The university says it is the first institution in Rwanda to receive accreditation for an undergraduate Biomedical Engineering programme.

The programme comes as healthcare systems increasingly depend on technologies ranging from medical imaging and digital health platforms to sophisticated medical devices and rehabilitation equipment.

Biomedical Engineering combines engineering, medical and biological sciences to develop, manage and improve technologies used in healthcare.

At UMST, students will be introduced to three areas of specialization: Bioinstrumentation Technology, Medical Imaging and Medical Informatics.

These areas cover applications including medical-device development and management, imaging technologies, rehabilitation, health information systems, research and innovation.

Combining engineering and healthcare

The programme is designed for students interested in applying engineering principles to practical healthcare challenges.

Rather than focusing solely on the treatment of patients, biomedical engineers work on the technologies and systems that support diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and healthcare management.

“Biomedical Engineering requires students to think across disciplines. We want them to understand the healthcare problem, identify where technology can make a difference and develop the engineering skills needed to create safe and practical solutions,” said Eng. Mushtaq Mahyoob, Dean of the College of Biomedical Engineering.

“Accreditation is an important milestone, but our greater goal is to prepare engineers who can contribute meaningfully to healthcare innovation in Rwanda and beyond,” he added.

Students admitted to the programme can come from PCB, MCB or PCM combinations, subject to the university’s admission requirements.

The training involves Mathematics and Physics alongside Biology, computing, engineering principles and practical problem-solving. Its interdisciplinary structure requires students to understand both technical concepts and aspects of human biology and healthcare.

Practical training and industry exposure

UMST says the programme will be supported by modern teaching and learning resources, including technology intended to link classroom theory with practical training.

Students will also learn from experienced professors and industry practitioners, giving them exposure to both academic knowledge and professional experience.

The university says this approach is particularly relevant to Biomedical Engineering because graduates may eventually work with equipment and technologies deployed in real healthcare environments.

Potential career paths include hospitals, medical-device companies, research institutions, universities, technology companies, rehabilitation services and healthcare technology management.

The discipline can also provide a foundation for research, innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly as healthcare providers seek technologies adapted to local needs.

The university says its graduates have pursued careers in several international markets, including the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

Biomedical Engineering is practiced internationally, although professional requirements vary between countries. The broad nature of the discipline allows graduates to work across different areas of healthcare technology, depending on their qualifications and professional requirements.

For Rwanda, the development of local expertise could also contribute to the country's capacity to operate, maintain and develop healthcare technologies while supporting research and innovation.

Adding to UMST's academic offering

UMST has been recognized as a university since 1996, and the accreditation of the Biomedical Engineering degree adds a new area to its academic offering.

The university says the programme reflects its focus on specialized education aligned with developments in healthcare technology and medical innovation.

For prospective students, Biomedical Engineering offers an alternative to conventional pathways in either engineering or health sciences, combining elements of both fields.

Margany Esam Mahjon described the attraction of the discipline as its practical focus.

“I chose Biomedical Engineering because I wanted a career where I could use engineering and technology to solve real healthcare problems. The programme is challenging because it brings different sciences together, but that is also what makes it exciting,” he said.

As healthcare becomes increasingly dependent on technology, biomedical engineers are expected to play roles in the development, management and application of tools used across the health sector.

With the accreditation of its undergraduate programme, UMST is positioning the new degree as a pathway for students seeking to contribute to that evolving field in Rwanda and internationally.