Rwanda: Teachers With Secondary Education Given Five Years to Attain A1 Diploma

What the report says

Rwanda’s Ministry of Education has announced a five-year transition period for teachers to raise their academic qualifications, with the goal that all teachers will eventually hold at least an A1 diploma. The plan was outlined on August 20 by State Minister for Education Claudette Irere during the release of results for the 2025/26 national examinations, according to The New Times, which AllAfrica distributed.

The reform is part of a broader 10-year effort to move primary school teachers toward university-level training. Officials said the change will happen in stages: teachers who currently hold A2 qualifications will be upgraded first to A1, before A1 holders are later expected to move to A0, or bachelor’s degree level. The policy will apply to both new entrants and current teachers.

Under the new system, Teacher Training Colleges will extend their programme from three years to five years, with the extra time intended to strengthen preparation in areas such as teaching methods, classroom management, child development and practical classroom experience. Irere said the government may support some teachers to continue their studies, but resources are limited and others will be expected to upgrade independently.

The article also noted mixed but broadly positive reactions from teachers and school leaders, who said the reform could improve teaching quality and professionalism. Some also said better qualifications should be matched by fair pay and arrangements that allow teachers to study without disrupting their work.