This service enables individuals who have attended their higher education at foreign institutions to apply for an equivalence certificate from the Higher Education Council. It helps to recognize the foreign qualifications (degree, diploma, and certificates)  obtained from a foreign higher learning institution within the local education system.

This service is provided by the Higher Education Council (HEC) through IremboGov.

• Key information before applying for equivalence:

• Rwandans must have their Rwanda national ID, and foreigners their passport ID

• To whom it may concern, provisional certificates, graduation certificates, attestation de réussite, attestation de non-délivrance de diplôme, à qui de droit, and similar documents are not considered valid for the issuance of equivalence.

• All academic certificates,  degrees, and academic transcripts issued in a language other than English or French must be translated into English and certified by the awarding institution or diplomatic institution of the awarding home country of the awarding academic institution.
  
  

• In case it is found that the information provided is not original or authentic, HEC reserves the right not to issue an equivalence certificate.
  
  

• For all levels of application, in case one’s information is found to be non-authentic, HEC has the right to withdraw its offered equivalence certificate.
  
  

• Required attachment
  
  

• A notarized copy of the final certificate or degree for which the equivalence is requested. 

• A notarized copy of academic transcripts for all academic years studied

• Copy of Passport (for Foreign Applicants).

• If the degree was completed online/blended or through Distance learning, please attach the following:
  
  

• Proof of invigilation issued by an accredited examination body, which must include:
  
  

• Evidence of official accreditation of the awarding institution.

• Evidence of official accreditation of the online or blended/distance academic program.

• A notarized copy of the final certificate/diploma/ degree for which the equivalence is applied for.

• Notarized copy of academic transcripts for each level studied for which the equivalence is applied for.

• Copy of Passport (for foreign applicants).

Note: According to Rwanda’s higher education regulations, the proctor system of assessment is not permitted.

• If you hold a PhD, you will need to provide some of the following attachments, depending on the type of doctoral degree

If it is a PhD by research only, attach the following documents:

• A link to at least one published research paper in a credible journal.

If it is a PhD by coursework, attach the following documents:

• Notarized copy of PhD academic transcript for each year studied.
  
  

• Processing Time and Fees

• The total fee covers all processing costs. No extra payments will be required.

• The 10-day period begins upon receipt of the response from the awarding institution
  
  

• Follow these steps to learn how to apply for this service on the User’s behalf.

• What to expect after submitting the application

  • After applying and successfully paying via IremboGov, the Higher Education Council (HEC) receives the application 

  • Once it has been approved. The applicant receives an SMS/email notifying them that their certificate is available and that they can download it from the IremboGov platform.

Moreover, when the applicant has entered their email address while applying for the service, the certificate will be sent to that email address. 

For assistance or more information, refer to this article.