KARU Fees Structure 2026/2027

Details of Karatina University fees structure 2026/2027 breakdown, bursaries, loans, tuition fees schedule, fees booklet pdf download, examination fees, residential fees, fees statement, quotation fees, finance booklet, student fees, payment procedures, funding, banking details and other fees charged for the 2026/2027 academic year.

The  Karatina University Fee Structure 2026

Karatina University utilizes a structured fee framework that is guided by national higher education policies, cost indices, and equitable access principles. The university categorizes fees according to:

• Academic programme level (Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma, Certificate)
• Student category (Government-sponsored vs self-sponsored)
• Status of study (First-year new students vs continuing)
• Additional services and ancillary charges (Student union, library, internet, activity fees)

The 2026 fee structure also reflects the evolving landscape of higher education in Kenya, taking into account inflation, service costs, and quality assurance requirements.

Although the university regularly updates fee bands through its academic schedules, general patterns from recent years indicate the approach that will guide fees in 2026, especially for first-year intake and continuing students.

Understanding Base Tuition and Other Academic Charges

Tuition Fees

Tuition is the core educational charge that all students are expected to pay before commencement of academic activities. This is the amount charged per semester or per academic year, and is determined based on:

• Academic level (e.g., undergraduate degrees generally attract fixed base fees)
• Programme discipline (professional programmes may attract differential fees)
• Sponsorship status (government-sponsored students often pay subsidized tuition)

Tuition fees are structured to ensure affordability while covering the costs of instructional delivery, academic resources, faculty support, and curriculum development.

Ancillary Fees

Beyond tuition, students at Karatina University are required to pay ancillary or support fees that contribute to broader university services. These include:

• Activity Fee, which supports student clubs, events, and leadership development
• Internet Fee, ensuring reliable online connectivity for blended learning
• Library Fee, access to learning resources and research materials
• Medical Fee, covering basic health services on campus
• Student ID Card and Registration Fee, administrative processing charges
• Caution Money, usually a refundable deposit that safeguards university property

These additional charges, though smaller than the core tuition, play an integral role in holistic student support and smooth academic progression.

Example Fee Structure for Undergraduate Students (Indicative)

For first-year students admitted through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) for the 2025/2026 academic year, the university published an NFM fee structure that provides a good illustrative basis for what to expect in 2026.

Under this framework:

• Tuition charged for a typical degree programme might be set at approximately KES 8,000 per semester
• Combined with ancillary fees such as activity fee, amenity charges, examination fees, internet access, library services, medical fee, and registration fee, the total annual payable can range from about KES 30,000 to over KES 40,000 for a Government-sponsored student
• Continuing students generally have a slightly lower total annual fee compared to first-year students, as some charges like registration and placement are only paid once at entry

Although these figures are indicative and subject to revision for the 2026 academic year, they reflect the transparent and structured manner in which Karatina University organizes its financial expectations for undergraduate learners. Universities typically review fees annually, and KARU is expected to release an updated schedule before the January 2026 intake.

Postgraduate Fee Expectations for 2026

Postgraduate studies at Karatina University span Master’s and PhD programmes, offering advanced specialization in disciplines such as Business Management, Education, Natural Resources, Environmental Studies, and more.

For postgraduate applicants, the university historically sets an application fee (distinct from tuition) that must be paid upon submission of the postgraduate application. While this may vary, recent information indicates that:

• PhD programme application fee is set at KES 3,000
• The master’s programme application fee is set at KES 2,000

These application fees are payable at the point of application submission and support administrative processing and review by academic departments.

Once admitted, postgraduate students are expected to pay programme tuition that reflects the higher level of academic engagement, research supervision, and use of specialized facilities. Postgraduate tuition is typically structured per semester and may vary by school and discipline.

Diploma and Certificate Programme Fees

Karatina University also offers diploma and certificate courses in various professional and technical fields. These programmes are tailored for students seeking practical, career-oriented training over shorter periods compared to full-degree tracks.

Recent academic frameworks indicate that diploma and certificate applicants are charged a lower application fee (for example, KES 500), followed by structured tuition fees for the specific programme enrolled.

Like undergraduate and postgraduate fees, diploma and certificate charges include necessary ancillary services, though amounts are proportionate to the programme’s overall duration and intensity.

Government-Sponsored vs Self-Sponsored Fee Structures

KARU distinguishes students based on sponsorship status:

Government-Sponsored Students

Government-sponsored students benefit from subsidies under national higher education programmes. These students typically pay:

• Reduced tuition band
• Consolidated fees that cover essential services
• A structured payment plan that aligns with government funding cycles

Annual fees for government-sponsored students are kept affordable to ensure access to education for eligible applicants.

Self-Sponsored Students

Self-sponsored students (also called parallel or private students) pay the full cost of tuition and ancillary services. Their fees are higher compared to government-sponsored students because they do not benefit from state subsidies. This category also allows students greater flexibility in entry points, including evening and weekend study options that suit working professionals.

Whether a student is government- or self-sponsored, timely payment of fees remains a requirement for participation in academic activities and examinations.

Fee Payment Policies and Expectations for 2026

Karatina University enforces clear policies to ensure that students meet their financial obligations in a timely manner. These policies typically include:

• Completion of fee payment on or before registration days
• Structured deadlines for semester payments
• Penalties or restrictions for late or incomplete payments
• Provision for installment payments under approved circumstances

Continuing students are expected to clear semester fees before registering for courses, and failure to do so may result in blocked access to examinations or de-registration.

The university also advises that students retain payment receipts and bank slips as proof of transaction and for reconciliation with the student account.

Karatina University Banking Details for Fee Payments

When making electronic payments, direct deposits, or bank transfers for tuition fees, application fees, or any other official charges, please use the university’s official banking details as follows:

Bank Name: Equity Bank
Branch: Karatina Branch
Account Name: Karatina University
Account Number: 0040298291603

These details are used for fee remittances for various academic charges. Always ensure you enter the correct student details (such as name and registration number) on the deposit slip or bank transfer reference to facilitate accurate posting to your university account.

It is important to pay attention to the correct bank account when making payments, as incorrect beneficiary details may lead to delays in posting and potential administrative complications.

Fees and Programmes in the School of Business

In the School of Business, fees for programmes such as Bachelor of Business Management, Bachelor of Economics, and Master’s in Business Management reflect the academic rigour and industry alignment of these courses.

Business programmes traditionally attract tuition that supports:

• Case study resources
• Business software and online platforms
• Professional workshops and seminars
• Career guidance and internship facilitation

Whether you are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate business education, understanding the fee implications early helps in planning for books, materials, and any practical components in the programme.

Fees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

STEM programmes at Karatina University, such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Natural Sciences, and Applied Statistics, are structured to ensure students benefit from practical labs, software licenses, and research support. Fees in STEM disciplines may include additional technology charges covering:

• Laboratory access
• Specialized software tools
• Practical project supervision

Parents and students should anticipate these charges when budgeting for STEM courses and seek advice from the university finance office where necessary.

Scholarships, Bursaries, and Financial Support

Karatina University collaborates with national and county bursary programmes to support students with demonstrated need. While the university itself structures fees, students are encouraged to apply for scholarships or financial aid through:

• National government higher education funds
• County government bursaries
• Private scholarships and corporate sponsorships

Such financial support mechanisms can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket fee burden for eligible students.

Karatina University website:http://www.karu.ac.ke

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