General entry requirements for degree programmes at MMU

For most public universities in Kenya, the starting point for a bachelor’s degree is a KCSE mean grade of C plus. This remains the overall minimum entry grade for degree programmes nationally and is used by KUCCPS when placing government-sponsored students.

Multimedia University of Kenya aligns with this standard. In broad terms, you can expect the following baseline for 2026 bachelor’s degree admissions

• KCSE mean grade of C plus or higher
• Satisfying specific subject minimums for the programme you choose
• Meeting any cluster or equivalent requirements set either by MMU or KUCCPS for that particular course

MMU also accepts alternative qualifications beyond KCSE. Typical alternatives include

• A-level qualifications with at least two principal passes and a subsidiary in relevant subjects
• A recognised diploma in a related field, usually with a credit or distinction, for applicants who want to upgrade to a degree
• Other professional qualifications that the university senate considers equivalent and relevant to the chosen programme

Although the exact subject combinations vary from course to course, most science, technology, engineering and mathematics programmes expect strong passes in Mathematics, English and relevant sciences, while business and humanities-based programmes focus more on languages, mathematics or business studies.

Diploma and certificate admission requirements at MMU

Not everyone will join MMU directly at the degree level, and that is completely fine. Many students use diploma or certificate programmes as a smart pathway into the university.

According to MMU’s official communications, applicants with a KCSE mean grade of C plain can enrol directly in selected diploma programmes, especially in areas such as journalism, strategic and public relations, and film production and animation.

In general, you can expect the following trends in 2026

• Diploma programmes, KCSE mean grade around C plain or C minus, with specific subject passes depending on the course, for example, a minimum of C in English for communication-related diplomas or a pass in Mathematics for ICT-related diplomas
• Certificate programmes, KCSE mean grade around D plain or D plus, in line with national guidelines for craft and artisan courses

Each school within MMU may set slightly different minimums for its programmes, so it is important to look at the specific advert or programme brochure for the exact grade pattern, but as a rule, diplomas are open to students who have not reached the C plus threshold, while certificates provide an option for those whose grades are lower but who still want a technical or vocational route into the MMU ecosystem.

A common route looks like this

Certificate → Diploma → Degree

If you start at certificate level and perform well, you can often progress into a related diploma, and from there you can later apply for credit transfer into a degree at MMU, subject to senate approval.

Programme-specific examples of MMU admission requirements

While the general requirements give you the big picture, programme-specific rules are what really determine whether you qualify. Here are some helpful examples based on recent MMU information.

Example, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

For the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at MMU, the entry requirements include

• KCSE mean grade of C plus
• A minimum of a C in English
• A minimum of a C in Physics and Mathematics

MMU also accepts A-level applicants with at least two principal passes and a subsidiary in relevant subjects, as well as relevant professional qualifications approved by the university senate.

This example shows an important point: even if your overall mean is high, you must check that you also meet the subject minimums, especially for Mathematics and sciences in computing and engineering programmes.

Other typical patterns

Without listing every programme one by one, here is the pattern you are likely to see across the university

• Engineering programmes, KCSE mean grade of C plus or higher, with strong passes in Mathematics, Physics and often Chemistry
• Computing and informatics programmes, a C plus mean grade with minimum C grades in Mathematics, English and at least one science subject
• Business, economics and management programmes, a C plus mean grade, with a C in Mathematics and English, plus passes in business-related subjects an added advantage
• Media, communication and film programmes, a C plus mean grade for degrees and a C plain for related diplomas, with emphasis on English, Kiswahili and humanities subjects

Because MMU is especially strong in technology, communication and media, you will notice that many programmes insist on good language skills and a reasonable level of mathematical ability, even for non-engineering courses.

Postgraduate admission requirements at MMU for 2026

For 2026 intakes, MMU continues to offer a wide range of postgraduate programmes, including master’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas and doctoral programmes. The university follows a fairly standard Kenyan model for postgraduate admission, with details published in intake adverts for each semester.

You can expect the following general rules

Master’s degree programmes

Most master’s programmes at MMU require

• A relevant bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Honours, Upper Division, or
• A Second Class Honours, Lower Division degree in a relevant field, with a minimum GPA of around 2.5 out of 4.0 and at least two to three years of relevant work experience, research output or professional practice, or
• A relevant postgraduate diploma from MMU or another recognised institution, especially where the first degree was a pass or where the field is slightly different

Specific master’s programmes, for example, in computer science, business administration, mathematics, chemistry, renewable energy, supply chain management and others, follow this pattern while also insisting that your undergraduate course is in a closely related discipline.

Doctoral programmes

For PhD or Doctor of Philosophy admission, MMU typically expects

• A relevant master’s degree from a recognised university, usually with a strong performance, such as a thesis-based master’s or evidence of research capability
• A clear research proposal that fits within the expertise of the department
• In some cases, publications or professional experience can strengthen your application

The 2026 adverts and school-specific guidelines clarify the finer points, such as whether you can register as a part-time or full-time candidate, the acceptable master’s disciplines for each PhD, and any additional requirements like interviews or proposal presentations.

Required documents for admission at MMU

Meeting the grade requirements is not enough on its own; you also need to assemble the correct documentation. MMU’s online application portal and admission letters outline the key documents that new students must provide.

You should have the following ready

• Completed application form, whether filled online or in hard copy, with all sections correctly completed
• Passport sized photograph, a recent and clear colour photo with a plain background
• National ID card, required for Kenyan citizens aged 18 and above, photocopy and original for verification
• Passport, required for non-Kenyan applicants, again, both the original and a copy
• Academic certificates and transcripts, including your KCSE certificate or result slip, as well as earlier certificates such as KCPE, and any diploma, certificate, degree or professional qualifications you hold
• Admission letter, once you are offered a place, the official MMU letter of offer forms part of the documents you present at registration
• Payment evidence, bank slips or other proof of payment for required fees, such as application fees or tuition deposits, as indicated in your admission letter

Every document you attach during the application must be clear and readable, especially the exam results. Blurry uploads are one of the most common reasons applications are delayed.

Government-sponsored students versus self-sponsored students

In Kenya, many students join public universities through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service, while others apply directly to the university as self-sponsored or privately sponsored students.

For MMU in 2026, the main differences to keep in mind are

• Government-sponsored students, who apply through KUCCPS after KCSE results are released, are placed based on cluster points and capacity, enjoy subsidised fees, but still must meet MMU’s minimum subject requirements for the programme
• Self-sponsored students, who apply directly to MMU using the university’s application portal or physical forms, may have a bit more flexibility in terms of timing and programme choices, but must meet the same academic requirements as government-sponsored students

The underlying admission standards, such as the KCSE mean grade for the programme and the subject minimums, are set by MMU and approved nationally, so they do not change simply because you use a different route to apply.

Step by step, how to secure admission to MMU in 2026

To make the process less confusing, here is a simple flow to follow when targeting the 2026 intakes

Choose your level and programme

Decide whether you are aiming for a certificate, diploma, bachelor’s, master’s or PhD, then narrow this down to a specific programme such as

• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
• Bachelor of Journalism
• Diploma in Film Production and Animation
• Master of Business Administration

Read the latest MMU adverts and school pages carefully so you understand the exact grade and subject expectations.

Compare your grades with the requirements

Look at your KCSE mean grade and individual subject grades, then honestly compare them with the published MMU requirements for that programme.

• If you meet or exceed the degree requirements, you can apply directly for the bachelor’s programme.
• If you fall slightly below the degree threshold but qualify for a diploma, consider joining at the diploma level first.
• If your grades are lower but you are determined to study at MMU, check whether a certificate route exists in your area of interest.

Decide on the application route

If you are still in secondary school and will sit the KCSE, you will probably enter MMU through KUCCPS placement if you are targeting government sponsorship. After the release of KCSE results, choose MMU courses among your options when the KUCCPS portal opens.

If you are a self-sponsored applicant, have done KCSE earlier, hold a diploma, or are an international student, you will typically

• Create an account on the MMU online application system
• Fill in your personal information and academic background
• Upload scanned copies of the required documents
• Pay the application fee using the indicated method
• Submit your application and track its status online

Wait for the admission decision and letter

Once your application is processed and accepted, MMU will issue you an admission letter, which confirms

• The programme you have been offered
• Your mode of study and campus
• Reporting dates and orientation details
• The fee structure for your first academic year

You must print this letter and present it, together with your original certificates and identification documents, when you report to campus.

Tips for improving your chances of admission

Because MMU programmes, especially in ICT, engineering and media, are popular and sometimes competitive, it helps to be strategic.

• Aim higher than the minimum, treat the published minimum grade as the floor, not the target. Competitive programmes often admit students whose cluster points are above the stated minimum.
• Strengthen key subjects, for example, Mathematics, English and Physics for computing programmes or languages and humanities for communication programmes.
• Use bridging and upgrading paths. If you narrowly miss a requirement in a key subject, ask MMU about recognised bridging courses or consider starting with a diploma in a related field.
• Maintain good conduct and integrity, use genuine certificates and truthful information. Universities have strict verification procedures, and presenting forged or altered documents can lead to automatic cancellation of your admission.
• Contact the admissions office early; if you are unsure whether your combination of grades and qualifications fits a certain programme, it is better to ask MMU directly than to guess.