Mount Kenya University Admission Requirements 2026-2027

Mount Kenya University Admission Requirements 2026/2027 Intake | The Mount Kenya 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 Mount Kenya 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 Undergraduate Admission Requirements for 2026

For most bachelor’s degree programs at Mount Kenya University, the minimum entry requirement remains a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education mean grade of C+ or higher. This threshold ensures that students entering undergraduate programs are academically prepared for rigorous university studies. However, the mean grade alone is not the only factor considered. Cluster subject performance is equally important, especially for specialized courses.

Applicants are advised to pay attention to the required subject combinations for their chosen program, because some fields require strong performance in specific subjects. As Kenya’s education system continues integrating competency-based principles, MKU aligns its criteria to ensure that students possess the foundational knowledge necessary for success in higher education.

Diploma-Level Admission Requirements for 2026

For diploma programs, the general minimum qualification is a KCSE mean grade of C plain. Diploma programs at MKU act as both standalone professional pathways and stepping stones to bachelor’s degree programs. Many students who begin with a diploma later upgrade their credentials to a degree through MKU’s flexible progression model.

Diploma applicants must meet program-specific subject requirements, particularly in the fields of health sciences, information technology, agriculture, and engineering. The diploma pathway is popular among students who may not meet direct degree entry criteria, yet wish to pursue higher education in a structured and progressive manner.

Certificate-Level Admission Requirements for 2026

For certificate programs, applicants typically need a KCSE mean grade of D plain or higher. Certificate programs serve as entry platforms for students to build academic foundations before advancing to diploma and degree levels. They offer an accessible starting point for students who wish to strengthen their academic maturity, gain foundational skills, or explore a subject area before committing to a full diploma.

In 2026, certificate programs are expected to continue covering fields such as business, information technology, community development, hospitality, and health support courses that complement more advanced professional paths.

Program-Specific Admission Requirements for 2026

Mount Kenya University programs vary widely in their academic demands. Below is an expanded overview of entry requirements across the major faculties, offering deeper insight into what students can expect.

School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Programs within health sciences are among the most competitive. Bachelor’s programs such as Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, and Public Health typically require:

A KCSE mean grade of B or higher for Medicine and Surgery, along with strong grades in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics, and English.
A mean grade of C+ or higher for Nursing, Pharmacy, and related programs.
Evidence of academic competence in biology-related subjects due to the scientific rigor involved.
Additional documentation for regulated programs where national training bodies outline minimum thresholds.

Diploma programs in this school often require a KCSE mean grade of C plain with strong performance in sciences, while certificate programs require a D plain with relevant subject passes.

School of Education

Education programs remain popular due to Kenya’s growing demand for qualified teachers. Admission requirements include:

A KCSE mean grade of C+ and above for Bachelor of Education degrees.
Strong performance in teaching subject combinations, such as Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, History, Biology, Agriculture, or Business Studies.
Diploma entry from a C plain with credit passes in teaching subjects.
Recognition pathways for teachers with ECDE or P1 qualifications seeking to upgrade.

Education programs also include practical teaching components, requiring applicants to demonstrate readiness for professional placement and classroom engagement.

School of Business and Economics

Business degrees are more flexible in their entry criteria. General requirements include:

A KCSE mean grade of C+ for undergraduate business programs.
Diploma admission requires a C plain.
Recognition of prior learning for applicants with professional certifications in accounting, management, procurement, or entrepreneurship.

Applicants aiming for finance-oriented programs benefit from strong mathematics performance, though the business school remains accessible to a broad range of learners.

School of Computing and Informatics

Technology programs require strong analytical skills and foundational STEM knowledge. Typical requirements include:

A C+ means grade for bachelor’s programs such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, and Cybersecurity.
A minimum subject pass in Mathematics or Physics for computing courses.
Diploma and certificate entry for students with a C plain or D plain, respectively.

As digital transformation accelerates, MKU’s computing programs continue expanding to meet the rising demand for IT professionals.

School of Engineering, Energy and the Built Environment

Engineering programs maintain higher academic thresholds because of their technical depth. Requirements include:

A KCSE mean grade of C+ and strong grades in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
Diploma admission requires a C- and relevant subject passes.
Recognition for applicants with previous engineering diplomas seeking degree upgrades.

Engineering applicants should expect rigorous coursework, laboratory practice, and industry attachments.

School of Social Sciences and Humanities

Programs in fields such as Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, Journalism, and International Relations generally require:

A KCSE mean grade of C+.
Subject requirements may vary, but are less rigid compared to science-based programs.
Diploma and certificate pathways for applicants with C plain and D plain grades, respectively.

These programs combine theoretical frameworks with fieldwork, making them suitable for students inclined toward research, community service, or social analysis.

Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfers for 2026

MKU recognizes that learning takes place in various forms. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway allows applicants who have gained knowledge from informal training, professional experience, or short courses to receive consideration for program entry. This system ensures inclusivity and acknowledges the value of practical experience.

Credit transfers are available for students with accredited coursework from other recognized institutions. The university evaluates transcripts to determine eligibility for module exemptions. This option is particularly beneficial for students who wish to complete their programs faster or switch institutions without losing academic progress.

International Student Admission Requirements for 2026, Criteria and Expectations

Mount Kenya University remains a preferred destination for international students across East Africa and beyond. For 2026, international applicants must:

Provide proof of equivalent secondary or post-secondary qualifications.
Submit a certified English translation of documents where applicable.
Show valid passport details and meet immigration requirements.
Demonstrate English proficiency for programs delivered in English.

International students benefit from dedicated support services that facilitate a smooth transition into university life in Kenya.

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