Rwanda Defence Force Opens Application Window for Officer Cadet Positions

 

Official announcement from the Rwanda Defence Force detailing the eligibility requirements and application process for joining as an Officer Cadet in 2025.

KIGALI, Rwanda – The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has officially announced a nationwide recruitment drive for Officer Cadets. This is a call for qualified, patriotic, and dedicated Rwandan citizens to join the military leadership corps and serve their nation.

The recruitment process for the One-Year and Four-Year Officer Cadet programs will be conducted across all districts and sectors of the country. Prospective applicants are urged to take note of the specific dates and requirements detailed below.

Application Period and Key Dates

The registration process is the first critical step for all aspiring candidates.

• Registration Dates: The application window is open from October 20, 2025, to November 11, 2025. Registration will take place at the sector and district levels.
• Selection Exams: Shortlisted candidates will be required to sit for selection examinations, scheduled to run from November 4, 2025, to November 11, 2025, at 8:00 AM local time in various designated venues across the country.

Important Note: Candidates who miss the registration deadline will not be permitted to sit for the selection examinations.

General Eligibility Criteria for All Officer Cadets

All applicants, regardless of the program duration, must fulfill the following mandatory conditions:

• Be a Rwandan citizen.
• Be of good conduct and without any criminal record.
• Have never been convicted of a crime.
• Have never been definitively dismissed from public service, except for reasons of force majeure.
• Not be listed among persons prohibited from being public servants.
• Be physically and mentally fit.
• Have the will and desire to join the Rwanda Defence Force.

Specific Requirements for the One-Year Cadet Program

This program is for candidates who already hold a higher education degree. Additional requirements include:

• Be no more than 24 years old at the time of application.
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree (A0 level) from a recognized university.
• Hold an Advanced Diploma (A1 level) from an Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC).
• For Medical Doctors and Engineers: The age limit is extended to 27 years.

Specific Requirements for the Four-Year Cadet Program

This program is for candidates who have completed secondary education and will undertake a university degree within the RDF. Requirements include:

• Be between 18 and 21 years old.
• Have completed secondary education (A-level).

• Be prepared to study in one of the specified faculties at the University of Rwanda (Gako), such as:

• Sciences: Social and Military Sciences, Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology.

• Health Sciences: General Medicine, Dental Surgery, General Nursing, Pharmacy, Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Anaesthesia, Medical Imaging Sciences, Clinical Psychology.

• Other: Law.

• Minimum Academic Scores: Applicants must have scored at least:

  • 70% for those who studied Sciences, Arts, and Literature (Languages) in secondary school.

  • 90% for those who studied ICT and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training).

Required Application Documents

Candidates must present the following documents during registration:

1. Birth Certificate.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
3. Notarized Academic Certificates.
4. A certificate of physical and mental fitness issued by the Sector administration.
5. A certificate from the prosecution confirming no criminal record.

Selection Examination Venues and Schedule

The selection tests will be held in every district. Below is a breakdown of the schedule by province:

Kigali City:

• Nyarugenge: Nov 4, Kigali Stadium, Nyamirambo
• Kicukiro: Nov 5, IPRC Kicukiro Stadium
• Gasabo: Nov 6, ULK Stadium

Northern Province:

• Gicumbi: Nov 4, Gicumbi Stadium
• Burera: Nov 5, District Offices
• Musanze: Nov 6, Ubworoherane Stadium
• Gakenke: Nov 7, Ngando Football Field
• Rulindo: Nov 8, Gatzga Stadium

Southern Province:

• Nyamagabe: Nov 4, Nyamagabe Stadium
• Nyaruguru: Nov 5, Mdago Football Field
• Gisagara: Nov 6, District Offices
• Huye: Nov 7, Huye Stadium
• Nyanza: Nov 8, Nyanza Stadium
• Ruhango: Nov 9, District Offices
• Muhanga: Nov 10, Muhanga Stadium
• Kamonyi: Nov 11, District Offices

Eastern Province:

• Kirehe: Nov 4, Kirehe District Offices
• Ngoma: Nov 5, Ngoma Football Field
• Nyagatare: Nov 6, Nyagatare Football Field
• Gatsibo: Nov 7, Gatsibo District Offices
• Bugesera: Nov 8, Bugesera Stadium
• Kayonza: Nov 9, Kayonza District Offices
• Rwamagana: Nov 10, Rwamagana District Offices

Western Province:

• Rusizi: Nov 4, Rusizi Stadium
• Nyamasheke: Nov 5, District Offices
• Karongi: Nov 6, District Offices
• Rutsiro: Nov 7, Rutsiro Stadium
• Rubavu: Nov 8, Rubavu Stadium
• Nyabihu: Nov 9, Mukamira Military Camp
• Ngororero: Nov 10, Ngororero Stadium

For More Information

For further details and to verify this information, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official website of the Ministry of Defence at www.mod.gov.rw.

This recruitment campaign represents a significant opportunity for Rwanda's best and brightest to step forward and contribute to national security and development. Eligible citizens are highly encouraged to apply within the stipulated timeframe.