DeKUT Admission Requirements 2026

DeKUT Admission Entry Requirements 2026

DeKUT provides multiple entry points depending on a student’s academic background. Whether you are transitioning directly from secondary school, upgrading your qualifications, or pursuing advanced academic research, the university offers structured pathways tailored to different academic levels. For the 2026 intake, applications can be made through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service for government-sponsored students or directly to the university for self-sponsored applicants.

The admission criteria differ across schools and departments. Some competitive programs, especially in engineering, computing, and health sciences, require higher cluster scores or additional qualifications. As you plan your application, it is important to thoroughly review the specific entry requirements aligned with your preferred program.

General Minimum Entry Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees

To be admitted into an undergraduate degree program at DeKUT in 2026, candidates must meet the minimum entry criteria set by the university senate. The general requirements for most bachelor’s programs include:

A mean grade of C+ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, KCSE.
A minimum grade of C+ in relevant cluster subjects, depending on the program of interest.
Equivalent qualifications recognized by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority or the Kenya National Examinations Council for international applicants or those following other education systems.

Although the C+ mean grade is the standard requirement, several specialized programs, particularly in engineering and technology, may require higher grades in subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English. Applicants who undertook A-levels, the International Baccalaureate, the 8-4-4 system, the CBC transition system, or other international curricula may also apply, provided they meet subject and grade equivalence.

School of Engineering Admission Requirements

The School of Engineering is one of DeKUT’s most respected faculties, offering programs such as Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Mechatronic Engineering. Due to the technical rigor of engineering programs, applicants must demonstrate strong performance in science and mathematics.

For the 2026 intake, prospective engineering students will typically be required to meet the following criteria:

A mean grade of C+ in KCSE.
At least a C+ in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
A satisfactory cluster score in the engineering cluster set by the university.

Some programs may also consider applicants with diplomas in engineering disciplines from recognized institutions. Such applicants may be admitted into advanced standing, meaning they can join the program in the second or third year, depending on their diploma classification and subject coverage.

School of Computer Science and Information Technology Admission Requirements

As technological innovation continues to grow globally, programs in computing, information technology, and computer science at DeKUT attract high numbers of applicants. The university’s computing school emphasizes hands-on learning, research, and industry engagement.

The general requirements for admission into computing-related undergraduate programs include:

A KCSE mean grade of C+ or its equivalent.
A minimum grade of C+ in Mathematics.
Strong performance in either English, Physics, or a relevant technical subject.

Students who have completed ICT-related diplomas with a credit pass or higher may qualify for credit transfers or advanced standing. The market demand for computing professionals makes these programs competitive, so strong academic performance significantly enhances a student’s chances of admission.

School of Business and Economics Admission Requirements

The Business and Economics programs are designed to equip students with management, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and administration skills. These programs tend to have more flexible subject requirements compared to engineering or computing, although academic consistency remains important.

For the 2026 intake, applicants to business-related programs must have:

A mean grade of C+ in KCSE.
Satisfactory performance in Mathematics and English.

Diploma holders in business or management may qualify for credit exemptions. Additionally, applicants interested in specialized programs such as actuarial science may need stronger grades in Mathematics due to the quantitative nature of the course.

School of Health Sciences Admission Requirements

Health-related programs often have more specific subject demands due to their scientific and practical nature. DeKUT offers selective programs within health sciences, each tailored to build competent professionals who can meet national and global health needs.

Entry requirements typically include:

A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above.
A minimum of C+ in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Physics.
Additional qualifications may be required for advanced programs, depending on regulatory standards.

Since health-related disciplines are closely monitored by professional bodies, applicants must ensure that their secondary school subject combinations align with the specific requirements outlined by the university.

School of Applied Sciences Admission Requirements

Programs in physics, chemistry, mathematics, industrial chemistry, and related scientific fields are housed under the School of Applied Sciences. Admission into these programs generally requires:

A mean grade of C+ in KCSE.
Strong performance in Mathematics and at least two relevant science subjects.

The school also accepts diploma holders for advanced placement, subject to assessment and approval of prior coursework.

School of Tourism, Hospitality, and Creative Arts Admission Requirements

For students interested in tourism, hospitality, or creative arts, DeKUT offers versatile programs that blend practical skills with theoretical understanding. These programs are ideal for individuals aiming to enter the creative industry, travel sector, or business-oriented roles.

Admission requirements for these programs are:

A KCSE mean grade of C+ for most bachelor’s programs.
Minimum subject requirements vary based on program focus.

Some programs may also consider talent-based assessments or portfolio reviews for applicants who demonstrate exceptional artistic or creative ability.

Diploma and Certificate Programs Admission Requirements

DeKUT provides diploma and certificate programs across multiple fields to accommodate students who may not meet the minimum degree requirements or those seeking technical, hands-on training.

For diploma programs:

A minimum KCSE mean grade of C-.
Relevant subject passes depending on the program.

Diploma programs typically take two to three years and may lead to credit transfers into related degree programs.

For certificate programs:

A KCSE mean grade of D+ or higher.
Additional subject-specific requirements where applicable.

These programs offer foundational skills and can serve as stepping stones toward diploma or degree studies.

Postgraduate Admission Requirements

Postgraduate studies at DeKUT include Postgraduate Diplomas, Master’s Degrees, and Doctoral programs. Each level has distinct requirements aligned with the depth of academic engagement expected.

For Postgraduate Diploma Programs:

A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.
Relevant specialization aligned with the proposed area of study.

For Master’s Programs:

A bachelor’s degree with at least a second-class honors, upper division.
Applicants with a lower division may be considered if they possess significant professional experience or have completed a relevant postgraduate diploma.

For Doctoral Programs:

A master’s degree in a relevant field.
A well-developed research proposal that aligns with DeKUT’s research priorities.

The university values research excellence, and doctoral candidates must demonstrate readiness for independent academic inquiry.

International Student Admission Requirements

International applicants wishing to join DeKUT in 2026 must submit equivalent academic qualifications for evaluation. Requirements for international students include:

Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates.
Proof of English proficiency for students from non-English-speaking regions.
Compliance with Kenyan visa and study permit regulations.

International students may also be required to undergo academic equivalence assessments to ensure alignment with Kenyan education standards.

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Many students join DeKUT after completing coursework in other recognized institutions. The university has a structured credit transfer policy that allows students to advance academically without repeating similar content. Credit transfers are granted based on:

Official transcripts from previous institutions.
Course outlines that demonstrate equivalence in content and learning outcomes.
Approval by the relevant department within DeKUT.

Only credits from accredited institutions are recognized, and there are limits to the number of credits that can be transferred into a specific program.

Important Considerations for 2026 Applicants

Program Competitiveness
Some programs fill up quickly due to high demand and limited capacity. Early application improves the chances of securing a spot.

Subject Combinations
Applicants should ensure their subject combinations match the specific requirements of their chosen program to avoid rejection.

Documentation
Accurate, complete, and verifiable documentation is essential at every stage of the admission process.

Deadlines
Adhering to application deadlines is crucial, especially for government-sponsored students.