1. What is the purpose of the Equating Foreign Qualifications service?
This service allows individuals who have completed higher education abroad to have their foreign qualifications officially equated with the same level of qualification on the Rwanda Qualification Framework.
2. Who provides this service?
The service is provided by the Higher Education Council (HEC) through the IremboGov platform.
3. Who is eligible to apply for this service?
Anyone who has obtained a degree, diploma, or certificate from a foreign higher learning institution and wishes to have it equated with the same level of qualification on the Rwanda Qualification Framework.
4. Do I need an Irembo account to apply?
Yes. You must have an Irembo account to apply. If you don’t have one, click here to learn how to create one.
5. How much does the service cost?
Service fee:
Rwandans: 60,000 RWF
Foreigner: 120 USD (174,481 Rwf)
The above service fees cover all processing costs. No additional payments are required.
6. How long does it take to process the application?
The processing time will be within 7 working days once all the information and documentation are provided, including but not limited to the response from the awarding university.
7. What identification documents are required to apply?
Rwandans: National ID
Foreigners: Passport
8. Are provisional or temporary certificates accepted for qualification equivalence?
No. Documents such as provisional certificates, attestations, or “To whom it may concern” letters are not accepted for equivalence.
9. What are the requirements to obtain my equivalence?
The requirements for obtaining equivalence vary for both Rwandan and foreign applicants, depending on the type of qualification (Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Bachelor's, Master's, Medical specialty-related qualifications, and PhD) as well as the mode of study (in-person or online).
The required and conditional attachments are as follows:
Required attachments
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.
Blended/Distance,Full Online
Evidence of official accreditation of the awarding institution;
Evidence of official accreditation of that online/blended academic program
A notarized copy of the final certificate/diploma/ degree for which the equivalence is applied.
Notarized copy of academic transcripts for each level studied for which the equivalence is applied.
Conditional attachments
For PhD by research: (1) Notarized copy of PhD Degree; (2) A link to at least one published research paper in a credible journal.
For PhD by coursework: (1) Notarized copy of PhD Degree; (2) Notarized copy of PhD academic transcripts for each level studied
Note: Translation of all non-Rwandan official language certificates, degrees and transcripts into English and should be certified by the competent authority, including but not limited to diplomatic institution of the home country of the awarding academic institution.
For more information, click here
10. I studied at a university that was later closed, and I have no contact there to verify my studies. What can I do to obtain my equivalence?
There are practical steps you can take to have your studies verified and recognized, even if your university has closed.
When a university closes, its institutional and student records may be transferred to a government authority in charge of higher education in the awarding country.
Steps to take:
Identify the custodian of the official academic records:
Contact the relevant education authorities to find out which institution holds the academic records of the closed university. This could be the Ministry of Education, a higher education regulatory body, or an accreditation council/commission.Check for a successor institution:
If another university has taken over the programs or campus of the closed institution, it may hold the relevant records.Contact embassies or high commissions:
Reach out to the embassy or high commission of the country where the institution was located for guidance on obtaining verification.Gather all personal documents you possess:
Final degree certificates or other relevant certificates
Academic transcripts or mark sheets
Admission letters, student ID cards, related correspondence, or payment receipts
Any documents showing your enrollment dates
These documents can serve as supporting evidence if official verification through the above channels is not possible.
11. How will I know when my application is approved?
Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive an SMS and/or email notification to the personal phone number and personal email address you provided during the application process informing that your application has been approved.
12. How can I access my equivalence certificate once approved?
You can download it directly from the IremboGov platform or access it via email if you provided one during your application.
13. What if I face issues during or after the application process?
For assistance, you can reach out via:
Call: 9099
Email: support@irembo.com
WhatsApp: 0792222220
14. Why is my equivalence taking so long to be processed?
The processing of your equivalence application may be delayed if the Higher Education Council (HEC) has sent a verification request to your awarding institution but has not yet received a response.
Possible reasons for the delay include:
Slow or no response from the awarding institution.
The applicant provided the wrong/inactive e-mail address of the awarding institution or department.
Errors in the application, such as incorrect contact information (e.g., wrong email or address).
Tip: Ensure you provide the correct and active email/contact details for your institution to facilitate a timely response.
15. Why is my university delaying its response after being contacted by HEC?
If the university does not respond within seven (7) working days, HEC sends a reminder email to follow up on the verification request. In some cases, delays may occur if the applicant provided an inactive or outdated institutional email, preventing the Higher Learning Institution (HLI) from receiving HEC’s correspondence.
16. The email address I provided on Irembo for my university is no longer active. How can I change it?
Please share an updated and active email address with HEC, either via SMS or email, so they can resend the verification request to the correct contact.
Email: equivalenceoffice@hec.gov.rw
Phone: 0786 823 101
17. Has HEC received a response from my university yet?
Once HEC receives a response from your institution, you will be notified via email address or SMS at the phone contact number you provided in your application.
18. My university informed me that they have already responded to HEC, but I have not yet received my equivalence. Why is there a delay?
Possible reasons for the delay include:
The applicant may have provided an incorrect or inactive personal email address, which could prevent receipt of HEC notifications.
HEC may still be verifying the accreditation status of the institution with relevant authorities.
19. In case i am not satisfied with the service offered by HEC, when and where do I raise or submit my complaint, or appeal?
In case an applicant is not satisfied with the service s/he received from HEC, s/he is permitted to appeal/complain within 30 working days, and her/his appeal can be submitted to the following e-mail: equivalenceappeal@hec.gov.rw.
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