the Higher Education Loans Board, which works differently from the Rwandan model. Our page on the student loan in Kenya details this neighbouring system, its access conditions and its repayment rules.
How to obtain the Rwandan study loan
- Achieve the required exam results and enrol at an institution eligible for public funding.
- Submit the loan application within the deadlines announced by the higher education authorities and the BRD.
- Sign the loan contract and provide bank details for payment of the allowance.
- Track the half-yearly payments and report any change of programme or institution.
- After graduating, declare your job to the BRD and start repaying according to the schedule.
Indicative terms of the Rwandan study loan
| Item | Published benchmark | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's rate | 11 % fixed (indicative) | Reported by the Rwandan press |
| Postgraduate rate | 12 % fixed (indicative) | Reported by the Rwandan press |
| Repayment period | 2 to 10 years (indicative) | Depends on the amount borrowed |
| Costs covered | Tuition, living, computer, research | Transport and health insurance excluded |
| Additional bank loan | Market rate | Profile of the employee or guarantor parent |
Rwandan student loan application documents
- Student's national ID card
- Results of the national secondary school leaving exam
- Letter of admission to an eligible institution
- Bank account details in the student's name
- Loan contract signed with the BRD
Costly mistakes for Rwandan students
- Failing to declare your first job to the BRD, which builds up arrears and exposes you to recovery measures.
- Enrolling at an ineligible private university in Kigali in the belief that the BRD public loan will follow automatically.
- Changing programme without informing the administration, which can suspend payment of the allowance.
- Paying a middleman who claims to guarantee a funded place or scholarship in return for money sent by MoMo.
Rwandan students' questions about the study loan
Is the Rwandan student loan free?
No, it is a loan that must be repaid. The press reports fixed rates of 11 % for bachelor's and 12 % for postgraduate studies, to be confirmed with the BRD, with a repayment period that depends on the total borrowed during your studies.
When does repayment start?
Repayment begins after your studies, once the graduate has started working. It is up to the graduate to contact the BRD and set up payments, and doing nothing does not cancel the debt.
Can the loan fund studies abroad?
Some accredited foreign universities are eligible according to published information, but travel and emergency costs are not covered. Families often top up with savings or a bank loan to cover the rest.
What if I cannot find a job after graduating?
It is better to contact the BRD and explain your situation than to stay silent. Talking to the bank helps prevent the debt being treated as a default, which would later weigh on your access to credit.