MKU has revised the entry requirements for its School of Health Sciences and Nursing, aligning admissions with Rwanda’s revised basic education grading system. The new requirements will take effect starting from the May intake, expanding access to health-related programmes while maintaining academic and professional standards.
Previously, admission into Health Sciences and Nursing programmes required students to have grades A to C in Biology and Chemistry. However, following reforms in Rwanda’s basic education system, MKU has adjusted its criteria to accommodate students who completed secondary education from 2024 onwards, while retaining the old grading requirements for those who completed before 2024.
Under the revised guidelines, Health Sciences programmes will now admit students who scored grades A to E, while nursing programmes will admit students with grades A to S, depending on the programme and year of completion.
Industry-Focused Health Training
The School of Health Sciences and Nursing at MKU offers modern, competency-based programmes designed to respond to the needs of today’s integrated healthcare systems. The programmes include:
- Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Dental Therapy
- Dental Technology
- General Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Midwifery
Training is supported by the University Medical Centre, where students gain hands-on clinical experience. All admissions comply with national regulatory requirements, and applications are open throughout the year, with three intakes annually.
Beyond academics, the School contributes to addressing Africa’s critical shortage of healthcare professionals. The continent currently has 1.55 health workers per 1,000 people, far below the recommended 4.45, and MKU’s training initiatives directly support the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on good health and well-being.
Updated Entry Requirements by Programme
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences
Applicants must have:
- Two principal passes in Biology and Chemistry
- Grades A, B, or C for students who completed secondary school before 2024
- Grades A, B, C, D, or E for students who completed from 2024 onwards
- A subsidiary pass in Mathematics or Physics
- A2 graduates in laboratory or laboratory technology-related fields may apply
- A1 health-related applicants must present valid professional licenses
Bachelor of Science in Dental Therapy
Applicants must have:
- Two principal passes in Biology and Chemistry
- Grades A–C (before 2024)
- Grades A–E (from 2024 onwards)
- A subsidiary pass in Mathematics or Physics
- Or an Advanced Diploma in Dental Therapy (A1 or equivalent)
Bachelor of Science in Dental Technology
Applicants must have:
- Two principal passes in Biology and Chemistry
- Grades A–C (before 2024)
- Grades A–E (from 2024 onwards)
- A subsidiary pass in Mathematics or Physics
- Or an Advanced Diploma in a related field
Bachelor of Science in General Nursing
Applicants must have:
- Two principal passes in Biology and Chemistry
- Grades A–C (before 2024)
- Grades A–E and S (from 2024 onwards)
- A subsidiary pass in Mathematics, Physics, or Geography
- Advanced Diploma in General Nursing with at least two years of experience and a valid NCNM license (credit transfer allowed)
- International applicants must hold a valid professional license and obtain NCNM equivalence
Advanced Diploma in General Nursing
Applicants must have:
- Two principal passes in Biology and Chemistry
- Grades A–D (before 2024)
- Grades A–E and S (from 2024 onwards)
- A subsidiary pass in Mathematics, Physics, or Geography
- Or A2 Associate Nurse qualification with a valid license and a minimum of two years’ experience
- International applicants must obtain academic equivalence
Bachelor of Science in Midwifery
Applicants must have:
- Two principal passes in Biology and Chemistry
- Grades A, B, C, or S (before 2024)
- Grades A–E (from 2024 onwards)
- A subsidiary pass in Mathematics, Physics, or Geography
- Advanced Diploma in Midwifery or General Nursing with at least two years’ experience (credit transfer allowed)
- International applicants must present a valid license and academic equivalence
Bachelor of Science in Mental Health Nursing
Applicants must have:
- Two principal passes in Biology and Chemistry
- Grades A–C (before 2024)
- Grades A–E (from 2024 onwards)
- A subsidiary pass in Mathematics, Physics, or Geography
- Advanced Diploma in Mental Health Nursing or General Nursing with at least two years’ working experience (credit transfer allowed according to university policy)
- International applicants must hold a valid professional license and obtain equivalence from relevant regulatory bodies (HEC/NESA and NCNM)
With these changes, Mount Kigali University aims to ensure inclusivity and fairness for students trained under both the old and new grading systems, while continuing to produce competent, well-trained health professionals ready to serve Rwanda and the wider African region.