HEC’s new paid degree equivalence provoke Outcry despite promise of faster service

From December 24, 2025, applicants seeking recognition of theirs academic qualifications obtained abroad are required to pay Rwf 60,000 for Rwandan citizens and USD 120 for foreign nationals, according to the Higher Education Council (HEC). The certificate, widely known as degree equivalence, is mandatory for employment, professional accreditation, and further studies in Rwanda.

HEC says the reform addresses persistent complaints over long waiting periods that left many graduates unable to secure jobs or advance in their careers. For years, applicants reported waiting well over twelve months, with some spending more than two years applied it, despite having met all requirements.

These concerns were confirmed by the Office of the Auditor General, which revealed that some applicants waited up to 405 days to receive equivalence decisions. The report attributed the delays mainly to the absence of a legally defined processing timeline. Between 2021 and 2024, HEC received 28,043 applications, yet only 21.4 percent were processed during that period.

Under the new system, applications and assessments are conducted entirely online through the Irembo platform. HEC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Edward Kadozi told to IGIHE that applicants will now receive feedback within 10 working days. He explained that the system prioritizes academic standards, institutional credibility, and rigorous verification of foreign qualifications, often involving international credential assessment bodies.

HEC also removed several requirements previously imposed on applicants. Documents such as proof of Entry permit, admission letter given by the University, or employment contracts will no longer be demanded. Applicants can track the process of their files online, receive alerts if documents are missing, and appeal decisions they believe are unfair.

Graduates Criticize High Fees, Say Equivalence Process Feels Like a Business

While HEC presents the changes as a major efficiency gain, public reaction has largely focused on the cost. Many citizens say the new fees are higher cost, especially for unemployed graduates and those from low-income families.

“A jump from zero to 60,000 francs is simply too big,” said by someone called Saidi.

"Some people applying are jobless, others studied on government scholarships. Paying something is understandable, but this amount is too high. It should not exceed 30,000 francs,” He added.

Others argue that the system unfairly penalizes graduates who studied abroad at multiple levels. One citizen, called Karibuni, warned that a graduate with an undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degree from foreign institutions could end up paying Rwf 180,000 to obtain all required equivalences.

“This feels like turning equivalence into a business,” he said, expressing judgement over what he sees as repeated charges for the same academic journey.

"For someone who studied abroad at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels, they must pay up to Rwf 180,000 to obtain all the equivalences, since you cannot get a master’s certificate without first applying for the undergraduate one, nor a PhD without the master’s. In my case, it will cost Rwf 120,000. This is clearly being business," he added.

On social media platform X, similar concerns echoed widely. Elie Ntirenganya questioned how the price was determined, asking whether graduates’ income levels and economic realities were considered.

“Ohhh! God!!! This is going to be like school fees again. Why is it too expensive? Who decides the prices? Last, the price was fixed based on what? (Eg: house rent; system, technician,....),” he wrote.

M. Sage, another user on X, acknowledged that the amount was high but suggested that applicants might have no other alternative if they want their qualifications recognized. Meanwhile, Prof. Eric Sinamenye argued that some graduates, particularly those who studied at regional campuses operating in Rwanda auch as Mount Kenya, should reduced procedures since their academic processes already align with local standards and working with institutions charges of Education.

Besides, HEC highlighted that the fees were set after reviewing practices in neighboring countries, where equivalence services are paid. Dr. Kadozi told IGIHE that the money will pay international verification experts and support the operation and maintenance of the new digital system. He also explained that higher charges for foreign applicants reflect the additional resources required to verify their credentials.

The reforms comes after pressure from Senators in November 2025, who urged the Ministry of Education and HEC to resolve the long-standing equivalence backlog. HEC has pledged that by June 2026, all major challenges surrounding degree equivalence will be fully addressed.

For many citizens, however, the success of the new system will not be measured by speed alone. They say it must balance efficiency with affordability, ensuring that qualified graduates are not priced out of opportunities they need to work, serve, and contribute to Rwanda’s development.