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How to request recognition of a foreign degree in Rwanda
Prepare the documents, understand the published fee and check the Higher Education Council’s official process.
If an employer or application asks you to demonstrate how an overseas higher-education qualification compares with a Rwandan qualification, the Higher Education Council (HEC) provides an equivalence service. Check the current vacancy and the relevant professional regulator as well: an academic equivalence certificate is not necessarily a professional licence.
Prepare the official documents
HEC lists notarised copies of the qualification and academic transcripts among the required attachments; foreign applicants are also asked for a passport copy. There are additional requirements for some doctoral qualifications. Documents in languages other than English or French must be translated and certified by a competent authority according to the council’s page. Read the current list for your qualification.
Understand the fee and timing
When checked on 5 November 2026, HEC listed a non-refundable fee of RWF 60,000 for Rwandan applicants. It listed USD 120 for non-Rwandan applicants outside Rwanda and the equivalent in Rwandan francs for non-Rwandan applicants living in Rwanda. Check the official page again before paying; notarisation or translation may involve separate costs.
HEC states that processing takes ten working days once documents are complete and the awarding institution has confirmed the qualification. The council says a slow response from the institution can cause delay, so allow time before an application deadline.
Apply through the official service
Follow HEC’s link to IremboGov and track your request in your own account. Provide correct contact details for the awarding institution. Do not share passwords or send money to someone claiming to guarantee recognition.