In response to strong demand, Université Protestante au Congo (UPC) established a computer science department in 2017—the Faculté des Sciences Informatiques (FASI). That first year over 300 students enrolled!
More women joining the ranks
Every year, more and more women are applying. As of 2024, 30% of first-year students enrolled were women.
Students hail from many different educational backgrounds—ranging from math and chemistry to teaching and literature.
More applicants than space available
Last term, after culling from 700 applicants who took the entrance exam, FASI was only able to accept 396 new students due to lack of space.
Unfortunately, lack of funds for tuition has subsequently forced 47 of first-year students to become “inactive.” If they can afford tuition next year or can get an Education Congo tuition scholarship, they will be able to re-enroll in the program. On average 10–15% of new students drop out due to financial pressures.
Highly motivated students
Very few fail scholastically. The attrition rate lowers significantly as students advance in the program and can see a bright future at the end of the tunnel. As Prof. David Kutangila, Dean of FASI expressed, “They see a clear vision of the careers they will have upon completing their studies.”
Jobs aplenty await graduates
Employment is available from Congolese employers in telecommunications (Airtel, Vodacom and Orange), commercial banking (Rawbank and Equity) and government.
FASI partners with many employers to place students in internships. Special events and programs also facilitate matching students with employers.
FASI leadership and faculty
FASI is well staffed with two full-time professors and 28 more professors pulled from other departments at UPC as well as from other universities in Kinshasa. Four of these professors are women.
The Dean of FASI, Prof. David Kutangila, received his PhD in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Granada in Spain in 2005.
Outstanding investment in the future of the Congo
A Congolese benefactor has funded the construction of a new building for FASI. When it is completed, it will provide much-needed classroom space for 1st and 2nd year students.
More news to come
Another small team from Education Congo visited UPC in June. Stay tuned for updates.