CMU-Africa’s 12th graduation ceremony

Graduation ceremony details

We invite graduating students and their guests to the main graduation ceremony on Friday, May 16. This ceremony will confer degrees and distinction awards and include distinguished speakers. Please note that each graduate is limited to two guests who can attend the main ceremony. Graduating students will receive a registration link to secure their guests’ attendance. The ceremony will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, and is expected to last approximately 2 hours.

Resources for graduating students

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! We are excited and look forward to celebrating with you. As you plan for graduation, refer to this page for information about deadlines, collect your student graduation regalia, and take your graduation portrait.

Valedictorian

Each academic year, Carnegie Mellon University selects one outstanding student to deliver a speech at the graduation ceremony, representing the entire graduating class. This honor offers a unique opportunity for the chosen student to address their peers, faculty, staff, families, and other guests with a speech of their own making.

The Office of Student Affairs carefully selects the valedictorian, considering the graduate's academic excellence and ability to embody Carnegie Mellon University's values and ideals.

Graduation portraits

In-person graduation portraits will be taken at the CMU-Africa studio, B305, on May 8, May 9, and May 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. CAT.

Cap and gown

Carnegie Mellon University mandates that all graduates wear official regalia, including a cap and gown, to participate in the graduation ceremony. The firm graduation cap and gown collection deadline is May 14, 2025. Please drop by F309 between May 6 through May 14, 2025, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CAT for collection.

Diplomas

Graduating students will receive their diplomas on the graduation day and the week following the graduation ceremony.

If you cannot attend the graduation ceremony, your diploma will be mailed to you. Should you have any inquiries about the distribution of diplomas, please do not hesitate to reach out to studentsupport-africa@andrew.cmu.edu

CMU-Africa Alumni Association

Following your graduation, you will receive information on upcoming events, available resources, campus news, and more to help you stay connected with the university through the Alumni Association.

Resources for families and guests

We look forward to hosting family and friends at the 12th CMU-Africa graduation.

Accommodations

It is highly recommended that graduating students and guests seeking lodging in Kigali for graduation make arrangements well in advance. This is especially important as multiple large international conferences will occur during the same time of year, making it increasingly difficult to secure accommodations as the event draws nearer. We suggest reserving guest lodging as early as possible and opting for cancelable reservations.
Fortunately, the selected graduation ceremony venue is easily accessible, and a range of public transportation options, including taxicabs and motorbike services, are available.

• Kigali Marriott Hotel
• Four Points by Sheraton Kigali
• Kigali Serena Hotel
• Hotel des Milles Collines
• Radisson Blu
• Park Inn
• Onomo
• The Nest
• KIM Hotel
• Hotel Chez Lando
• Hotel Lemigo
• Nature Kigali Guest House
• Airbnbs

Visit Rwanda

We hope you take advantage of Kigali's attractions, culture, and food.

Information for international guests: Please visit the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration website for information on travel and visa requirements.

Graduation ceremony live streaming

The graduation ceremony will be live streamed for graduating students and guests who cannot travel. Details on the availability of streaming of the graduation ceremony will be available on May 15.