Thinking of studying in Africa? Do you wish to study in an affordable institution? One of the places in East Africa u can find such institution in Kenya. There are cheapest universities in Kenya that you can get a quality education. Kenya is renowned for its low Tuition Fees private universities in Kenya.
Government-owned universities in the country are operating on low tuition fee for international students, while private institutions charge a bit higher than that. So if you wish to obtain admission in a university with low tuition in Africa, Kenya might be what you are searching for.
Check out this writing for the 15 cheapest private universities in Kenya. These descriptions will contain Tuition fees, Admission, Country and World Rankings, Cost to Study in Kenya and Scholarships in Kenya.
Table of contents
- Study in Kenya
- University Education System in Kenya
- Scholarships for Kenyan Students
- #1. The MasterCard Foundation Scholarships for Kenyans
- #2. The Rockefeller Foundation Scholarship at the University of Nairobi, Kenya
- #3. Gandhi Smarak Nidhi Fund Scholarship for Kenyans
- #4. 75 kenyan universities for Rattansi Scholarship Trust
- #5. DAAD M.Sc and PhD Scholarships for Kenyans
- #6. 100 Kenyatta University OVS Scholarship Opportunities-Kenyan undergraduates
- #7. Kenya Merit Undergraduate Scholarship – The University of Sheffield
- #8. Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship for Developing Countries (Masters & Ph.D.)
- #9. LéO Africa Institute Leaders Project for East Africans
- #10. Swedish Institute study scholarships for developing countries
- General Application Requirements
- Recommendations
Study in Kenya
Kenya is an African country on the East African equator with dynamic and multicultural capital city, Nairobi. Kenya has been described as “the cradle of humanity,” as some of the most famous fossils of early humans have been found here. Kenya is named for Mount Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa.
The education system has highly developed, and today Kenya is a large provider of higher education programs, drawing a significant number of international students. You can choose from numerous accredited programs available at both undergraduate and graduate degree level.
Your study abroad experience in Kenya will be complemented by the fantastic scenery of the African wilderness.
University Education System in Kenya
There are 48 universities in Kenya, 22 public and 26 private. The University of Nairobi is the oldest public university in Kenya, while KAG East University is the oldest among the private universities.
With all these numbers of universities, students have plenty of options from where to choose to get a higher education degree. Applicants can select from the following types of higher educational institutions: universities, colleges of higher education, vocational colleges and polytechnic universities.
Kenya has been attracting many international students from all over the world. The multicultural environment has played an important part in continually increasing the number of students.
The language of instruction used in universities is English. The academic year runs from September to June. Depending on the chosen field of study, a Bachelor’s programme can take four to six years, often ending with a research project.
Two ministers manage the education system in Kenya: Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology.
Kenya is one of the most dedicated countries of Africa to Education. Their passion and drive toward getting quality, and affordable education have attracted key stakeholders in the Education Sector, providing Scholarships for determined and Excellent Students from Kenyan soil.
Education quality has recently received a lot of attention in Kenya. The government’s main document in this effort, the Kenya Education Sector Support Programme for 2005–2010, established the National Assessment Centre (NAC) to monitor learning achievement. In 2010, the NAC released the results of its first assessment.
Maseno University
Maseno University is based in Maseno, near Kisumu, Kenya, and was founded in 1990. It is one of many public universities in Kenya. It has over 10,000 students pursuing programs offered in the university campuses, and it is currently ranked among the best universities and one of the cheapest universities in Kenya.
Courses
The University offers undergraduate and post-graduate programs in different disciplines at the following faculties and schools:
Arts and Social Sciences, Education, Biological & Physical Science, Public Health and Community Development, Environment and Earth Sciences, Development and Strategic Studies, Business and Economics, Medicine, Agriculture and Food Security, Mathematics and Actuarial Science, Computing and Informatics, Planning & Architecture and Institute of Gender Studies
Tuition fees
Ksh 120,000 for undergraduate studies
Ksh 200,000-Ksh 400,000 for a masters program
Ranking
The University is ranked 7th in Kenya and 6504th in the world
It is located in Maseno Township along Kisumu-Busia road, 25 km from Kisumu City and 400 km west of Nairobi. It has four campuses: the Main Campus, Kisumu Campus, Homabay Campus, and eCampus.
Courses
The University a wide range of undergraduate, masters and Ph.D. courses that cut across the following disciplines;
Business and Economics, Education, Engineering, Energy and the Built Environment, Pure and Applied Sciences, Social Sciences, Law, Computing and Informatics, Health Sciences, Film, Creative and Performing Arts
Tuition Fees
Fees differ according to the courses and program applied for.
Ksh 55,000-70,000 for undergraduates
Ksh 79,000-100,000 for masters students
Ksh 200,000 for Ph.D. students
Ksh 29,000-35,000 for diploma students
Ranking
The university is ranked 16th in Kenya and 87104th in the World
MKU is one of the cheapest universities in Kenya and the largest private university in the country and is located in Thika, northeast of Nairobi, in Kenya.
Kenyatta University
Kenyatta University (KU) is a public research university in Kahawa, Nairobi County, in Kasarani Constituency, northeast of the central business district of Nairobi, Kenya.
Kenyatta University is one of the leading private universities in Kenya, judging by the quality of our graduates. We aim not only to maintain this position but to improve further and attain our vision of becoming a world-class university committed to quality and relevance.
Courses
The University a wide range of diploma, undergraduate, master’s and Ph.D. courses that spread across the following disciplines;
Humanities and Social Sciences, Public Health, Visual, And Performing Arts, Business, Education, Economics, Pure And Applied Sciences, Agriculture and Enterprise Development, Engineering And Technology, Law, Environmental Studies, Medicine, Hospitality & Tourism, Architecture and the Built Environment, Creative, Film and Media Studies, and Nursing Sciences
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees differ according to the different programs and courses applied for.
Ksh 26,000-55,000 for undergraduates
Ksh 23,500-32,000 for executive masters and PGD
Ksh 32,000 for PhD
Ranking
The University is rated 2nd in Kenya, 34th in Africa, and 1455th worldwide.
It became a fully-fledged university in 1985, the third after the University of Nairobi (1970) and Moi University (1984). As of October 2014, it was one of 23 public universities in the country.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is a university in Kenya. The university is named after Masinde Muliro, a Kenyan politician who helped found the school.
MMUST became a fully accredited public university in 2007. Before being elevated to full university status, it was a constituent college of Moi University.
The school was established in January 1972, known as Western College or WECO, a college of Arts and Applied Sciences awarding certificates and diplomas in technical courses.
Courses
Most of the courses in the university include Agriculture, Veterinary Science & Tech Arts, and Social Sciences, Business and Economics, Computing & Informatics, Disaster Management & Humanitarian Asst. Education, Engineering. It runs postgraduate Studies in Natural Sciences, Nursing and Midwifery, and Open & Distance E-Learning.
Tuition Fees
Ksh 100,000-140,000 depending on the course applied for.
Ranking
The University is rated 8th in the country, 96th in Africa and 5058th among world universities.
Its vision is to be the Premier University in Science, Technology, and Innovation; by providing excellent university education, training, and research by integrating science, technology, and innovation into quality programs to suit the needs of a dynamic world.
Paul’s University
St. Paul’s University is an ecumenical private chartered university founded in 1903. It is strategically located in the lush Kiambu County along Nairobi-Limuru Route A, Nairobi, with other Nairobi, Nakuru, and Machakos campuses.
It is a Christian ecumenical institution with students and staff from all over the world. Our mission is to raise education standards through holistic learning in a Christian ecumenical atmosphere that allows people of all faiths to find a place of study, research, intellectual and spiritual engagement, and growth.
Courses
Communication, Community Development, Counselling Psychology, Criminal Justice and Security Studies, Leadership and Management, Peace and Conflict Studies, Social Work, Business Administration & Management, Business and Information Technology, Commerce, Computer Science, Divinity, Education (Arts), Education (Special Needs), Education In Early Childhood Development and Education, Computing and Information Systems, Health Records Management and Informatics, Health Systems Management and Economics and Translation Studies
Tuition Fees
The fee is dependent on the program and course applied.
Ksh 72,000-76,000 for undergraduate
Ksh 36,500-39,000 for diploma
Ranking
The University is ranked 21st in Kenya and 8599th in the world
We dare dream, plan, and act as we serve God and humanity. We have continued to make great strides and are ever grateful to all who have been part of our journey.
Pwani University
Founded in 2007, Pwani University is a university in Kilifi County in Kenya, located 60 km north of Mombasa in the resort town of Kilifi, within the larger Kilifi County. Before the charter award, the university was a constituent college of Kenyatta University.
Pwani University is positioned close to the Kilifi bay along the Mombasa-Malindi highway. It occupies approximately 239 hectares of land, giving room for future expansion. It has collaborated with research institutions in Kenya and around the world.
Courses
Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Business Management and Economics, Pure and Applied Sciences, Agricultural and Agribusiness Studies, Environmental and Earth Sciences and Health Sciences
Tuition Fees
The fees depend on the course applied for.
Ksh 39,000-43,900 for undergraduates
Ksh 155,000(east Africans)-285,000(non-east Africans) for masters students
Ksh 234,000(east Africans)-284,000(non-east Africans) for PhD
Ksh 47,150 for diploma
Ranking
The University is rated 26th in Kenya and 12830th in the world
Africa International University
Initially founded in 1983 as Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (NEGST), Africa International University (AIU) is a private Christian University located on 53 acres of land in Karen, a suburb on the outskirts of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.
Its vision is to educate Christ-centred leaders for the transformation of God’s people and the world through innovative programs, research, and community engagement.
Courses
Psychology and Counselling, Business Administration, Theology, Primary education, Secondary education, Development Studies, Sustainable Community Development, Entrepreneurship, Accountancy, Financial Management, Information Communication Technology, Management Information System, Software Development and Computer Network.
Tuition Fees
Ksh 130,050-135,050 for undergraduate students
Ksh 64,250 for diploma students
Ksh 112,050 for theology students
Ksh 146,050 for masters/PGD students
Ksh 208,050 for PhD students
Ranking
The University is rated 50th in the country and 19267th in the world.
Africa International University received a university charter from the government of Kenya in 2011.
Africa Nazarene University
Africa Nazarene University (ANU) is a private Christian-founded university in Kenya, and an affiliate of The Church of the Nazarene Colleges and Universities worldwide. The main campus is situated in the middle of the Masaai savannah, near the town of Ongata Rongai, adjacent to Nairobi National Park.
The university maintains a second campus in the central business district of the city of Nairobi, along Moi Avenue and Tom Mboya Street. It is also known as one of the cheapest universities in Kenya.
Courses
Religion and Christian Ministry, Science and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Law and Business
Tuition Fees
Ksh 30,950 per unit course for undergraduate students
Ksh 13,250 for diploma students
Ksh 39,500 per unit course for masters/PGD students
International students are to pay 20% extra of the money as tuition fees
Ranking
the university is ranked 31st in the Kenya and 11904th in the world.
Its mission and vision follow the Wesleyan Holiness Tradition. It was established to prepare leaders for the Church both at ministerial and laity level. The Church of the Nazarene sought to address the challenges witnessed in African society in the early 1980s through an institution of higher education.
Strathmore University
Established in 1961, Strathmore University is a chartered university based in Nairobi, Kenya, and exist as the first multi-racial, multi-religious Advanced-level Sixth Form College offering science and arts subjects by a group of professionals who formed a charitable educational trust (now the Strathmore Educational Trust).
The university operates one of the best business schools in Kenya.
Courses
Communication Studies, Development Studies and Philosophy, International Studies, Business Information Technology, Finance, Commerce, Informatics and Computer Science, Law, Hospitality and Management, Tourism Management, Science Telecommunication, Actuarial Science and Financial Economics
Tuition Fees
The fees differ based on the course and program applied for.
Ksh 248,800 for undergraduate studies for local students
Ksh 253,800 for undergraduate studies for international students
Ranking
The University is rated 7th in Kenya and 4534th in the world.
It has a partnership with a certain organization like the University of Navarra, IESE Business School, Wharton Business School, University of Kigali, AiTi at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, James Madison Programme on Ideals & Institutions at Princeton University, Association of Micro Finance Institutions, Swiss Contact and World Council of Credit Unions.
University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
The University of Eastern Africa, Baraton (UEAB) is a private coeducational Seventh-day Adventist university located about 50 km from Eldoret, Kenya.
It is also known as one of the cheapest universities in Kenya. The university is a member of the Inter-University Council for East Africa, The Association of Commonwealth Universities, and the Association of African Universities.
Its mission is to provide a Christian quality education for the youth and equip them with necessary skills to serve God and humanity. It offers degrees in graduate and undergraduate programs in different fields of life.
Courses
The University offers a wide range of programmes in the following discipline; Business, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Science and Technology, Education and Agriculture.
Tuition Fees
The fees are dependent on the program applied for.
Ksh 80,300-99,100 for undergraduate studies
Ksh 56,000-62,000 for diploma studies
Ksh 95,000-103,700 for MBA and Masters Programs
Ksh 134,700 for PhD program
Ranking
The University is rated 19th in Kenya, 223rd in Africa, and 8604th worldwide.
The university hosts a local research center of the Ellen G. White Estate. Faculty and students are engaged in research in areas that include biological science, agriculture, environmental science, and technology.
School Website
KCA University
KCA University is a private, non-profit institution, founded in July 1989 as Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) to improve the quality of accountancy and financial management training in the country.
KCA University is a premier business university with a main campus in Ruaraka along the Thika superhighway. The University takes pride in producing world-class graduates committed to excellence, integrity, and service to the community. It is also known as one of the cheapest universities in Kenya.
Courses
The University offers a wide range of programmes in the following discipline;
Corporate Governance, Commerce, Information Technology, Education, Business Information Technology
Tuition Fees
The fees are based on the course applied for.
Ksh 37,670-42,000 for undergraduate program
Ksh 44,000-48,505 for masters program
Ksh 77,500 for MBA program
Ksh 200,000 for PhD program
Ranking
University is rated 34th in Kenya, 255th in Africa and 12446th worldwide.
The institution also maintains satellite colleges under the School of Professional Programmes in Nairobi CBD Githunguri, Kericho, Eldoret, Kisumu, and Kitengela and Nairobi Central Business District and a learning center in Amagoro.
School Website
Kabarak University
Kabarak University (or KABU) is a private Christian university in Kenya. It was established on a 600-acre (240 ha) farm 20 kilometers (12 mi) from Nakuru.
The university was founded by the former president of the Republic of Kenya and the chancellor of the university, Daniel T. arap Moi, who wanted to set up a Christian, liberal arts, science and Technology University.
Courses
Botany and Zoology, psychology, Chemistry, Physics, Business Management & Information Technology, Economics, Telecommunications, Environmental Technology, Purchasing & Supply Management, Water & Environmental Engineering, Mathematics, Laws, Education (Science), Education (Arts), Theology, Computer Science, Community Development, Economics, Commerce and Nursing
Tuition Fees
The fees are based on the course applied for.
Ksh 1000 for undergraduate program
Ksh 1500 for masters program
Ksh 500 for bridge program
Ranking
The University is rated 28th in Kenya and 11233th in the world.
The campus features state-of-the-art academic and recreational facilities set in a serene environment. The university also has a town campus in Nakuru, conveniently close to the commercial center.
Daystar University
Daystar is a Christian liberal arts university in Nairobi. Its original campus is close to Nairobi city center, but there was no room to expand at that location. It is among the cheapest universities in Kenya.
Daystar University prides itself in training broad-minded, critically thinking graduates and believes in equipping the students holistically. Our graduates meet the academic demands of the working world and are of high moral integrity.
We aspire to be an institution that transforms the church and society by instilling Christian values in the students who study at Daystar University.
Courses
language and Performing Arts, Communication, Education, Theology and Biblical Studies, Peace and International Studies, Engineering and Health, Nursing, Computer Science, Development Studies, Psychology and Counselling, Child Development, Commerce, Economics, Leadership, and Professional Development
Tuition Fees
The fees are based on the course applied for.
Ksh 90,000-102,560 for undergraduate program
Ksh 93,960 for a postgraduate program
Ksh 76,500 for a diploma program
Ranking
The school is rated 12th in the country and 6754th in the world.
Therefore, in the last decade, a new campus has been built at Athi River, some 40 km south-east of the city, on the Mombasa Road, which became the main campus.
Scholarships for Kenyan Students
#1. The MasterCard Foundation Scholarships for Kenyans
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program provides young people who have demonstrated academic talent with access to quality education. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is a growing initiative, and to date, the Program has committed over $700 million to support the education and leadership development of over 30,000 young people…
#2. The Rockefeller Foundation Scholarship at the University of Nairobi, Kenya
Undergraduates and Graduates Scholarly Residencies Scholarship in Basic Survival Safeguards, Gobal Health, Climate and Environment, Urbanization, Social and Economic Security at University of Nairobi…
#3. Gandhi Smarak Nidhi Fund Scholarship for Kenyans
The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Academy of Society (MGMAS) started a trust fund in 1962; in the name of Gandhi Smarak Nidhi Fund (GSNF) that was to assist in developing higher education in East Africa. This fund mainly came from the Government of India and the three East African colonies.
The money from this fund was used to construct the Gandhi Wing and the Gandhi Memorial Library and assist in purchasing the land on which the Chiromo Campus is built…
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#4. 75 kenyan universities for Rattansi Scholarship Trust
The Rattansi Educational Trust aims to eradicate poverty through scholarship education for needy Kenyan students. The Educational Trust has helped many Kenyans achieve their higher education dreams through charity work. The Trust disbursed scholarship funds to Universities and other colleges as bursaries for students with financial needs….
#5. DAAD M.Sc and PhD Scholarships for Kenyans
DAAD promotes international academic exchange and educational cooperation with developing countries through various funding and scholarship programs. These Scholarships in Kenya target applicants from Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa to support selected M.Sc and PhD Programmes.
The scholarships are tenable for the 2017/18 academic period, which will commence in September 2017 on a full-time basis; therefore, only candidates available to start the training during this period should apply…
#6. 100 Kenyatta University OVS Scholarship Opportunities-Kenyan undergraduates
Kenyatta University OVS Scholarship – Kenya university scholarships: Kenyatta University emphasizes the societal development of an individual and, as such, has established the Orphans and Vulnerable Students (OVS) Scholarship fund to cater for the less privileged but deserving persons to pursue higher education at Kenyatta University….
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#7. Kenya Merit Undergraduate Scholarship – The University of Sheffield
Kenya Merit Undergraduate Scholarship: the University of Sheffield is pleased to offer a range of scholarships to students from Kenya who show exceptional academic potential…
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#8. Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship for Developing Countries (Masters & Ph.D.)
The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from developing countries with no other means of financing their studies. These Scholarships in Kenya are awarded on a 50% grant : 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year in June or July….
#9. LéO Africa Institute Leaders Project for East Africans
The association speaks to our mark initiative improvement, formed along with the standards of the African soul of “Agaciro,” which embraces the African’s pride, self-esteem, and character as the foundation of authority qualities.
LéO Africa Institute is searching for youthful and developing pioneers who are pioneers from differing social and entrepreneurial foundations, officially connected with either as social business people, trailblazers, media and news coverage specialists, craftsmen, or activists. Potential colleagues ought to be aware of their obligation to change society…
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#10. Swedish Institute study scholarships for developing countries
The Swedish Institute Study Scholarships (SISS) are Scholarships in Kenya awarded to students from selected countries for full-time master’s level studies in Sweden starting in the autumn semester of 2018. These Scholarships in Kenya cover both living costs and tuition fees. An estimated 335 scholarships will be available…
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What is the Cost of studying in Kenya?
Going for a higher qualification in Kenya would cost an individual around 50,000-70,000 KES (Kenyan Shilling) per year. Also, if a student wants to pursue undergraduate courses, the fees would be around 40,000-65,000 KES.
Apart from that, accommodation charges in Kenya is around 5000 KES after sharing a flat. Whereas its 15000 KES per month to rent an apartment, moreover there are extra expenses such as food, traveling, entertainment, health etc. would cost an individual around 3000-6000 KES extra.
What are the Study Options?
Some of Kenya’s most popular studies abroad programs are related to sustainability, humanities, urbanization, health, and human rights areas. Still, you can also find numerous degrees in history, communications, linguistics, marketing, finance, philosophy or computing.
The palette of degree levels covers Bachelor and Master degrees, MBA and Executive MBA, Ph.D. courses.
How Do I Obtain study Pass for Kenya?
If you are going to Kenya to study, you must get a student visa. The main hurdle for this type of visa is getting an admission letter from a relevant institution in Kenya and a Pupils Pass.
As stated in the Embassy of Kenya website, foreign students intending to pursue studies in Kenya at any level (including internships) must obtain a Kenya Pupils Pass from the Director of Immigration Services before starting their studies.
General Application Requirements
All foreign students must have a Kenyan pupil pass before admission (required for all non-diplomatic families or for children in Kenya solely for education), validated by The Principal Secretary Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government of Kenya.
After acquiring the pupil pass, the next step is to complete the process for university submission.
- A completed application form
- Copies of certificates (certificate from the last graduated school)
- Two/three passport size photographs
- Two copies of the application fees receipt
- Sometimes reference letters (one academic and one professional) may be required in addition to the rest of the documents; it is always best to check with the university you are interested in regarding their list of necessary submission documents.
- The standard entry requirements are International Baccalaureate or any final secondary/high school examination certificate equivalent to the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education recognized by the Kenya National Examinations Council or any internationally recognized examination body.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE OF KENYA PUPIL’S PASS/STUDENT’S PERMIT
To obtain a Kenyan pupils pass, the following documents are needed
- Application form (Form 30) duly filled, signed and stamped by the institution.
- Cover Letter from the school stating the Course to be pursued, as well as
- A valid copy of the National Passport (the bio-data page and Current Immigration Status for the student).
- Two colored passport-size photos of the applicant.
- Commitment letter from parent/guardian/sponsor
- The institution applying must be registered as an educational establishment. If the institution is relatively new, a copy of the registration must be submitted with the application.
- Application form (Form 30) duly filled, signed, and stamped by the institution.
- Cover letter from the school indicating the course being pursued and the duration.
- Copies of the progress report/transcript obtained.
- Copy of the Pupil’s Pass previously held.
- A valid copy of the National Passport.
- Submission of renewal documents should be made two months before the expiry date.
One Year – Ksh.5, 000
Two Years – Ksh.10, 000
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