Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) is currently accepting applications for its Bridge Program, a selective, six-week academic initiative designed to prepare promising students in Rwanda for rigorous graduate-level study in high-demand fields such as electrical engineering, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and information technology.
This program is fully funded and specifically tailored for final-year undergraduate students and recent graduates from partner universities across Rwanda.
The Bridge Program aims to close the gap between undergraduate preparation and the expectations of advanced graduate programs, offering students a unique opportunity to build essential academic skills, experience hands-on technical training, and explore the graduate study environment at CMU-Africa.
Program Overview
Since its inception, the Bridge Program has welcomed 276 students, 36 percent of whom have been women. The program is committed to broadening access to advanced education and empowering the next generation of African technologists, engineers, and innovators.
Structured around evening sessions and practical learning, the Bridge Program introduces participants to real-world technical projects and collaborative problem-solving.
A key focus of the training involves embedded systems development, with components of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) integration. These areas of study are critical to current and future demands in engineering and technology across the continent and globally.
The upcoming cohort will participate from September 29 to November 14, 2025, attending in-person sessions at the CMU-Africa campus in Kigali Innovation City. The weekly commitment is approximately 10 hours, with classes held Monday through Thursday from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM (CAT), and Fridays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. To ensure accessibility and support, CMU-Africa provides transportation to and from campus and refreshments, making participation feasible for students regardless of location or schedule.
Academic and Technical Preparation
The Bridge Program is structured to achieve three primary objectives:
- Academic Skills Development: Participants gain exposure to the analytical, research, and communication skills necessary for success in graduate-level courses. This includes critical thinking, academic writing, technical reading, and time management.
- Technical Training: Students receive focused instruction on embedded systems, with specific training in IoT and AI capabilities. These modules provide hands-on experience in building real-world solutions to complex problems, helping students understand the link between theory and application.
- Graduate School Readiness: The program is designed to simulate the expectations of a master’s-level academic experience. Students engage with faculty, collaborate on technical projects, and participate in a learning environment that reflects the pace and rigor of graduate study.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, candidates must be enrolled in or recently graduated from one of the following Rwandan universities:
- University of Rwanda
- Mount Kigali University
- University of Kigali
- African Leadership University
- Adventist University of Central Africa
- UNILAK
Applicants must be pursuing or have completed an undergraduate degree in one of the following areas:
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Information Systems
- Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
All applicants should demonstrate a strong academic record, motivation for advanced study, and interest in technology or engineering careers.
Cost and Accessibility
The program is free of charge for all admitted participants. In addition to full tuition coverage, students benefit from a range of support services designed to remove logistical barriers. These include:
- Free transportation to and from the CMU-Africa campus
- Provision of daily refreshments
- Access to world-class faculty and mentorship
This investment in students’ success reflects CMU-Africa’s broader mission to build a pipeline of African leaders in science, technology, and innovation.
Application Timeline
Applications for the 2025 Bridge Program are open from July 1 to August 31. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure their submission is considered. All application details, including required documents and eligibility criteria, can be found on the CMU-Africa website.
Program Impact
The CMU-Africa Bridge Program has become a model for effective pre-graduate academic preparation on the continent. Participants consistently report increased confidence, improved technical capacity, and greater clarity regarding their academic and professional goals. Many graduates of the program go on to successfully enroll in master’s degree programs at CMU-Africa and other leading institutions.
This initiative plays a critical role in addressing the skills gap in Africa’s rapidly growing tech sector. By equipping students with both the academic foundation and technical expertise required for graduate education, the Bridge Program ensures that emerging leaders are ready to contribute meaningfully to innovation ecosystems across Africa and beyond.
For further information or to apply, visit the official CMU-Africa Bridge Program page.