Kigali Independent University (ULK)

Overview

Kigali Independent University (ULK) is a private higher education institution in Rwanda that was founded on 15 March 1996. The university was established with the aim of providing quality higher education, conducting research, and serving the community while contributing to Rwanda's social and economic development. Its educational philosophy is built around faith in God, ethical values, positive thinking, and a commitment to excellence, with the motto “Science and Conscience.”

ULK offers undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and specialised programmes through its academic schools and institutes. Its main academic areas include economics and business, social sciences, law, science and technology, education, and postgraduate studies. The university also operates a Polytechnic Institute offering technical programmes.

Faculties & Schools

• 1. School of Economics and Business Studies
  The School of Economics and Business Studies focuses on economics, accounting, finance, management, and business-related disciplines. It prepares students for careers in financial institutions, accounting, banking, entrepreneurship, business management, economics, and other private and public-sector organisations. Its academic areas include Economics, Accounting, Finance, Management, and Rural Development. The university also offers postgraduate programmes in areas such as Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Marketing, Project Management, Human Resource Management, and Procurement and Supply Chain Management.
• 2. School of Social Sciences
  The School of Social Sciences focuses on understanding societies, communities, development, international affairs, governance, and population-related issues. It prepares students for careers in government, international organisations, development agencies, research institutions, diplomacy, community development, and public administration. The school covers disciplines including Sociology, Development Studies, International Relations, Administrative Sciences, and Population Studies.
• 3. School of Law
  The School of Law provides legal education and prepares students for careers in legal practice, government, business, public administration, international organisations, and other sectors requiring legal expertise. Its academic offerings include Law, with areas such as Public Law and Private Law. ULK also offers postgraduate legal programmes, including master's-level studies in areas such as Public International Law and International Economic and Business Law.
• 4. School of Science and Technology
  The School of Science and Technology focuses on computing and technology-related education. It provides students with technical and analytical skills relevant to the rapidly developing ICT sector. ULK's current computing offerings include Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, and Networking. The Computer Science programme provides pathways leading to Bachelor of Science with Honours qualifications in Software Engineering, Networking, and Data Science.
• 5. School of Education
  The School of Education focuses on teacher preparation and education-related professional development. It prepares students for careers in teaching and the wider education sector. ULK's current academic platform includes education programmes such as Bachelor of Education in Biology and Chemistry, alongside other education-related offerings.
• 6. ULK Polytechnic Institute
  The ULK Polytechnic Institute provides practical and technical education designed to develop hands-on engineering and technical skills. It currently offers four main programme options: Construction Technology Electronics and Telecommunication Electrical Technology Land Surveying Engineering (Topography) The Polytechnic Institute is particularly suited to students seeking practical technical careers in construction, electrical systems, telecommunications, electronics, and surveying.
• Campuses
  ULK currently identifies two main campuses: Kigali and Gisenyi. The Kigali campus is located in Gasabo District, while the Gisenyi campus is in Rubavu District in Western Rwanda. The university also operates the ULK Polytechnic Institute as part of its academic infrastructure.
• Learning Facilities and Student Life
  ULK provides students with physical and digital library facilities, computer and digital laboratories, cafeterias, sports facilities, gardens, parking, transport facilities, and other student-support infrastructure. The university also provides access to an e-learning platform supporting its academic programmes.
• Postgraduate Education
  ULK also provides postgraduate education through its graduate programmes. Current postgraduate offerings include Master of Governance, Master of Development Studies, Master of Accounting, Master of Law in Public International Law, Master of International Economic and Business Law, Master of Science in Internet Systems, Master of Finance, Master of Science in Economics, MBA specialisations, and a Master's in Software Engineering. ULK has also opened applications for a PhD in Business Administration for the 2026–2027 academic year, with specialisations in Accounting, Finance, and Management.

Quick Facts

• Founded: 1996
• Study Modes: Day, Evening, Weekend
• Accreditation: Accredited private higher learning institution in Rwanda
• Accommodation: On-campus hostels are available at ULK Gisenyi Campus. ULK's Kigali Campus has also announced on-campus hostel accommodation with private, double-occupancy and four-occupancy rooms.
• Address: 102 KG 14 Ave, Gisozi, Gasabo District, Kigali, Rwanda
• Email: info@ulk.ac.rw
• Phone: +250 788 304 086 / +250 788 308 792