KU Fees Structure For 2026/2027

At Kenyatta University, fees are structured to reflect the type of program, student category, and level of study. Fees for 2026/2027 vary depending on whether the student is government-sponsored (KUCCPS), self-sponsored (Module II), East African, or international/national outside Kenya.

The university publishes detailed fee schedules for each academic year, highlighting costs per programme and per session. In recent years, Kenyatta University has also introduced innovative fee payment systems to make the process seamless for learners.

Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Programmes

Undergraduate tuition fees at Kenyatta University differ significantly depending on the programme of study. For example, arts and social sciences programmes typically cost less than specialised professional degrees in fields like medicine, engineering, and health sciences.

For East African students enrolled in standard undergraduate programmes, fees can range from approximately 150,000 to 200,000 Kenyan Shillings per academic year, but may be higher for specialised courses. Programmes such as Bachelor of Education, Arts, Commerce, and Communication may fall toward the lower end of the range, while courses in Health Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine may attract higher tuition costs due to resource-intensive training requirements.

For non-East African and international students, tuition is generally higher, reflecting the additional resources and international student support services provided by the university. International fees can exceed 200,000 Kenyan Shillings per year, depending on the field of study.

It’s important to note that fees for specific programmes like Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, and Biomedical Engineering are often positioned toward the top end of the fee band due to the specialised nature of training and clinical attachments required.

Fees for Diploma, Certificate, and Short Courses

Beyond traditional undergraduate degrees, Kenyatta University offers a variety of diploma and certificate programmes. These are particularly attractive for students seeking shorter, career-focused qualifications that can be completed in one to two years.

The fee structure for diploma programmes typically falls below that of full undergraduate degrees. For example, diploma courses can start around 90,000 to 110,000 Kenyan Shillings per year, with lower statutory fees and shorter durations.

Certificate courses are even more affordable, starting from approximately 30,000 Kenyan Shillings, and are ideal for learners seeking foundational skills or professional development in areas such as business management, human resource management, or specialised technical fields.

Fees for these programmes include tuition plus additional statutory and administrative charges such as registration, examination, and student services.

Postgraduate Fees (Master’s and PhD)

Postgraduate tuition at Kenyatta University also varies widely based on the level of study and the discipline.

Master’s degree programs generally require payment of tuition in addition to statutory and per-unit fees. For national and East African students, master’s tuition can range between 100,000 to 150,000 Kenyan Shillings per academic year, with higher fees for international students or specialised professional programmes.

Doctoral (PhD) programs command the highest postgraduate fees. These costs are influenced by the need for extensive research supervision, thesis examination processes, and additional academic support services. PhD fees can range from 180,000 to 250,000 Kenyan shillings per year, again adjusted for international status and specific departmental requirements.

Some postgraduate courses require payment of per-unit tuition in addition to a base statutory fee. Students should consult the university’s official fee schedule to understand the exact number of units required and the per-unit cost.

Statutory and Administrative Fees

In addition to tuition, all students at Kenyatta University incur various statutory and administrative fees. These include:

• Registration fees for new and continuing students
• Student ID card fees
• Examination fees
• Library fees
• Sports and recreational fees
• Student association subscription
• Alumni fees
• Activity fees
• Caution money

These charges typically appear on students’ fee statements and vary depending on the programme and level of study. For session-based programs, some of these charges are spread across the first, second, and third sessions, with the total adding to the overall cost of the academic year.

Students need to plan for these additional costs, as they are required for registration and participation in academic activities.

Differences in Fees by Student Category

Fees at Kenyatta University are categorised based on whether a student is:

• Government-Sponsored (KUCCPS)
• Self-Sponsored (Module II)
• East African National
• International Student

Government-Sponsored Students pay fees under a government funding scheme where the state subsidizes a significant portion of tuition. Students contribute through a household contribution, which varies based on socioeconomic bands. This funding model aims to make tertiary education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.

Self-sponsored students cover the full cost of tuition and statutory fees. These students often have higher annual fees compared to government-sponsored peers, but they benefit from flexibility in course registration and scheduling.

East African nationals and international students also pay different fee scales, with international fees typically higher due to extra services and support offered to learners from outside the East African region.

Payment Methods and Platforms

Kenyatta University has modernised its fee payment systems to make remittances easier and more efficient. Students and parents can pay fees using the university’s Integrated Payment Platform, which supports multiple channels, including direct bank deposits and online options.

The KU payment platform requires you to select the service you wish to pay for, enter your student identification details (such as admission or PF number), and then choose a preferred payment method. This ensures accurate crediting of fees to your account.

A popular option for students is to use the university’s official bank accounts to deposit fees directly. The following are official school banking details for Kenyatta University:

Banking Details for Fee Payment

Bank, Branch, and Account Information

• National Bank of Kenya Ltd, Kenyatta University Branch
  Account Name: Kenyatta University Research Grants Account
  Account Number: 01021010781300
  SWIFT Code: NBKEKENXXXX
• Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Ltd, Muthaiga Branch
  Account Name: Kenyatta University Dollar Account
  Account Number: 8702018780000
  SWIFT Code: SCBLKENXXXX

Additionally, Kenyatta University funds collected through school fees accounts may be managed via designated bank accounts, such as Equity Bank (KU Branch), with account details provided to students upon admission.

When making payments, students must ensure they use the official account numbers provided by the university to avoid misallocation of funds. It’s also recommended to retain proof of payment, such as deposit slips or electronic receipts, for verification.

Helpful Tips for Planning University Fees

Start Early: Begin planning your finances before the academic year starts to avoid last-minute stress.

Understand Your Category: Confirm whether you are KUCCPS-sponsored or self-sponsored, as this significantly affects your fee obligations.

Review the Fee Schedule: Check the detailed fees for your specific programme of study on the university’s resources section or through admissions communications.

Use Official Platforms: Always use the university’s integrated payment platform or official bank accounts to pay fees to ensure accuracy and traceability.

Prepare for Statutory Charges: Budget not just for tuition but also for all statutory and administrative fees that accompany your academic journey.

Seek Financial Advice: If needed, consult with the university’s finance office for breakdowns and payment plans. They can also advise on installment options if available

Apply here: www.ku.ac.ke