FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

The African School of Governance (ASG) is a graduate-level institution that envisions a prosperous and peaceful Africa where purpose-driven leaders drive sustainable development for all.

Its mission is to empower Africa’s leaders through innovative public policy education and research that fosters transformative governance. ASG’s approach is grounded in Africa’s distinct values and opportunities, aiming to shape governance solutions that meet the continent’s unique needs.

ASG’s programs target a diverse group of leaders, including early and mid-career professionals, as well as established figures in governance, aiming to nurture impactful leadership that drives Africa’s sustainable development.

ASG distinguishes itself from its peers by four key features: Mindset-focus; emphasising the importance of a worldview and value system as a driving force of societal transformation, Pan-African student and faculty recruitment, ensuring diversity and inclusion across the continent; a genuinely African curriculum rooted in Africa’s history and experiences; hands-on practical learning through case studies and fieldwork; and a lifelong learning ecosystem that supports leaders at every stage of their career. By combining education, research, and policy-making, ASG strengthens its role as a powerful knowledge base for leadership and governance across Africa.

Yes. The African School of Governance (ASG) is officially accredited and has been granted legal personality by the Government of Rwanda under Ministerial Order Nº 001/MINEDUC/2025, effective 6th January 2025. This accreditation reinforces the credibility and quality of our academic programmes, empowering us to deliver transformative education in public policy, leadership, and governance.

Yes, ASG is accredited, our programs meet international standards and are recognized by academic and professional institutions globally. Our offerings are competitive and impactful worldwide.

  • Education: ASG will offer a range of degree and non-degree programs, including Master’s and Executive Master’s degrees in Public Administration, executive education courses, the Young Leaders Programme and the Senior Ledearship Fellowship. These programs focus on developing leadership skills, governance expertise, and real-world problem-solving capabilities.
  • Research: ASG emphasizes evidence-based research that addresses Africa’s unique challenges. The institution is committed to producing impactful research that informs policy and governance decisions, focusing on areas like regional integration, government delivery capabilities, and home-grown innovations.
  • Policy Engagement: ASG will be actively involved in shaping public policy across the continent. Through policy briefs, roundtables, and conferences, ASG engages stakeholders from various sectors to collaborate on solutions to Africa’s governance issues, fostering a strong connection between academia and real-world policy-making.

ASG APPLICATION

The ASG application process follows a 2-phase application process. Read about the process here.

We require a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution of higher education. While we do not specify a minimum GPA, most successful applicants are expected to have a first-class degree and/or a GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.

No. Not at this time. All students are expected to join the MPA programme as Year 1 students.

No. A completed bachelor’s degree is required for consideration.

While the MPA programme is designed for candidates with 2-5 years of post-graduate work experience, we will consider recent graduates with strong applications.

No. All ages are welcome to apply.

Absolutely! ASG welcomes applicants from all professional backgrounds who are passionate about shaping Africa’s future. Your unique experiences, both personal and professional, offer valuable perspectives that will enrich our community.

Yes. We welcome applicants from all locations.

We welcome applicants from all around the world. While our content is Africa-focused, and many of our students have ties to the continent, African citizenship is not a requirement for admission.

We do not recommend applying to multiple programmes at the same time. If you are early in your career and/or prefer a full-time programme, we recommend applying to the MPA. If you are at a more senior level in your career and/or prefer a part-time programme, please apply for the EMPA.

Yes. There is a non-refundable $50 application fee.

You can pay your application fee by credit or debit card on the application portal or by secure EFT bank transfer.

  • 1 February 2025: Applications open
  • 30 April 2025: Applications close
  • 31 May 2025: Admissions decisions
  • June 2025: Scholarship and financial aid decisions
  • 31 July 31 2025: Final date to enrol
  • September 2025: Classes begin

Tuition for the MPA programme is $15,000 per year. Tuition covers educational expenses. Housing, food, and travel expenses are separate costs.

You will need the following documents to complete your application:

  • Current curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Official certificates, degrees, and diplomas
  • Official transcripts
  • Proof of English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or an equivalent, or a degree conducted in English
  • Two letters of recommendation (one academic and one professional)

English proficiency is required. This can be demonstrated through evidence of a previous degree conducted in English, or through an approved English proficiency exam (TOEFL or IELTS) taken no more than 6 months prior to applying. If you have not completed a previous degree conducted in English, you will be required to score at least a 80 on the TOEFL or a 6 on the IELTS to be considered.

Those scoring 80-100 on the TOEFL, or a 6 or 7 on the IELTS, will be required to complete an intensive English course prior to the beginning of classes in September. Those scoring above 100 on the TOEFL, or an 8 or above on the IELTS, will not be required to do so.

You can upload your results on the application portal.

No. As an African institution, we understand that the continent is multilingual and do not wish to create unnecessary barriers.

However, to graduate, your transcripts and degrees must be translated into English to comply with Rwanda’s Higher Education Council regulations. ASG will support you in this process once you are enrolled. It is not something you need to worry about before applying.

Yes, you can apply with unofficial transcripts. However, you must submit your official transcripts before enrolling.

No. All documents should be uploaded online through our application portal.

We recommend having one academic and one professional letter of reference; that is, a Professor or another individual who knows your academic work, and a manager or co-worker who can speak to your professional performance.

If you graduated from university more than five years ago, it may be more relevant to have two professional references. This is acceptable, but please ensure that these references can speak to different elements of your character and performance. For example, it is better to have one reference from your manager at work and another from the co-founder of the NGO you launched, rather than two references from members of the same team that worked with you on a single project.

No. We only accept two recommendations. Please consider who is most likely to provide the most useful perspective on your work and your potential.

You can submit your letters of recommendation on our application portal.

No. You can save your application at any time in the process. You will receive an email with a link to continue your application.

ASG is committed to developing the next generation of transformational public and social sector leaders across the continent. Effective leadership requires the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and succinctly in ways that inspire and engage others.

The application process must allow candidates to provide the most comprehensive view of their work experience, academic achievements, and ideas. Replacing the written essay with a video essay allows candidates to express themselves more fully and holistically.

In our initial screening process, we will notify you if you do not qualify and advise you of any steps you can take for future reconsideration.

We review applications on a rolling basis and respond as they are processed. All acceptance emails will be sent no later than 31 May 2025.

If you are not accepted, you will receive an email notification no later than June 30th  2025

For any additional questions, please email us at [email protected].

ASG Education Programmes

  • ASG will offer a range of courses and degrees to meet the needs of post-graduate, mid-level and senior graduate-level programs focused on governance, public policy, leadership, and management.

    ASG will offer five academic programmes for students and executives from all African countries and beyond:

    1. Master of Public Administration (MPA): A 2-year Master in Public Administration degree with a rigorous core curriculum on leadership, governance, and policy analysis, and specialisation tracks in African policy challenges.
    1. Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA): A 2-year, part-time Executive Master in Public Administration with a flexible curriculum covering leadership, governance, and policy analysis adapted for senior leaders. It offers integrated learning and leadership development opportunities adaptable for senior executives. Available in a hybrid learning mode, combining on-campus and online learning.
    2. Executive Course: Expansive, flexible 2-3 weeks open enrollment and customised courses for established African leaders and senior executives in the public, social, and private sectors of 2-3 weeks for senior executives. It offers leadership education to a wider range of established leaders and senior executives
    1. Young Leaders Program: A 6-week program for recent graduates and young African professionals on purpose-driven leadership. It instils a purpose-driven mindset in future leaders early in their journey and drives interest in public policy education.
    1. Senior Leadership Fellowship: A 6-month Structured program for senior leaders to reflect on their purpose, goals, and impact strategy, engage as mentors or adjunct faculty, and work to address a core challenge they are facing. It allows established leaders to reflect on their journey and position for greater impact
  • Fluency in English is required for admission. Admitted students will be required to learn at least one additional African Union language during their studies.

  • Yes, ASG offers both in-person and online learning formats, with some programs combining virtual and face-to-face sessions.

  • ASG will offer a rigorous, multidisciplinary curriculum, mentorship, and practical training. Students have access to academic advisors, research opportunities, and internships to gain real-world experience.

Research

  • Research at ASG will inform the governance and policy discourse across Africa. Whether it is security or sustainable development, ASG seeks to address the most pressing policy challenges in Africa through collaborative research projects that identify problems and propose relevant solutions. Our faculty and students engage in impactful research that provides practical, evidence-based solutions to governance challenges.

Our research priorities will focus on four key areas:

      1. African History and Leadership: Research in this area explores Africa’s pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial history to better understand current governance challenges and develop leadership models rooted in African experiences.
      2. Government Delivery Capabilities: This priority focuses on strengthening and transforming the effectiveness of African governments in delivering public services, with an emphasis on policy implementation and governance systems.
      3. Home-Grown Government Innovations: ASG investigates, and documents innovations developed by African governments and societies to solve local challenges, creating a knowledge base of successful governance solutions.
      4. Regional Integration and Collaboration: Research in this area aims to enhance the effectiveness of African regional bodies and institutions, fostering deeper collaboration and integration across the continent.

Policy Engagement

  • We will contribute to policy and innovation through four key channels:

    1. Knowledge Dissemination: Sharing insights and research to inform policy decisions across Africa.
    2. Convening and Capacity Building: Bringing together stakeholders through roundtables and high-level conferences to collaborate on key policy issues.
    3. Direct Policy Engagement: Faculty involvement in providing advisory support to public, private, and social sectors.
    4. Innovation Incubation: Supporting social entrepreneurs and collaborating with governments to implement innovative solutions for public sector improvement.

Leadership and Governance at ASG

His Excellency Paul Kagame and His Excellency Hailemariam Dessalegn are the co-founders of ASG.

Professor Kingsley Moghalu is the inaugural President and vice-chancellor of ASG.

Funding and Tuition

ASG offers a variety of scholarships aimed at supporting students based on financial need, academic merit, leadership potential, and commitment to public service. Scholarships can cover part or all of the tuition fees. However, ASG expects many, if not most of the applicants to afford its tuition fee and living expenses.

Eligibility criteria for scholarships typically include academic excellence, leadership experience, professional background, and demonstrated financial need. Each scholarship may have specific requirements, which will be outlined in the application guidelines.