République Démocratique du Congo
UNIVERSITE OFFICIELLE DE BUKAVU
Secrétariat Général Académique
BP. 570 Bukavu, RDC
Adresse E-mail /Mail address : sgacuob2@gmail.com
Life on Campus at the Official University of Bukavu
Candidates who have an overall average of at least 60% on all the marks obtained in the Bachelor or equivalent from a recognized university are eligible for the MSc programme. The candidate must provide a recommendation from his employer and two of his former Lecturers. A certificate of physical fitness is required.
The application for admission to the MSc programme should be addressed to the Head of Department and copies are communicated to the Depute Dean in charge of research and to the Academic General Secretary (Academic Registrar).
The application should include copies of the candidate’s academic titles (Certificates & Transcripts) and curriculum vitae. After submitting the application for admission to the Department’s secretariat, the Department Council decides on the candidate’s admissibility and submits it to the Faculty Council, which decides on the opinion issued by the Department Council. Admission proposals are forwarded hierarchically to the Rector (Vice Chancellor) for decision.
Enrollment is confirmed by the payment of enrollment fees and study fees (tuition), the rate of which is fixed annually by the University Council. Depending on the type of study, additional costs may be considered.
The Academic Calendar for postgraduate programme is established by the Official University of Bukavu (UOB) in accordance with the provisions provided in the National Regulations for HEIs.
Postgraduate
Applications for admission are accepted until early December for each academic year
Short listing is done by 20th December,
Applications are first examined by Department Technical Committee (DTC),
Then by Faculty/School Technical Committee (FTC) that presents to the General Academic Secretariat for approval.
Results (lists of admitted students) are posted at the University valves and website,
Applicants are informed by emails and phones on their admission status and starting date.
Under graduate
The Academic Calendar for undergraduate and honors programme is established by Ministry of Higher Education and Universities in accordance with the provisions provided in the National Regulations for HEIs.
Applications for admission are accepted from June to October for each academic year;
Short listing is done before 15th October;
Applications are examined by Admission Committee (AC) that is composed by Deans, Directors of Schools, Director of Academic affairs, in charge of admission and Board members of University;
Results (lists of admitted students) are posted at the University valves;
Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance (AQ) introduced in the Higher Education (ESU) sector in DR Congo by Circular Note 016/MINESURS/CABMIN/MML/PK/2010 of 27 October 2010. This note recommended the creation of a quality assurance unit within each ESU institution.
Ministerial decrees Nos. 084 and 085 / MINESURS / CAB.MINUTE/
BCL / CB/NKA / 2013 of 27 August 2013 respectively set up and appointed members of the National Quality Assurance Coordination (CONAQ) of ESU in DR Congo.
The new framework law n ° 14-004 of the National Education of February 11, 2014: creates a national agency of the AQ under the name of « National Council of Education » (CNE).
The Quality Assurance Unit is established at the UOB by Executive Decision No. 56 / R / UOB/BBR/LMK/2015 in accordance with circular Note No. 016/MINESU/CABMIN/MML/CNK/PK / 2010 on Good Governance and Quality Assurance in Higher Education.
At UOB, the Quality Assurance Unit operates according to the related Decrees & Law:
Credit Transfer
Credit accumulation and transfer are specified in the VADE-MECUM
It applies to both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes,
Department Technical Committee (DTC) and Faculty/School Technical Committee (FTC) evaluate based on official transcripts and studied courses:
Number of studied courses per programme
Number of hours per course,
Equivalence of courses
The FTC recommends to the General Academic Secretariat for approval.
Grants and Scholarships
Advisory Board or Committee decides about the scholarships. The Committees related to postgraduate studies are specified in the VADE-MECUM (National Policy for the management of higher education institutions)
In addition to the national solidarity and excellence Scholarship, the Ministry of Higher Education & University (Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et Universitaire-ESU) grants scholarships to several study courses within the framework of bilateral and multilateral cooperation offered by the partners.
Applications for scholarships are submitted to the Office of International Cooperation, Study & Planning for selection.
Decisions are taken by the Rector on approval from the Office of International Cooperation, Study & Planning after examination of the Applications.
Entry and residence permits (visas)
Acquisition of visa is based on the General Direction of Migration (DGM) legislation and regulations which are beyond the control of the University, HOWEVER THE UNIVERSITY DELIVER TO ALL ADMITTED STUDENTS ADMITTANCE DOCUMENT WHICH CAN BE USED WHEN APPLYING FOR VISA.
The Office of International Cooperation, Study & Planning under the Rectorate Office helps students to obtain the necessary documents.
Students/staff from some countries and East African Countries get visas at the entry points. Some nationals are requested to apply for visa in their countries’ DRC Embassies/missions before reaching the entry points.
Counseling and Guidance
The Office of International Cooperation, Study & Planning under the Rectorate Office, helps students who need assistance on guidance about their daily life at the university. This office is responsible for:
– Management of International Cooperation in the Higher Education and university sector with external partners;
– Management & follow-up of Congolese students and professionals in training abroad, both scholarship & non-scholarship holders;
– Management & follow-up of International students and professionals in training in the University;
– Promotion of the Cultural, Educational, Scientific and technological influence of DRC in the world.
Furthermore, The Office of International Cooperation at the Rectorate Office is charge of:
Projects conception and planning;
Orientation of partners and students;
Reception of partners and students;
Assist in obtaining visas (invitations and recommendations);
Assist with registration;
Assist in obtaining Study and Research Permits (International students/staff);
Any other issues related to International cooperation, students, and staff
Insurance and Medical Access
The University Clinics of Bukavu (CUB) comprise various units which provide different services to the University Community and other Bukavu citizens. Like other University Clinics in the DRC, there are four services namely: Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and OB-GYN. The facilities include Paramedics; Medical imaging service (X-ray and ultrasound), Pharmacy and Laboratories. All registered students of UOB are medically insured at 80% at the UOB Clinics.
Welcome and Integration related activities
At the beginning of the semester, the University organizes through the Faculty of Arts and Humanities a French Week speaking activities, for the integration of new and international students; especially for those coming from non- French speaking countries. This is part of the various other integration activities at the university including, visits and excursions at tourist hotspots around and outside Bukavu City.
Language courses
Languages (French and English) are compulsory courses in the provisions of the national Higher Education Curriculum in all the Faculties. At campus, there are many language clubs for national and international students; some of these include French Club, English Club, Chinese Club, Japanese Club, Spanish Club, etc. In addition to clubs, there are schools and centres of languages that provide short training language (national and international) courses to students to cope with studies at the university.
Recreation
The organization of cultural activities, sports and various games within the University campus is one of the means favoring the strengthening of links between the members of the University community and promoting the insertion of a climate of peace, tranquility and dialogue between students and academic authorities and especially personal training leaves much to be desired.
Spiritual life
Among the places of worship, they are predominantly Christian churches and temples : Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bukavu (Catholic Church), Kimbanguist Church, Baptist Community of Congo (Baptist World Alliance), Baptist Community of the Congo River (Baptist World Alliance), Assemblies of God, Province of the Anglican Church of the Congo (Anglican Communion), Presbyterian Community in Congo (World Communion of Reformed Churches). There are also Muslim mosques. At campus, there are many cultural and religious movements animated by students. These movements constitute real centres for integration of national and international students coping with the multicultural university life.
The COVID-19 pandemic in The Democratic Republic of the Congo
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected travel to many countries. The Democratic Republic of the Congo requires you to have a negative COVID-19 test for entry.
Required Vaccinations for DR Congo
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory to get into the country. Make sure you carry your vaccination card. Vaccinations you may need are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Typhoid and Malaria. For more information about vaccination in the DRC consult: https://klmhealthservices.com/en/inentingen/congo-d-r-kinshasa/
Accommodation
The university possesses a guesthouse for the accommodation of the university visitors, including partners, visiting lecturers and staff, etc. And under specific circumstances and for limited/short period the international students.
The Office of International Cooperation, Study & Planning under the Rectorate Office and the coordination office of postgraduate studies in the respective faculties assist the international students to obtain the affordable accommodation (at students’ costs) before and during their study periods at the University.
Bank Account
There are several national and international banks in Bukavu city. Just to mention few international banks: Rawbank Bukavu, TMB, Equity Bank, Bank of Africa, Finca, EcoBank, etc. At arrival, students are requested to open personal bank accounts according to their scholarship requirements. Each bank has its specific requirements. Many banks offer several categories of bank accounts with the advantage of maintenance/service/commission charges free to students, some of which include academia accounts, fidelity accounts, etc.
All payments at the university (tuition, and other fees) are strictly paid at the bank to specific accounts as appropriately guided by the University or faculties.
Currency/Money
The national currency is the Congolese Franc (CDF). Besides, the USD is accepted everywhere (shops, markets, hotels, restaurants, public transports, taxis, etc.). The exchange rate varies according to the country’s economic situation. The current rate varies from 2000 to 2050 CDF for 1USD. There are also moneychangers available in many places in Bukavu city. ATMS, that are internationally linked, are available in the different banks in the City.
Bukavu climate/weather
The Bukavu lies on 1490m above sea level. This location is classified as Aw by Köppen and Geiger. The average annual temperature is 19.9 °C | 67.8 °F in Bukavu. About 1391 mm | 54.8 inch of precipitation falls annually. The driest month is July. There is 17 mm | 0.7 inch of precipitation in July. In November, the precipitation reaches its peak, with an average of 172 mm | 6.8 inch. With an average of 20.5 °C | 68.9 °F, September is the warmest month. At 19.5 °C | 67.1 °F on average, July is the coldest month of the year. The precipitation varies 155 mm | 6 inch between the driest month and the wettest month. The variation in annual temperature is around 1.0 °C | 33.8 °F. For more information on Bukavu Weather, consult: https://en.climate-data.org/africa/congo-kinshasa/sud-kivu/bukavu-4604/
Geography
Bukavu is a city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), lying at the extreme south-western edge of Lake Kivu, west of Cyangugu in Rwanda, and separated from it by the outlet of the Ruzizi River. It is the capital of the South Kivu province and it has an estimated population of more than 1 million.
With mountainous terrain, it offers a tropical mountain climate in two seasons: a dry season (which lasts about four months, from May to August) and a rainy season during the other months of the year. For the view of Bukavu, please consult: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukavu#/media/File:Bukavu_centre_ville.png
