KARU January 2026 Intake Details

Karatina University (KARU) January Intake 2026 Application Form, Courses Offered, Admission Entry Requirements, Eligibility, How to Apply, Application Closing Date, Admission List, Student Portal, FAQs, and Fees Structure for Government (KUCCPS) Sponsored and Self-sponsored Students for the 2026/2027 Academic Year Intake.

If you are planning to join a university in early 2026, the Karatina University January 2026 intake is one of the most attractive opportunities available in Kenya. Karatina University, often called KARU, is a public university recognised for its strong focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and practical training. The university runs multiple intakes each academic year, including January, May and September, making it flexible for different types of learners such as regular, weekend and evening students.

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about the Karatina University January 2026 intake, from programmes on offer and admission requirements, to the application process, fees, accommodation and how to prepare for reporting day. It is written for KCSE leavers, diploma holders, working professionals and even international students who want to start their studies at the beginning of the year.

Understanding the Karatina University January 2026 Intake

Academic calendar and January entry

Karatina University organises its academic year into several intakes. Official information indicates that the university admits new students in January, May and September across full-time, weekend and evening classes.

The January 2026 intake is expected to cover a range of undergraduate, diploma, certificate and postgraduate programmes, particularly attractive to:

KCSE candidates who want to start university as early as possible in 2026
Students who wish to change institutions and join Karatina University
Diploma and higher diploma holders seeking degree progression
Professionals who prefer weekend or evening learning modes

Because the January semester falls at the start of a new calendar year, it is a strategic intake for students who want their academic plans and financial planning to align neatly with the year ahead.

Who can apply for the January 2026 intake?

The Karatina University January 2026 intake will likely be open to several categories of applicants, similar to recent intakes: Government-sponsored students placed through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service, KUCCPS

Self-sponsored or privately sponsored students
Postgraduate applicants, including master’s and PhD candidates
Diploma and certificate applicants
International students who meet the Kenyan and institutional requirements

Government-sponsored students usually join in line with KUCCPS placement calendars, while self-sponsored students rely on direct application to the university. Postgraduate students may have slightly different timelines, depending on the school and programme.

Programmes Offered in the January Intake

Karatina University has a wide catalogue of academic programmes that cut across several schools and faculties. While exact combinations for the January 2026 intake will be announced by the university, the general categories of programmes already running at Karatina University include:

Bachelor’s degree programmes in education, business, humanities, social sciences, agriculture and environmental studies, pure and applied sciences, computing and related fields
Master’s programmes in specialised areas within education, business, sciences and social sciences
PhD programmes in selected disciplines
Diploma and certificate programmes designed for KCSE graduates who may not meet direct degree entry requirements, or who wish to specialise in technical and professional fields

Each programme has its own entry requirements, subject combinations and cut-off points, so you should always check the most recent programme list and admission criteria provided by Karatina University for the academic year 2025 and 2026.

Admission Requirements for the January 2026 Intake

Although the exact details sometimes vary by programme, the following general guidelines apply to many Kenyan public universities and are consistent with previous Karatina University adverts.

Undergraduate degree requirements

For most bachelor’s degree programmes at Karatina University, applicants are typically expected to have:

A minimum mean grade of C plus in KCSE, with specified subject clusters for particular programmes
Or a recognised diploma from a reputable institution in a relevant field, with at least a credit or equivalent

Competitive courses may demand higher grades or stronger performance in specific subjects. Education programmes, for example, often require good grades in the teaching subjects, while science and technology programmes may emphasise mathematics and science subjects.

Diploma and certificate requirements

For diploma and certificate programmes, the entry requirements are usually lower than for degree programmes. Many institutions, including Karatina University in previous intakes, expect:

A KCSE mean grade of around C plain or C minus for diploma programmes, with specific subject passes in relevant areas
A KCSE mean grade of around D plus or D plain for certificate programmes, again with particular subject requirements for some technical or professional courses

These routes are ideal for students who want to build a foundation before upgrading to a degree level later.

Postgraduate requirements

Postgraduate applicants must meet minimum requirements set by the university senate and the specific school:

For master’s programmes, a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, often with at least second class honours upper division, or a strong second class honours lower division with relevant experience
For PhD programmes, a relevant master’s degree from a recognised institution

In some cases, departmental panels may require interviews, research proposals or portfolio evidence, especially for research-intensive programmes.

International students

International students applying for the Karatina University January 2026 intake should have qualifications that are equivalent to the Kenyan KCSE or to the required undergraduate or postgraduate entry standards. Their documents must often be validated and sometimes equated through the Kenya National Qualifications Authority or the Commission for University Education evaluation processes. They also need valid study permits and immigration documents before registration.

Application Pathways, KUCCPS and Self-Sponsored Entry

Karatina University admits students through two main routes: government sponsorship through KUCCPS and direct application as self-sponsored students.

Government-sponsored students, KUCCPS route

For students placed at Karatina University by KUCCPS, the process usually looks like this

KUCCPS releases placement results, indicating that you have been placed at Karatina University for a specific programme
You access the Karatina University admission letters portal, where you can download your official admission letter and joining instructions
You follow the instructions to complete online admission through the university self-registration portal, which captures your biodata, programme details and essential documents
You pay the required initial fees following the fee structure provided for government-sponsored students
You report physically on the indicated reporting date with the documents listed in the joining instructions

While most KUCCPS students are admitted at the start of the main academic year, some may join during different intakes depending on how the academic calendar is structured. Always follow the admission letter for the specific semester you are expected to report.

Self-sponsored students

Self-sponsored or privately sponsored students apply directly to Karatina University. The official academic programmes and intakes information confirms that:

Karatina University has intakes in January, May and September
Application forms can be obtained from the main campus, from schools such as the School of Business in Karatina town, or downloaded from official platforms
Applicants pay a non-refundable application fee, currently indicated as
- Ksh 3,000 for PhD programmes
- Ksh 2,000 for master’s programmes
- Ksh 1,000 for undergraduate programmes
- Ksh 500 for diploma and certificate programmes
The fee is normally paid through a banker’s cheque or direct deposit into the designated university bank account
Duly filled application forms, together with copies of academic certificates and the application payment slip, are submitted to the Registrar of Academic Affairs

This same framework is expected to guide applications for the Karatina University January 2026 intake.

Step-by-Step, How to Apply for the Karatina University January 2026 Intake

The exact dates for the January 2026 intake will be communicated by Karatina University closer to the time, through official notices and adverts. However, the process is likely to follow these general steps, especially for self-sponsored applicants. (Karatina University)

Step one: identify your preferred programme

Begin by reviewing the list of academic programmes offered by Karatina University at undergraduate, diploma, certificate, master’s and PhD levels. Pay attention to:

Minimum entry grades and subject requirements
Mode of study, whether full-time, evening, weekend or blended
Campus location, main campus or other approved centres
Duration of the course

List at least two or three programmes you would consider, in case your first choice is oversubscribed or if you wish to apply for more than one.

Step two: Confirm eligibility

Compare your KCSE results or previous college qualifications with the eligibility criteria. Make sure that:

Your mean grade meets or exceeds the stated minimum
You have met specific subject cluster requirements where applicable
Your diploma, higher diploma or degree is from a recognised institution if you are applying for an advanced level

If you are not sure whether your qualifications are sufficient, plan to speak to the admissions office or to send certified copies for evaluation.

Step three: Obtain and fill out the application form

Karatina University provides application forms that can be collected at the main campus or downloaded from the academic programmes and admission pages.

In the application form, you will normally be asked to provide:

Personal details, full name, contacts and identification
Programme applied for, with codes where applicable
Academic history, KCSE index number and previous institutions
Employment history, for working professionals and postgraduate applicants
Referees, especially for postgraduate programmes

Fill the form carefully, using capital letters where required and confirming that all entries are accurate.

Step four: Pay the application fee

Use the payment details indicated in the advertisement or on the application form to pay the non-refundable application fee. From the latest available information, the application fees are differentiated by level of study as noted earlier.

When you pay, keep the original bank slip or banker’s cheque receipt, since you must attach a copy to your application package.

Step five: compile supporting documents

For the Karatina University January 2026 intake, you should expect to submit several supporting documents, guided by the current joining instructions and admission document checklists.

These often include:

Copies of the KCSE certificate or results slip
Copies of diplomas or degree certificates and transcripts for upgrading applicants
Copy of national identity card or birth certificate
Passport-sized photographs
Application fee payment slip
For postgraduate applicants, copies of academic certificates, transcripts, possibly a research concept or proposal, and referees’ reports

Ensure that copies are clear and, where required, certified by a commissioner for oaths, magistrate or qualified officer.

Step six: Submit the application

Once everything is ready:

Place the completed form and attachments in an envelope as instructed
Deliver the package physically to the admissions office or send it using a reliable courier service to the postal address of Karatina University Registrar, Academic Affairs

Make sure you submit before the stated deadline for the January 2026 intake.

Step seven: wait for admission communication

After evaluation of applications, Karatina University communicates admission decisions through official channels. For successful applicants, you can expect:

An admission letter indicating your programme, study mode and reporting date
Joining instructions outlining payments, documents and campus regulations
A link or guidance for online self-registration, where you confirm details before physically reporting

Important Timelines for the January 2026 Intake

Exact dates vary from year to year. Recent notices from Karatina University show that the university announces reporting dates, semester dates and changes through official memos and student updates.

For the Karatina University January 2026 intake, you should watch out for:

The official call for applications or advert for January 2026 programmes
The deadline for submission of applications for self-sponsored students
KUCCPS placement announcements, if you are a government-sponsored applicant
Communication about online registration periods on the self-admissions portal
Reporting dates and orientation week schedule

To stay safe, plan to complete your application several weeks before the typical January semester start window, so that any corrections or missing documents can be resolved on time.

Fees and Funding for January 2026 Intake

Application fees

As noted earlier, the application fees currently published by Karatina University are:

Ksh 3,000 for PhD programmes
Ksh 2,000 for master’s programmes
Ksh 1,000 for undergraduate programmes
Ksh 500 for diploma and certificate programmes

These fees are subject to change, so always check the latest advert or admission form for confirmation.

Tuition and other charges

Tuition and other fees vary depending on:

Level of study
Programme and school
Whether you are government-sponsored or self-sponsored
Whether you are a local or an international student

Fee structures are usually made available under the students section and the fee structure pages. Students are expected to pay at least a specified percentage before registration, with the balance cleared according to university policy.

Funding options

Students joining the Karatina University January 2026 intake may explore:

Government funding structures, including scholarships and loans managed for Kenyan public university students
Higher Education Financing options that combine loans, scholarships and bursaries, as guided by national policy
County government bursaries and constituency development fund bursaries
Private scholarships from organisations
Employer sponsorship for working professionals

Apply for funding early, since many funding portals and sponsors have strict deadlines that may fall before or shortly after reporting.

Accommodation and Campus Life

On-campus accommodation

Joining instructions and admission documents for recent first-year cohorts at Karatina University emphasise the need for students to secure accommodation arrangements early.

Karatina University offers on-campus accommodation on a limited basis. Rooms are normally allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority often given to first years and special cases. Hostel allocation processes may require:

Early application through the provided forms or portals
Payment of hostel fees within the stipulated deadline
Compliance with hostel rules and regulations

If you want a place in university hostels during the January 2026 intake, follow the instructions in your admission documents as soon as you receive them.

Off-campus accommodation

For students who do not secure on-campus rooms, there are usually many private hostels and rentals around the university and in Karatina town. When choosing off-campus housing:

Inspect rooms personally or through a trusted contact
Check water, security, electricity and distance from campus
Confirm rent, deposit, and any extra charges
Sign a simple tenancy agreement where possible

Budget for your accommodation in line with the expected length of the semester and vacation periods.

Student support and campus services

Karatina University provides a range of student services and resources, highlighted through its student portals and communication channels.

These include:

Students’ portal for registration, results and fee statements
E learning platforms that support blended and online learning
Student email services for official communication
Health services, often including medical forms and health insurance requirements in joining instructions
Library facilities and online resources
Student affairs office, guidance and counselling, chaplaincy and clubs

As a new student in the January 2026 intake, you should familiarise yourself with these resources during orientation.

Documents Checklist for Reporting

From recent admission documents and joining instructions, new students at Karatina University are usually required to report with specific documents, both originals and photocopies.

Prepare the following, adapted to your category:

Original and copies of the admission letter
Original and copies of the KCSE certificate or results slip
Original and copies of other academic certificates and transcripts for diploma or degree holders
Copy of national identity card or birth certificate
Passport-sized photographs as specified
Medical examination forms filled and signed by a recognised medical officer
Proof of registration with the national health insurance or equivalent, as guided in the joining instructions
Bank deposit slips for fees paid
Hostel allocation letter, if applicable
Duly completed acceptance of admission form and declaration forms, including those signed by parents or guardians for students under eighteen years

Arrange these documents neatly in a file before travelling for the reporting day.

Orientation and First Weeks of the January 2026 Semester

Karatina University usually schedules an orientation period for new students at the beginning of their first semester. In recent academic years, the university has issued detailed memos on semester dates, teaching timetables and reporting changes.

During orientation, you can expect:

Official welcome address by the vice chancellor and university management
Briefings by the registrar of academic affairs, dean of students and other officers
School or faculty-level meetings that introduce students to their departments and programmes
Campus tours, including the library and ICT facilities
Sessions on student welfare, discipline, safety and clubs

The first weeks are crucial for unit registration and class attendance, so once the orientation plan is released, follow it closely.

Practical Tips to Prepare for the Karatina University January 2026 Intake

To make the most of the January 2026 intake at Karatina University, consider the following practical steps.

Start early with documents

Begin collecting and organising your documents well before the end of 2025. Ensure your certificates, identification and photographs are ready. If you need certified copies, arrange this with enough time to spare.

Create a financial plan

Estimate the total cost of your first semester, including:

Tuition and other mandatory university charges
Accommodation, on campus or off campus
Meals and personal upkeep
Books, stationery and any required equipment for your course
Transport to and from Karatina

Look for funding sources and start applying early.

Familiarise yourself with the university environment

Use official communications, social media updates and student forums to learn about:

Campus layout and the surrounding town
Clubs and societies
Religious, sports and cultural activities
Academic expectations and class schedules

The more you know before you arrive, the easier your transition will be.

Prepare academically

If you have been out of school for a while, spend some time revising key subjects related to your chosen programme. For example:

Refresh your mathematics and basic sciences if you are joining the science, technology or business fields
Read widely in the humanities and social sciences if you are joining the arts or education
Start thinking about your future specialisation and career path

This preparation helps you hit the ground running when classes begin.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Karatina University January 2026 Intake

Is the January 2026 intake only for self-sponsored students

No, the January intake can accommodate both government-sponsored and self-sponsored students, depending on how the academic calendar and placements are structured. KUCCPS placed students follow the timelines given in their admission letters, while self-sponsored students respond to the specific adverts for January programmes.

Can I change programmes after being admitted?

Karatina University provides guidelines for the change of programme, which are part of the general admission process resources. Programme changes are usually allowed within a limited period after reporting, subject to the availability of space and meeting entry requirements for the new programme.

What if I cannot report for the January 2026 intake

If you are unable to report on the date indicated in your admission letter, the university may allow deferral of studies under defined conditions. Previous notices show that students who miss reporting deadlines are sometimes required to defer to the next academic year or intake.

To avoid complications, communicate with the registrar’s academic affairs office in advance if you foresee challenges.

NOTE

The Karatina University January 2026 intake is a valuable opportunity for anyone who wants to begin or advance their higher education journey at the start of the year. With multiple pathways for KUCCPS placed students, self-sponsored applicants, diploma and certificate seekers, as well as postgraduate and international students, the intake offers broad access to quality university education.

To position yourself strongly for admission, take time to understand the programme options, confirm that you meet the entry requirements, complete the application process carefully and organize your finances and documents ahead of time. Keep a close eye on official Karatina University announcements for exact dates and any updates regarding the January 2026 intake.

With good planning and timely action, you can walk into Karatina University in January 2026 confident, prepared and ready to embrace a new chapter of academic growth and personal development.

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