Â鶹¾«Ñ¡

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Zipline operates a nationwide, autonomous drone delivery network in Rwanda, primarily focused on transforming the country's healthcare supply chain
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candid medium shot of two young men smiling and walking together on a dirt road. On the left, a Rwandan man in a dark blue T-shirt that reads "inspire POSITIVE CHANGE" smiles broadly with his arm around a blond Caucasian man wearing a purple gingham button-down shirt and a backpack. Other people and a simple brick building are visible in the background.
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A joyful group interaction outdoors under a bright blue-and-white canopy. In the foreground, a young Rwandan man wearing a baseball cap and a dark blue shirt is embracing or greeting a Caucasian man with long hair tied back, who is also wearing a Â鶹¾«Ñ¡ blue shirt. Surrounding them are other smiling students and faculty members.
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A medium shot of two women sitting cross-legged on a lush green lawn, enjoying a meal together outdoors. On the left, a Caucasian woman with short dark hair in a black T-shirt smiles warmly at a Rwandan woman with short hair on the right, who wears a white blouse and striped trousers. Both hold plates of food and forks, with a rustic woven branch fence behind them.
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A vibrant, close-up shot capturing a moment of celebration. A Rwandan woman in a green floral dress has both arms raised high in the air, smiling brightly. Surrounding her are several other men and women laughing and cheering, with a wooden display board featuring photographs visible in the background.

Initiatives

Â鶹¾«Ñ¡â€™s presence in Rwanda includes a range of academic, training and partnership initiatives that reflect a growing and multifaceted collaboration—from graduate degree programs and aviation training to study abroad and joint research.

Sponsored Student Programs

Â鶹¾«Ñ¡hosts students from Rwanda across multiple government and institutional partnerships, providing graduate education and professional training aligned with Rwanda’s national development priorities.

Group photo at the Rwanda Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) offices in Kigali, Rwanda.

Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Education sponsors students to pursue academic programs at Â鶹¾«Ñ¡in fields critically needed in Rwanda. Currently, 66 Rwandan students are enrolled at Â鶹¾«Ñ¡. Six recent graduates have already returned to Rwanda and are working in public institutions, with additional students expected to enroll in Fall 2026.

Dr. Marcello Fantoni, Â鶹¾«Ñ¡ Vice President for Global Education, and a Rwanda National Police official hold signed agreement folders at the Office of the Inspector General of Police in Kigali, Rwanda.

Rwanda National Police

The Rwanda National Police send students to Â鶹¾«Ñ¡to pursue graduate studies—including master’s and doctoral programs—in Computer Science, Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), and Peace and Conflict Studies.

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RwandAir

In partnership with RwandAir, Â鶹¾«Ñ¡provides professional pilot training to support Rwanda’s ambition to become a leading aviation hub in the region. The first cohort of RwandAir-sponsored students enrolled at Â鶹¾«Ñ¡in Spring 2026.

University Partnerships

Â鶹¾«Ñ¡and the University of Rwanda are collaborating on joint degree programs that connect campuses across continents and open new pathways for Rwandan students.

University of Rwanda logo

Aeronautic/Aerospace Engineering — 2+2 Program

Students complete their first two years at the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology and transfer to Â鶹¾«Ñ¡for the final two years, earning a fully accredited Â鶹¾«Ñ¡degree. The University of Rwanda has submitted the program to the Higher Education Council (HEC) for approval, with both institutions targeting an unveiling in June 2026.

Dual Master’s in Peace and Conflict Studies

Â鶹¾«Ñ¡and the University of Rwanda are developing a dual master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, structured as one year in the United States and one year in Rwanda. This program will provide students with a globally grounded education in one of the region’s most relevant fields.

Fashion Industry — Exploratory

Â鶹¾«Ñ¡and the University of Rwanda are exploring the development of a dual master’s degree in the Fashion Industry, building on the growing creative economy partnership that underpins Â鶹¾«Ñ¡ Rwanda.

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Sport Management — Kepler College

Â鶹¾«Ñ¡and Kepler College in Rwanda are developing a dual master’s program in Sport Management, expanding graduate-level academic pathways for students at both institutions.

Other Initiatives

Beyond sponsored programs and university partnerships, Kent State's work in Rwanda extends into study abroad, language training, and emerging areas of collaboration that deepen the university's long-term presence in the region.

Study Abroad & Exchange

Â鶹¾«Ñ¡currently offers faculty-led study abroad programs in Rwanda, providing students with direct experience in one of East Africa’s most dynamic and fast-developing nations.

The Office of Global Education plans to expand these opportunities through summer institutes by Summer 2027, timed to coincide with the full operation of Â鶹¾«Ñ¡ Rwanda in Kigali.

Language & Professional Development

Â鶹¾«Ñ¡and the Ministry of Education are engaged in ongoing discussions to establish an English as a Second Language (ESL) Center in Rwanda, supporting students preparing for academic programs at Â鶹¾«Ñ¡or other institutions in the United States and globally.

Through the Ministry of Health partnership, Â鶹¾«Ñ¡will also provide nursing education and professional development for Rwandan health professionals, with opportunities for Â鶹¾«Ñ¡students to gain clinical experience in Rwandan hospitals.

Future Expansion

Â鶹¾«Ñ¡continues to explore new partnerships in education, healthcare, language training and industry collaboration to support Rwanda’s long-term development goals. These efforts reflect a shared commitment to building a durable, multi-sector presence that grows alongside Rwanda’s own ambitions.

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