To study in any one of the universities in Rwanda, international students must get a Rwandan student visa depending on their country of origin. RocApply has made it easy for you to follow what documentation may be needed upon visa application on this guide!
It is, however, advised to always check with the consulate/embassy for more details on visa requirements.
To receive a Rwandan Student Visa, you must first get accepted into an educational institution in Rwanda. This is why it is important to apply through RocApply and secure a vacancy in any of the universities of your choice to proceed with an application for a visa.
The student then has to apply at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for authorization for your Student Visa.
Requirements of Student Entry in Rwanda
Any foreign national intending to enter into Rwanda for purposes of study should:
- Obtain a Rwandan visa (if applicable) to facilitate his /her entry into the country.
- Enter into Seychelles from and through only authorized ports of entry.
- Present a valid passport to the Immigration officer at the port of entry.
- Declare purpose of entry into the islands and the intended institution of training.
- Proceed to the designated immigration office after entry and obtain a student pass for study in Seychelles.
Visa Eligibility
The following criteria must be met.
- A letter of acceptance must be provided demonstrating that an applicant has been offered a place on a full-time course of study at a recognized educational institution.
- Candidates must be able to demonstrate evidence of enough funds to support themselves in the country.
- It must be shown that the course fees have been paid in full.
- Private medical insurance must be arranged and documentary evidence of this must be provided.
- It must be the candidate's demonstrable intention to return to their own country at the end of their period of study.
If the Ministry of Foreign Affairs authorizes the visa, you can then apply at one of the Embassies or Consulates of Seychelles near you by submitting the following documents:
- Proof of authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (eg. Visa Authorization Number)
- Your Birth Certificate
- Your high school diploma or other previous academic qualifications
- A medical report issued by a certified medical practitioner which states you are not infected with any contagious diseases. The report must have been issued within the last three months.
- Police clearance, issued within the last six months
- If you are under the age of 18: Authorization to travel from your parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
Rwanda does not have a strict visa policy, but only allows visa-free access to a handful of neighboring countries.
Important things to note
Once you submit the completed application, you have to wait for one to seven days for the application to be processed, although it may take longer depending on the specific Embassy/Consulate. After your application has been processed, you can pick up your visa during the pick-up hours.
Since different Embassies or Consulates may have their own rules and requirements, it is always advisable to contact them first. You’ll learn about whether you need to make an appointment, their opening hours, and their specific requirements.
ROCAPPLY DISCLAIMER: This is NOT an exhaustive list of required documents. The Rwandan authorities can ask you to submit any additional documents as they see fit during any stage of your application processing.
