Garissa University 2026/2027 Admission Requirements

Garissa University Admission Requirements 2026/2027 Intake | The Garissa University courses, application entry requirements, and fees for undergraduate, postgraduate, distant learning courses for the 2026/2027 academic year have been released.

The management of the Garissa University has released the 2026 Intake application entry requirements for successful admission into the undergraduate and postgraduate (Degree, MBA, Ph.D., Master’s, Diploma, Certificate, Short Course, and Non-Degree) programs for the 2026/2027 academic year.

General Minimum Entry Requirements for 2026 Undergraduate Programs

To qualify for admission into any undergraduate degree program at Garissa University in 2026, applicants must meet the minimum university entry grade as determined by KUCCPS. The standard entry requirement is a KCSE mean grade of C+ or its equivalent. However, individual programs may set additional subject-specific requirements or require a higher cluster point combination depending on the level of specialization and demand.

Beyond the minimum KCSE grade, certain programs evaluate applicants on specific cluster subjects. The cluster system ensures that students entering specialized fields, such as science, technology, or education, have demonstrated the necessary competencies in related subjects at the secondary level. For example, science-oriented courses typically require strong performance in mathematics, chemistry, biology, or physics, while business-related programs favor proficiency in mathematics and languages. Competence in humanities subjects is essential for social sciences and education streams focusing on the arts.

Students who completed their secondary education outside Kenya must present equivalent qualifications recognized by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority or the Kenya National Examinations Council. These equivalency evaluations ensure that international applicants meet the same standards as local students.

Program Specific Admission Requirements for 2026

Different academic programs at Garissa University require varying levels of academic performance and subject proficiency. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of the typical requirements across the university’s primary fields of study.

2026 Requirements for Bachelor of Education Programs

Garissa University offers several education degrees, including Bachelor of Education Arts, Bachelor of Education Science, and Bachelor of Education Early Childhood and Primary Education. These programs require prospective students to demonstrate strong academic grounding in the subjects they intend to teach.

Bachelor of Education Arts
Applicants must have:
• A minimum KCSE mean grade of C+,
• At least a C+ in two teaching subjects such as English, Kiswahili, History, Geography, Religious Education, or Mathematics, depending on specialization.
• Strong communication skills, written and oral, which are crucial for teaching careers.

Bachelor of Education Science
Applicants must have:
• A KCSE mean grade of C+,
• A minimum of C+ in mathematics and in two science subjects such as biology, chemistry, or physics,
• Demonstrated interest and ability in laboratory-based and analytical tasks.

Bachelor of Education Early Childhood and Primary Education
Applicants should have:
• A KCSE mean grade of C plain or higher,
• Additional training in early childhood development is an added advantage,
• A passion for foundational learning and child development.

These education programs are built on practical teaching components, micro-teaching sessions, and classroom practice placements, making subject proficiency essential.

2026 Requirements for Business and Economics Programs

Programs like Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Business Management, and Bachelor of Economics attract a large volume of applicants yearly.

Typical requirements include:
• A KCSE mean grade of C+ or equivalent,
• A minimum grade of C in mathematics and English,
• For Economics, a minimum of C+ in mathematics is strongly recommended.

These programs prioritize analytical skills, numeracy, and communication abilities. Students with strong business acumen or prior training at a certificate or diploma level may also qualify through credit transfer.

2026 Requirements for Computing and Information Technology Programs

Garissa University provides programs in computer science and information technology, both of which require strong performance in STEM subjects.

Common requirements are:
• A KCSE mean grade of C+,
• A minimum of a C in mathematics,
• A good grasp of physics or any science subject is beneficial for computer science.
• Applicants to IT programs may qualify with broader subject combinations, provided mathematics is at least C.

These programs are designed for students who are detail-oriented, technologically inclined, and prepared for hands-on computing work.

2026 Requirements for Environmental Science and Agricultural Programs

Programs in environmental science, agriculture, and natural resource management require:
• A KCSE mean grade of C+,
• A minimum of a C in biology and any one of chemistry, geography, agriculture, mathematics, or physics.
• A demonstrated interest in fieldwork, sustainability studies, and environmental conservation.

These professions increasingly demand interdisciplinary knowledge, making diverse subject strengths valuable.

Admission Requirements for Diploma and Certificate Programs in 2026

Not all students immediately qualify for degree programs, and Garissa University provides accessible pathways through certificate and diploma courses.

Diploma programs usually require:
• A KCSE mean grade of C plain,
• Subject-specific grades depending on the intended diploma specialization.

Certificate programs typically require:
• A mean grade of C- or D+,
• Additional conditions based on the department.

These programs serve as academic bridges for students aiming to progress into degree programs later, provided they maintain strong academic performance during their studies.

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Garissa University supports academic mobility by allowing diploma and higher diploma holders from recognized institutions to seek credit transfers into undergraduate degree programs. Applicants must provide:
• Official academic transcripts,
• Course outlines for evaluation,
• Certificates from accredited institutions.

Credits are granted only for relevant courses and up to a defined maximum percentage of the total program requirements. For 2026, applicants seeking credit transfer must ensure that their previous coursework meets Garissa University’s curriculum standards.

Postgraduate Admission Requirements for 2026

Garissa University offers several postgraduate programs, including postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees. To qualify for a master’s degree program, applicants must have:

• A recognized bachelor’s degree from a reputable institution,
• A minimum of second-class honors upper division,
• Applicants with a second-class lower division may be considered if they have at least two years of relevant professional experience,
• For research-intensive programs, applicants may be required to present a concept paper or attend an interview.

Postgraduate diploma programs require a bachelor’s degree in any field, although specific disciplines may specify subject relevance.

Essential Documents Required for 2026 Admission

Applicants must prepare several documents when applying for admission. These include:

• KCSE result slip or certificate,
• National identity card or birth certificate,
• Passport photo,
• School leaving certificate,
• For international students, equivalent qualification letters from the relevant Kenyan agencies,
• For postgraduate programs, academic transcripts and degree certificates,
• Any additional documentation requested by specific departments.

Submitting clear and verified copies is essential for a seamless admission experience.

Fees Structure and Financial Information for 2026

Although fee structures may vary depending on the program and study mode, Garissa University maintains affordable tuition rates compared to many institutions. Government-sponsored students benefit from state-subsidized tuition, while privately sponsored students pay according to the standard rate for each academic year. Additional expenses may include accommodation, student activity fees, medical insurance contributions, and faculty-specific requirements such as field trip costs.

Prospective students are encouraged to prepare financially and explore scholarship opportunities, bursaries, and county government support programs. The university’s financial office typically guides students on payment timelines, methods, and any flexible arrangements.

Why Meeting Admission Requirements Matters

Securing a place at Garissa University in 2026 requires careful preparation and understanding of the admission criteria. Meeting the general and program-specific requirements ensures that students enter academic programs with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success. The university’s structured admission process helps maintain high educational standards while supporting diversity and inclusion across its student population.

Strong academic preparation not only improves the chances of acceptance but also enables students to thrive from the first semester. The more aligned a student’s strengths are with their chosen program, the more likely they are to excel, complete their degree on time, and transition effectively into the workforce.

Tips for Prospective 2026 Applicants

To improve your chances of admission, consider the following:
• Review your preferred program’s subject requirements early,
• Calculate your cluster points to determine eligibility,
• Prepare all necessary documents ahead of deadlines,
• For diploma holders, ensure your transcripts are well-organized for credit transfer assessments.
• Seek career guidance if uncertain about program choice,
• Stay updated on official announcements regarding application dates and requirements.

Early preparation reduces stress and increases the likelihood of a smooth application process.

SHARE THIS POST WITH OTHERS USING THE BUTTONS👇👇