The four-year programme combines rigorous theoretical training with hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories, including a dedicated Nuclear Science Lab. Students will specialise in areas such as nuclear techniques, health physics, radiation protection, and environmental monitoring, while participating in industrial attachments and research projects that bridge classroom learning with real-world applications.
The inaugural cohort of 52 students, enrolled for the 2025â€"2026 academic year, was selected based on strong backgrounds in mathematics and physics.
'This programme is a milestone for Rwanda and Africa,' said Associate Professor Kayihura Muganga Didas, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda. 'It will prepare a skilled workforce capable of supporting nuclear reactor operations, medical physics, radiation safety, and other critical applications essential for sustainable development.'
The initiative aligns with Rwanda's national development plans under the second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050, and complements broader ambitions in nuclear energy and technology. Beyond energy generation, nuclear science applications extend to healthcare, agriculture, water resource management, industry, environmental protection, and national security.
Dr. Fidèle Ndahayo, CEO of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board, described the launch as a strategic step in building homegrown expertise. 'This programme equips our young people with the skills and technical competencies to integrate nuclear solutions in energy, health, agricultural, industrial, and environmental sectors,' he said.
The academic programme also supports Rwanda's plan to establish a nuclear research centre in collaboration with Russia. The centre will focus on producing radioactive materials for cancer diagnosis and treatment, improving agriculture through radiation technologies, and advancing industrial testing methods. Additionally, Rwanda is preparing to host Africa's first demonstration of a Dual Fluid nuclear reactor and is exploring small modular reactor (SMR) technology to meet the country's growing energy demands sustainably.
With national energy capacity currently estimated at 650â€"700 MW, Rwanda needs to boost output to as much as 4.5 GW by 2050 to fuel economic growth.
By producing professionals capable of contributing across energy, healthcare, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and mining sectors, the new BSc in Nuclear Science and Technology positions Rwanda as a continental leader in nuclear innovation, supporting a vision where Africa is a generator, not just a consumer, of advanced nuclear technologies.
IGIHE
