On Monday, May 28, Rwanda launched the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) across secondary schools, as the country joins a global efforts to measure students’ skills in reading, mathematics and science.
The assessment, organized by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), targets students under the age of 15 and will run until June 7, covering more than a month and two weeks.
According to the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA), 7,455 students from 213 schools across the country are participating. The Ministry of Education said Rwanda’s involvement reflects its commitment to improving education quality and benchmarking progress alongside 90 other participating countries.
“PISA evaluates students’ ability to apply what they learn to solve real-world problems, a critical skill in today’s world,” NESA said in a statement.
Education Minister Joseph Nsengimana officially launched the program Monday at GS Camp Kigali in Nyarugenge District. State Minister for Education Claudette Irere officiated a parallel ceremony at Nu-Vision High School in Gasabo District.
PISA is conducted every three years and provides data that helps governments shape education policies and improve learning outcomes. Rwanda’s participation follows a nationwide awareness campaign launched on March 17.
In the 2023 edition, 81 countries participated, focusing primarily on mathematics. Results from that assessment were published in December 2024, with additional data on financial literacy, creative thinking and life skills released in 2024.
This year’s assessment marks the ninth edition of PISA, with results expected to be published in 2026.
Rwanda’s education officials say the country’s participation highlights efforts to better equip young learners with critical competencies needed for national development.
