Applied Economics

Department of Applied Economics (AE) is one the departments of the Faculty of Economics, Social Sciences and Management (FESSM). This department is composed by three options namely Financial Economics (FE), Rural Development Economics (RDE), and International Economics (IE). 

The Applied Economics program, comprising 480 credits, centers on the practical application of economic theory to assess potential outcomes in real-world scenarios. Emphasizing skills crucial in the digitized economy. The department is committed to providing specialized courses and impactful research, fostering high-caliber academic accomplishments and producing exceptional graduate students in applied economics.

A prospective student to enroll in the first year of Bachelors of Arts with Honors in Applied Economics must have successfully completed secondary school level with at least 2 principal passes and having majored in the following cluster combinations: 

BCG: Biology - Chemistry - Geography 

PCM: Physics - Chemistry - Mathematics; 

PCB: Physics - Chemistry - Biology 

MPG: Mathematics - Physics - Geography 

MPC: Mathematics - Physics - Computer Sciences 

MEC: Mathematics - Economy - Computer, 

PEM: Physics - Economics - Mathematics, 

MEG: Mathematics - Economics - Geography, 

MCB: Mathematics - Chemistry - Biology, 

MPB: Mathematics - Physics - Biology, 

HEG: History - Economy - Geography, 

HEL: History - Economics - Literature in English (Principal Passes: Economics, History, and Entrepreneurship) 

LEG: Literature in English - Economics - Geography (Principal Passes: Economics, Geography, and Entrepreneurship) 

TVET candidates with a specialization in accounting may apply 

TTC/Social studies, 

Accountancy, 

Economics, 

Humanities,

Normale primaire, 

Commerce et comptabilité

And any other related discipline can apply for this option.

A certified copy of secondary studies’ certificate or Results slip, certified academic transcripts for students transferred from other higher learning institutions or universities in related domain (For courses to be accepted for transferred, a student must have attained more than 10 points out of 20 points, and credits to be transferred shall not exceed 50% of core courses, and Transferrable credits shall be written on his/her transcripts on completion of his/her studies at INES-RUHENGERI), Notified Equivalence for international students and for those who studied abroad, photocopy of ID or Passport, two passport photos, medical insurance.

Graduates in Applied Economics with a focus on Financial Economics have a wide range of skills include a comprehensive understanding of economic principles and data analysis using industry-standard software, and programming languages like R, and STATA. Graduates are equipped with the ability to critically evaluate financial markets, analyze data, and make informed decisions. Career options for these individuals are diverse and include roles as qualified managers in the stock market, capital market, and financial institutions. They may pursue careers as financial analysts, utilizing their skills to assess market trends and investment opportunities. The program also prepares graduates for roles as accountants, data analysts, investment analysts, and credit officers/analysts, where they can apply their expertise in economic analysis and data manipulation to contribute to sound financial decision-making within various sectors.

Graduates specializing in Rural Development Economics from the Applied Economics program exit with a diverse set of skills, including a deep understanding of economic principles related to rural areas and expertise in data analysis using programming languages. These skills position them for various career options. One avenue is entrepreneurship, where they can become self-employed and initiate projects tailored to rural development. Additionally, graduates may pursue roles as researchers and consultants in development projects, contributing valuable insights to enhance rural communities. Technical advisory positions in rural cooperatives and NGOs provide another avenue for graduates, where they can play instrumental roles in guiding sustainable development practices. Opportunities also exist for managerial roles, such as managing development projects, and market analysis positions focusing on agricultural products. Moreover, graduates can become procurement officers for rural infrastructure projects/programs, leveraging their skills to ensure efficient resource allocation.

Graduates specializing in International Economics within the Applied Economics program acquire a robust skill set, including a mixed understanding of economic principles in the context of global markets and advanced proficiency in data analysis. These skills open up diverse career paths for these graduates. One avenue is becoming a regional integration analyst, where individuals can contribute to understanding and navigating complex economic relationships between nations and regions. Graduates may also pursue roles as innovation specialists, leveraging their understanding of global economic trends to foster innovative practices in various industries. Another career option is as a property rights specialist, focusing on the legal and economic aspects of international property rights. Opportunities in global finance analysis and financial analysis are also prevalent, enabling graduates to analyze and strategize within the framework of international markets. Foreign exchange operations managers and investment analysts are roles where graduates can apply their expertise in international economics to manage financial operations and analyze investment opportunities.