Thirty Rwandan students are set to begin a six-year medical degree programme in China, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s pool of trained healthcare professionals.
The students will study clinical medicine at Inner Mongolia Medical University under an initiative that forms part of growing cooperation between Rwanda and China in healthcare and education.
The Chinese Embassy in Rwanda hosted a send-off ceremony on October 10, attended by Ndayizigiye Jean Marie Vianney, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Chinese medical team representatives and embassy Counsellor Gao Zhiqiang.
Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Gao Wenqi said 2026 marked 55 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and coincided with the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
He highlighted cooperation in healthcare and education, including the expansion and renovation of Masaka Hospital, which was handed over to Rwanda in August.
Gao urged the students to make the most of their opportunity and return with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to Rwanda’s healthcare sector.
Ndayizigiye thanked China for its continued support in training Rwandan medical professionals and developing the country’s health system. He also expressed confidence that cooperation between the two countries in healthcare would continue to grow.
During the ceremony, members of the Chinese medical team working in Rwanda introduced the students to the culture and development of Inner Mongolia and held discussions with them ahead of their departure.
C&D Rwanda, a Chinese company operating in the country, donated winter coats to all 30 students to help them prepare for the colder conditions they are likely to encounter during their studies.
The programme adds medical training to a bilateral partnership that has also included support for healthcare infrastructure and exchanges between medical professionals.
The students are expected to complete their six-year studies before contributing to Rwanda’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare workforce.
