General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

To qualify for admission into most undergraduate degree programs at Egerton University, applicants must meet the minimum entry threshold established for university admission in Kenya. Typically, this includes:

A mean grade of C+ or higher in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, KCSE. This grade is the primary indicator of academic readiness. However, the competition for certain programs can push the cut-off points higher as demand increases each year.

Strong performance in subjects related to the specific course an applicant wishes to pursue. For instance, science-related programs often require good grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics. Humanities and business programs may emphasize English, Kiswahili, Business Studies, History, or Geography.

Fulfillment of cluster requirements. Egerton University follows the standard cluster points system, which evaluates candidates based on grades in four essential subjects connected to the course of choice. The cluster points determine whether a student meets the competitive thresholds for a given academic year.

Submission of valid identification information. This includes national identity cards, birth certificates, or other legally recognized documents for local applicants.

The university also permits applications through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service, KUCCPS, or direct entry for self-sponsored students. For 2026, no changes have been made to the institutional policy allowing both pathways.

Program-Specific Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees

Each faculty at Egerton University has additional criteria based on the academic nature of its programs. Here is a deeper look at what applicants should expect in various areas of study in 2026.

Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Egerton University was originally founded as an agricultural institution, and its agricultural programs remain some of the strongest in the region. To join agricultural and environmental science courses, applicants must meet the following requirements:

A KCSE mean grade of C+ or higher.
A minimum of C+ in biology or agriculture, chemistry, and mathematics.
Students applying for specialized programs such as Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Water and Soil Engineering may need higher grades in Physics and Mathematics due to the technical nature of these courses.
The faculty may also consider applicants with diplomas related to agriculture, environmental science, or natural resources management, provided their diploma grades meet the credit level requirement.

Faculty of Engineering and Technology

Engineering courses are among the most competitive at Egerton University. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic ability in scientific and mathematical subjects. Requirements for 2026 include:

A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above.
At least a B− in Mathematics and Physics.
A minimum of C+ in Chemistry.
The university may consider a strong grade in English or Kiswahili for programs involving technical communication, although this varies.
Diploma holders in engineering disciplines from recognized institutions may qualify for credit transfers if they achieved a credit or distinction in their diploma studies. However, the evaluation is done case by case to maintain academic integrity.

Faculty of Commerce and Business Studies

Programs in commerce, business administration, economics, and related fields remain popular due to their relevance in both local and international job markets. Admission expectations include:

A mean grade of C+.
Strong performance in Mathematics, with at least a C in most cases.
A good grade in English to allow applicants to cope with communication-heavy coursework.
Some specialized degrees, such as a Bachelor of Economics, may require a minimum of a C+ in Mathematics to ensure students can handle quantitative subjects.

Egerton University also considers diploma applicants for advanced placement into the second or third year, depending on the structure of the diploma program and the institution’s accreditation.

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Humanities and social sciences programs attract students interested in leadership, communication, public policy, psychology, and creative disciplines. Requirements generally include:

A mean grade of C+ in KCSE.
Strong grades in English or Kiswahili.
Good performance in subjects such as History, CRE, Geography, or Social Studies.
Some programs, such as Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, and Counselling, may request additional interviews or written statements, depending on department regulations. While these steps are not mandatory university-wide, some departments use them to assess suitability for course content involving human-centered or analytical work.

Faculty of Education

For teaching-related programs, applicants must meet both general and specialization requirements. Egerton University offers many education degrees, including arts and science-based pathways. Requirements include:

A minimum mean grade of C+.
A C+ in the two teaching subjects that an applicant wishes to specialize in.
For science education programs, stronger grades in Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, or Physics are advantageous.
Diploma holders in teacher education can be admitted into the second year if their diploma is from a recognized institution and they earned at least a credit pass.

Faculty of Science

Science courses demand strong analytical and practical skills. Admission criteria include:

A mean grade of C+.
Good performance in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics, depending on the specific degree.
Programs such as Computer Science, Biomedical Science, and Microbiology may require at least a B− in Mathematics or the primary science subject relevant to the discipline.
Candidates who studied applied science diplomas can also be considered for placement in advanced years based on their transcripts.

Admission Requirements for Diploma Programs

Egerton University offers a wide range of diploma programs that provide foundational knowledge and practical skills. These programs serve as pathways to degree programs or direct entry to the job market. Diploma requirements include:

A KCSE mean grade of C plain.
A minimum of a C− in subjects relevant to the course.
Some diploma programs, particularly those in health sciences, agriculture, and engineering, may ask for specific grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics.
Applicants with D+ grades may qualify for certificate programs, which can then provide a route into diploma studies.

Diplomas typically take two to three years, and students who excel can apply for degree programs through credit transfers.

Admission Requirements for Certificate Programs

Certificate courses are ideal for students seeking entry-level training or academic upgrading. Requirements include:

A mean grade of D+ in KCSE.
Subject-specific requirements where applicable. For example, certificate programs in technical fields may require at least a D in Mathematics or Science subjects.
Most certificate programs last one year and lead to diploma eligibility, giving students a chance to build their academic journey progressively.

Postgraduate Admission Requirements

Egerton University maintains rigorous standards for postgraduate studies to ensure advanced learning and research excellence.

Master’s Degree Requirements

To qualify for admission into a master’s program, an applicant must:

Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
Have at least a second-class upper division. Applicants with lower second-class degrees may be admitted if they have relevant work experience or postgraduate certificates.
Submit academic transcripts, identification documents, and in some cases, letters of recommendation.
Some programs, particularly those in research-intensive departments, require a concept paper outlining the applicant’s research interests.

Doctoral Degree Requirements

Egerton University’s PhD programs attract researchers, educators, and professionals aiming to contribute new knowledge to their fields. Requirements include:

A master’s degree in a relevant field.
Evidence of academic research ability, usually demonstrated through a thesis or published work.
A detailed research proposal aligned with departmental research priorities.
Interviews or doctoral panel reviews may be part of the vetting process.

Important Considerations for 2026 Applicants

As the job market evolves, Egerton University continues reviewing its academic requirements to enhance quality. Applicants should prepare for:

Increased competition in high-demand programs.
The possibility of higher cluster points for engineering, science, medicine, and business programs due to rising interest.
Early application to secure placement, particularly in self-sponsored categories.

Applicants are also encouraged to explore all academic pathways, including certificate and diploma routes, for a flexible approach to higher education.