Technical University of Kenya (TUKENYA) 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.

The Technical University of Kenya, often called TU-K or TUKENYA, is one of the leading institutions for applied sciences, engineering, innovation and technology-based education in Kenya. The university is known for its strong link to industry, its practical training model and its location in the heart of Nairobi, which makes it especially attractive to students who want real-world exposure alongside academic study.

If you are planning to join the Technical University of Kenya in the 2026 intake, this detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from intakes and deadlines to entry requirements, programmes, application procedures and practical tips to strengthen your application.

About the Technical University of Kenya

The Technical University of Kenya is a public university that grew out of the former Kenya Polytechnic and is recognised as a pioneer institution in technological and vocational education in the country. It offers programmes at certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with a strong focus on technology, engineering, applied sciences and professional training.

The university is organised into several faculties and schools, such as

• Engineering and Built Environment
• Applied and Health Sciences
• Social Sciences and Technology-related business fields
• Creative Arts and Media-related areas

TU-K emphasises

• Hands-on and lab-based learning
• Close collaboration with industry partners
• Research and innovation that respond to national development needs
• Flexible pathways from certificate and diploma, up to degree and postgraduate studies, through credit transfers and recognition of prior learning

For students joining the 2026 intake, this means you will study in an environment that values practical skills, employability and innovation, not just theory.

Overview of the Technical University of Kenya 2026 Intake

Like many Kenyan universities, TU-K typically runs multiple intakes across the year, especially for self-sponsored, Module II programmes. In recent years, the university has advertised major intakes around May and September, with clear deadlines announced on its official website and social channels.

Based on recent patterns, you can expect the Technical University of Kenya 2026 intake to include

• An early or mid-year intake, commonly around May, mainly for selected diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
• A larger main intake around September, covering a wide range of Module II undergraduate and diploma programmes, plus continuing admission for postgraduate and some short courses

Exact dates for 2026 will be announced by the university closer to the time; however, recent intakes have shown that.

• Application deadlines are typically set a few weeks to a couple of months before the reporting date.
• September intakes have had application deadlines in August, with reporting dates around the beginning of September.

Because of this timeline, prospective students for the 2026 intake should start preparing their documents and finances during 2025, and should keep checking official TU-K communication channels for updated dates and any extensions.

Types of Programmes Available in the 2026 Intake

TU-K offers a broad range of programmes that reflect its technical and professional orientation. The exact list of programmes open in the 2026 intake will be announced in official adverts, but the general categories remain fairly consistent over the years.

Certificate programmes

Certificate programmes at the Technical University of Kenya are designed for students who

• May not have met the minimum grade for a diploma or degree
• Want to specialise in a specific technical or professional area
• Wish to gain a quick, job-oriented qualification or prepare for higher studies

Typical certificate areas at TU-K include

• Information and communication technology-related certificates
• Short technical and engineering support-related courses
• Creative, media and design-related certificates
• Business support and office administration certificates

Certificate programmes usually run for one year, sometimes slightly longer depending on the field, and successful completion can open doors to diploma progression where the university recognises prior training.

Diploma programmes

Diploma programmes are one of TU-K’s major strengths. They bridge the gap between certificate and degree and are highly practical, giving students strong technical skills for the job market.

Diploma options may include areas such as

• Engineering disciplines
• ICT, programming and networking
• Business, accounting and procurement
• Media, journalism and communication
• Applied sciences and health-related technologies

Many diploma graduates can progress to degree programmes through credit transfers, as long as they meet the set performance and programme-specific requirements. TU-K deliberately supports upward mobility from diploma to degree, which is very attractive if you are planning a long-term academic journey.

Undergraduate degree programmes

The Technical University of Kenya offers a range of bachelor’s degrees that are oriented towards technology, engineering and applied disciplines. These include programmes such as

• Bachelor of Technology in various engineering and technology fields
• Bachelor of Engineering programmes in selected specialisations
• Degrees in applied sciences, business and creative industries

Most degree programmes run for four years, although some engineering and specialised programmes may run longer, depending on the curriculum. The 2026 intake is expected to open both government-sponsored, Module I, slots through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service, and self-sponsored, Module II, slots applied for directly through the university, subject to official announcements.

Postgraduate programmes

For 2026, postgraduate opportunities at TU-K are likely to remain open on a rolling basis for many programmes, as has been the case in recent intakes where postgraduate applications remained open even when diploma and undergraduate windows had closed.

Postgraduate programmes include

• Postgraduate diplomas in specialised professional fields
• Master’s degrees in technology, engineering and applied sciences
• Research-based postgraduate programmes in relevant areas

Entry Requirements for the Technical University of Kenya 2026 Intake

Although exact entry requirements can vary by programme, TU-K adheres to national guidelines for minimum admission criteria at each level, along with programme-specific subject requirements. You should always confirm the precise requirements in the official 2026 intake advert, but the general picture is as follows.

Certificate entry requirements

For most certificate programmes, applicants are normally expected to have

• A KCSE mean grade of around D plain or D plus, or an equivalent qualification, depending on the specific certificate
• Any additional subject or cluster requirements that may apply in technical or professional fields

Some short courses and professional certificates may be more flexible, especially for applicants who already have work experience.

Diploma entry requirements

For diploma programmes, TU-K typically requires

• A KCSE mean grade of C minus or C plain, depending on the programme and its technical demands
• Satisfactory performance in key subjects related to the course, for example, mathematics and sciences for engineering-related diplomas, or languages and business subjects for communication and business diplomas

Applicants with relevant certificates and strong performance may also be considered through recognition of prior learning and credit transfers.

Undergraduate degree entry requirements

For most bachelor’s programmes at TU-K, common entry requirements include

• A minimum KCSE mean grade of C plus, as per general university entry criteria in Kenya
• Specific subject combinations and minimum grades for the chosen programme, for example
  • Strong grades in mathematics and physics for engineering and technology programmes
  • Good grades in the sciences for applied science courses
  • Good grades in languages and humanities for social science and communication-related degrees

Alternative qualifying routes often include

• Relevant diplomas from recognised institutions, usually with a credit or distinction, plus subject requirements
• Equivalent qualifications, such as A-level results with the required passes, or approved foundation and bridging programmes

Postgraduate entry requirements

For postgraduate admission in the 2026 intake, you can generally expect requirements such as

• A relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, usually with at least second class honours, often upper division, although some programmes may consider a strong lower division with experience
• For postgraduate diplomas, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in a related field
• For research-based master’s and doctoral programmes, a clear research interest aligned with available supervisors and university priorities

Requirements for international students

International applicants interested in the Technical University of Kenya 2026 intake will need to

• Provide certified equivalents of KCSE or bachelor’s level qualifications, as evaluated by recognised bodies, where necessary.
• Meet the same academic thresholds as local students, based on equivalence
• Satisfy immigration and student pass requirements to study in Kenya

Because recognition of foreign qualifications can take time, international applicants are advised to start the process well in advance of the 2026 intake.

How to Apply for the Technical University of Kenya 2026 Intake

TU-K uses a fully digital application process, which makes it convenient for applicants from all regions to apply without physically visiting the campus. Recent intake adverts emphasise that applications are completed through an online application portal. (https://intake.tukenya.ac.ke/)

While specific details for the 2026 intake will be released in due course, the step-by-step process is likely to follow a similar pattern to recent years.

Step-by-step application procedure

For self-sponsored, Module II, and many postgraduate programmes, you can expect a process similar to this.

1. Visit the official TU-K online application portal using a computer or smartphone with reliable internet access.
2. Create an applicant account by providing your name, national ID or passport number, email address and phone number, then set a secure password.
3. Log in to your account and choose the appropriate application category, for example, certificate, diploma, undergraduate, or postgraduate.
4. Browse available programmes for the 2026 intake and select up to the allowed number of choices in order of priority.
5. Carefully fill in your personal details, academic history and any employment information required.
6. Upload scanned copies of required documents in the specified format and size.
7. Confirm that your information is accurate, then generate an invoice or reference for the application fee.
8. Pay the application fee using the payment options specified in the 2026 advert, commonly mobile money, bank deposit or online payment.
9. Confirm that your payment has been received by checking your application status on the portal.
10. Submit your completed application and download or print the confirmation page for your records.

For government-sponsored, Module I, slots, applicants will typically apply through the national placement agency, while still needing to follow instructions given by TU-K for reporting and registration once placed.

Documents you need to prepare

To avoid last-minute stress, it is wise to prepare your documents early. Typical documents required for the Technical University of Kenya intake include

• KCSE result slip or certificate, or the equivalent for foreign systems
• Certificates and transcripts for prior certificates, diplomas or degrees, where applicable
• National ID or passport
• A recent passport-size photograph following the specified guidelines
• Evidence of a name change, where the names on your documents differ
• For postgraduate applicants, degree certificates, transcripts and sometimes a brief concept note or statement of purpose

Always ensure that the scanned copies are clear, readable and correctly named before uploading.

Paying the application fee

Application fees are normally non-refundable and may vary by level of study. Recent information from Kenyan universities shows typical figures such as different fee levels for certificate, diploma, bachelor’s, master’s and PhD applications, although you must confirm the exact TU-K amount for 2026 from the official advert.

After payment, keep your transaction message or receipt safe until your admission process is complete.

Understanding TU-K Intakes and Key Dates for 2026

To plan properly, you need to understand how TU-K structures its intakes across the year. While the exact 2026 calendar will be confirmed by the university, recent patterns provide a helpful guide.

May intake pattern

Recent adverts indicate that TU-K opens a May intake for selected programmes, with applications invited early in the year and deadlines often falling a few weeks before the start of term. In past cases, deadlines have even been extended to give applicants more time, and such extensions are usually announced on official channels.

For the 2026 May intake, you should

• Watch for adverts from late 2025 or early 2026
• Apply as soon as the portal opens, so that you have room to respond if any information is missing.
• Check frequently for any deadline extensions

September intake pattern

The September intake is usually the largest for TU-K’s Module II programmes. Official communication for 2025 shows that

• Tuition programmes under the September intake had a clearly stated application deadline in late August.t
• Programmes were scheduled to commence on the first day of September
• The university urged applicants to apply early and to keep checking for possible extensions

It is reasonable to expect a similar structure for the September 2026 intake, although you must confirm once the 2026 advert is published.

Tuition Fees and Cost Considerations

Tuition fees at the Technical University of Kenya vary according to

• Level of study, certificate, diploma, degree or postgraduate
• Programme type, for example, engineering and laboratory-intensive courses, often cost more than classroom-based programmes
• Whether you are a government-sponsored or self-sponsored student

Self-sponsored, Module II, students pay full tuition based on the approved university fee structure, while government-sponsored, Module I, students benefit from state support plus any applicable loans or bursaries they obtain. Approximate tuition ranges and other charges are normally clearly outlined in the fee schedule that accompanies admission letters or official fee circulars.

In addition to tuition, you should budget for

• Registration and examination fees
• Student union or activity fees
• Caution or insurance fees
• Laboratory or studio charges, where applicable
• Books, stationery and software
• Accommodation and daily living expenses in Nairobi

Planning realistically for these costs well before the 2026 intake will reduce financial stress once you are admitted.

Scholarships, Bursaries and Funding Options

While TU-K is primarily a public university, funding support usually comes from a mix of national funding bodies, loans, bursaries and sometimes scholarship schemes. For the 2026 intake, prospective students should explore

• National government loan and bursary schemes are available to eligible Kenyan students
• County government bursaries in their home counties
• Constituency development fund bursaries were available
• Work study and part-time employment opportunities that may be compatible with your timetable
• Any merit or need-based scholarships that TU-K or partner organisations may advertise periodically

Because funding landscapes change from year to year, it is important to keep checking official announcements from recognised funding bodies during 2025 and 2026.

Life at the Technical University of Kenya

Joining TU-K in the 2026 intake is not only about academic life, but it is also about experiencing university life in the centre of Nairobi.

Campus environment

The university’s urban location gives students easy access to

• Public transport and major roads
• Government agencies and corporate offices
• Research institutions, media houses and NGOs
• Cultural spaces, libraries and innovation hubs

This environment supports internships, industrial attachments and part-time work, which are particularly valuable in technology, business and creative fields.

Student services and facilities

Students at TU-K typically benefit from

• Lecture halls, laboratories and workshops equipped for practical learning
• Libraries and digital learning resources
• Health and counselling services
• Sports, clubs and societies where students can develop leadership and soft skills

As a new student in the 2026 intake, you can also expect an orientation period during which you will be introduced to university rules, facilities, departments and student support services. In recent intakes, TU-K has organised multi-day orientation activities to help first-year students settle in comfortably.

Accommodation

Because TU-K sits within Nairobi’s central area, accommodation options include

• University-managed or affiliated hostels where available
• Private hostels near the campus
• Shared apartments and bedsitters in surrounding neighbourhoods

When planning for the 2026 intake, it is wise to start searching for housing early, compare prices and consider distance to campus as well as security and access to utilities.

Tips for a Successful Application to the 2026 Intake

To improve your chances of admission to the Technical University of Kenya in 2026, consider the following practical tips.

Start early and stay informed.

Do not wait for the last week before the deadline to begin your application. Instead

• Monitor TU-K’s official announcement channels from 2025
• Quickly read any adverts and note important dates
• Begin collecting and scanning your documents in advance

Choose programmes strategically

When choosing your programme options

• Align your choices with your KCSE subject strengths or prior training
• Think about long-term progression, for example, starting with a diploma that clearly articulates a degree
• Consider the demand for skills in your chosen field, looking at how technology and industry are evolving in Kenya and globally

Make your application accurate and complete

Common reasons for rejection or delay include inaccurate details, missing documents and failure to meet minimum requirements. To avoid this

• Double-check your personal and academic information
• Ensure names are consistent across all documents
• Upload all required documents in the correct format and size
• Respect the instructions on how to list your programme choices

Keep evidence of everything

Always keep copies of

• Your application confirmation
• Payment receipts
• Emails or SMS messages from the university

These records will be useful if there are any queries about your application later.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Technical University of Kenya 2026 Intake

Will there be a Technical University of Kenya intake in 2026
Yes, TU-K routinely runs multiple intakes every year, and based on recent patterns and ongoing 2025 intakes, it is expected that there will be May and September intakes in 2026 as well, subject to official confirmation.

How do I know which programmes are available in the 2026 intake
The exact list of programmes will be published in the official 2026 intake advert and uploaded to the online application portal, where programmes are grouped by level and school. Previously, the portal has shown detailed programme lists for each intake, so you can expect a similar structure in 2026.

Can I apply for more than one programme?
In the most recent intakes, applicants have been allowed to select multiple programmes in order of preference, as long as they pay the required application fee and meet the entry requirements. The specific limit on choices will be stated in the 2026 advert.

What if I miss the initial application deadline
Sometimes, TU-K has extended application deadlines for certain intakes, especially when there is high demand or when many applicants are still completing their forms. However, extensions are not guaranteed, so you should always aim to apply before the first stated deadline and only rely on an extension if it is officially announced.

Can diploma holders join degree programmes at TU-K
Yes, one of TU-K’s strengths is its policy of recognising prior training and allowing students to move upward from diploma to degree through credit transfers, provided they meet performance and programme-specific criteria. Details of credit transfer policies are usually highlighted in official intake adverts and programme descriptions.

Are applications for postgraduate programmes open all year
In recent years, postgraduate applications at TU-K have often remained open even after specific undergraduate and diploma intakes closed. While this may continue in 2026, you should still check the specific dates and any exceptions listed in the postgraduate adverts.

NOTE:

The Technical University of Kenya 2026 intake offers a valuable opportunity to join a practical, technology-focused institution that is deeply connected to Kenya’s industrial and professional sectors. Whether you are completing high school, upgrading from a certificate or diploma, or planning postgraduate study, TU-K provides flexible pathways and a strong emphasis on real-world skills.

To position yourself well for the 2026 intake

• Understand the levels of study and choose a programme that fits your interests, strengths and career goals.
• Familiarise yourself with general entry requirements and prepare your documents ahead of time.e
• Follow the online application process carefully, pay your application fee in good time and keep evidence of every step.
• Monitor official announcements throughout 2025 and 2026 so that you do not miss application windows, deadline extensions or orientation updates.

With early planning, careful attention to detail and a clear vision of where you want your education to take you, you can make the most of the Technical University of Kenya 2026 intake and set yourself on a strong path toward a successful, technology-driven career.

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