Africa-Press – Rwanda. A new higher learning institution, the International Covenant College, is set to open in Rwanda following the Cabinet’s recent approval of a Ministerial Order granting it full accreditation.
The green light was given on Wednesday, July 30, during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame. According to the resolutions, the college will initially offer two academic programs, Digital Media Technology and Early Childhood Development (ECD), with plans to expand its offerings gradually.
The college is expected to begin operations this year, The New Times has learnt.
Hayoung Kim, the Legal Representative of Global Bible Mission in Africa (GBMA), a faith-based organisation registered in Rwanda and Kenya, said that they chose to establish the college as part of GBMA’s broader vision to expand access to quality, values-driven education across Africa.
“Rwanda is an ideal location due to its strategic position as a regional crossroads, its safety, and its enabling environment for initiatives that serve the public good,” Hayoung said.
On the choice of programs, she explained that they were strategically selected to align with Rwanda’s national development priorities.
“ECD is critical to building a knowledge-based economy, while Digital Media Technology reflects the country’s goal of integrating its citizens into the digital revolution,” she said.
Hayoung emphasized the synergy between the two programmes, stating that they are expected to collaborate on producing digital learning content that meets the standards set by the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB).
“Our Digital Media Technology programme will contribute directly to this vision. For instance, students in both programs can work together to develop digital educational materials tailored for early learners,” she added.
Location and first intake
According to her, the college is located in Gahanga Sector, Kicukiro District, in the City of Kigali. While the first student intake is still being finalized.
“We are still in active discussions, but we expect to enroll a few hundred students at most initially,” she said. “Eligibility will follow standards set by the Higher Education Council (HEC), requiring a Rwanda Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education (or its equivalent).”
She also pointed out that the focus, for now, is on excelling in the two initial programmes before any expansion takes place.
“We will only expand as the demand becomes evident and as our capacity to maintain excellence allows,” she said.
Faith-based foundation
What sets the college apart, Hayoung said, is its foundation in Christian values.
“ICC is a Christian higher learning institution. Our guiding principles include integrity, sacrifice, and compassion, based on the biblical concept of ‘Covenant,’ which reflects God’s promise-keeping nature,” she explained.
She further clarified that the college is non-profit-oriented.
“Our educational programs are not designed to generate income for other interests. Education is the goal in itself. We are committed to offering the best quality we can,” Hayoung said.
Scholarships and financial support
A limited number of merit-based scholarships will be available for the first intake. She added that there is the possibility of availing need-based scholarships in the future
“GBMA remains committed to expanding access to education, and this includes providing financial support to deserving students,” she said.
Speaking about the significance of the college’s accreditation, Edward Kadozi, HEC Director General, said the move aligns with Rwanda’s national strategy to attract institutions that respond to the country’s needs.
“The programs being introduced, Digital Media Technology and Early Childhood Development, are both timely and necessary,” Kadozi said.
He noted that the media landscape in Rwanda is evolving, increasing the demand for professionals skilled in digital content creation, production, and communication.
“Digital skills are crucial as more sectors embrace digitalization. This program will help bridge the talent gap,” he explained.
Regarding the ECD programme, Kadozi emphasized its importance in addressing child development challenges, including stunting and cognitive delays, particularly in the early years.
“We need professionals who deeply understand child development and can work with communities to implement effective early learning interventions,” he said.
In Rwanda, higher learning institutions are classified as institutes, colleges, or universities. Colleges can offer multiple programmes and award diplomas, and, if accredited further, may offer bachelor’s degrees, Kadozi explained.
The International Covenant College is currently accredited to offer diploma-level qualifications in its two initial programs. Future academic expansion will depend on additional accreditation and institutional growth, the official said.
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