CMU‑Africa Bridge Program 2025 – Free Graduate Prep for African STEM Students

Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU‑Africa) is offering a free, six‑week Bridge Program at its Kigali campus for final-year undergraduate students and recent graduates. Designed to prepare high-potential students for master’s level studies in tech fields, this program equips participants with skills and firsthand experience in graduate-level engineering education.

What the Bridge Program Includes

• Duration: 6 weeks (usually late September to mid-November) (CMU Africa)
• Mode: In-person at CMU‑Africa in Kigali, Rwanda (CMU Africa, Carnegie Mellon Engineering)
• Commitment: ~10 hours per week (evenings and Fridays)
• Topics Covered:
  • Graduate-level academic skills and research mindset
  • Embedded systems, IoT projects, microcontroller programming
  • Real-world applications in AI, data processing, cloud connectivity

Who Is Eligible?

• Final-year students or recent graduates from partner universities in Rwanda: Mount Kigali University, University of Kigali, University of Rwanda, African Leadership University, AUCA, UNILAK (CMU Africa)
• Academic backgrounds must include: computer science, information systems, IT, electronics, ECE, telecommunications, network engineering, or related disciplines (CMU Africa)
• Commitment to attending in-person classes; transportation and refreshments provided free of charge (CMU Africa)

 Why It Matters

• Prepares students for graduate programs at CMU‑Africa or other top institutions
• Encourages problem-solving and innovation through hands-on group projects like air pollution sensors or IoT devices (CMU Africa)
• Builds a community of future STEM leaders across Rwanda and beyond, with support for gender equity and inclusion (Carnegie Mellon University)
• Many alumni have gone on to pursue graduate studies and roles in research or industry after participating

Application Timeline

• Applications open: July 1, 2025
• Deadline: August 31, 2025 (applicants from partner universities only)

Ready to Apply?