TUM January 2026 Intake Details

TUM 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.

The Technical University of Mombasa typically runs multiple intakes in a year, commonly in January, May, and September, especially for popular diploma and degree programmes. Official adverts for past years show that TUM has consistently invited applications for January, May, and September intakes, with detailed lists of programmes and minimum entry requirements published ahead of each admission cycle.

For January 2026, you can reasonably expect a similar pattern, meaning:

A wide selection of programmes in engineering, applied and health sciences, business, social sciences, and computing
Options for full-time, part-time, and in some cases, evening or weekend study, especially for working professionals

Because formal adverts for January 2026 may be released closer to late 2025, applicants should use the structure of previous intakes as a guide while keeping an eye on official announcements.

Why Choose the Technical University of Mombasa in 2026

Choosing where to study is a big decision, and understanding what makes TUM unique will help you decide whether the January 2026 intake is right for you.

Strong technical and applied orientation
TUM began as a technical institute and has grown into a fully fledged university. That heritage shows in its programmes, which heavily emphasise practical work, laboratory sessions, workshops, studio work, and industrial attachment, especially in engineering, applied sciences, and computing.

Strategic coastal location
The main campus is in Tudor, Mombasa, giving students a unique urban coastal environment. Being close to the port, major industries, hospitals, hotels, and tourism facilities creates real opportunities for attachments and internships in logistics, engineering, hospitality, maritime studies, and health sciences.

Diverse academic portfolio
TUM offers programmes from certificates and diplomas all the way to undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This vertical progression pathway allows a student to start at certificate or diploma level and upgrade over time to a degree, master’s, and even a PhD in selected areas.

Public university status and recognition
As a public institution in Kenya, TUM is recognised by national regulators and appears in local and international university directories and rankings, making its qualifications widely accepted for employment and further study.

Programmes Likely to Be Offered in the January 2026 Intake

While the exact January 2026 advert will confirm the final list, previous January intakes give a good idea of what to expect. TUM usually groups its programmes by level and by school or faculty.

Postgraduate programmes

January intakes have previously featured Master’s and PhD programmes in areas such as:

Science fields, for example, Chemistry and Biotechnology
Health sciences and public health-related areas
Business, statistics, and applied sciences

Postgraduate applicants are normally required to hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with at least second-class honours and any other conditions set by the specific department and graduate school.

Undergraduate degree programmes

Undergraduate degrees at TUM cover disciplines like:

Engineering, for example, civil, mechanical, electrical, marine or related areas
Applied and health sciences, including laboratory sciences and health-related courses
Business, economics, and management sciences
Computing, information technology, and computer science
Social sciences and humanities in selected areas

In many previous adverts, degree programmes are offered across different intakes in a year, so it is reasonable to expect that at least a subset will be open for January 2026.

Diploma and certificate programmes

TUM is particularly strong in diploma and certificate training. Past adverts for January intakes show a long list of diplomas and certificates in areas such as:

Engineering and technical trades
Hospitality and tourism
Business and accounting
ICT and information studies
Applied and health sciences

These programmes are often attractive to recent KCSE graduates who may not have met degree cutoffs, as well as working professionals seeking practical qualifications.

Short courses and professional programmes

The university’s programme catalogue also includes short courses and professional certifications that run for a few weeks or months, targeting industry-specific skills, ICT tools, and technical competencies.

General Entry Requirements for the January 2026 Intake

Exact course requirements vary by programme, but TUM and independent guides summarise typical minimum entry criteria as follows.

Degree programmes

Minimum mean grade of C plus at KCSE or equivalent
Additional subject requirements for specific programmes, for example, certain grades in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology for engineering and health science courses
Equivalent qualifications, such as relevant diplomas recognised by the university’s Academic Board, may also be considered for advanced standing in some programmes

Diploma programmes

Minimum mean grade of C plain at KCSE or equivalent
Sometimes, specific subject passes for technical or science-based diplomas

Certificate programmes and bridging options

Minimum mean grade of C minus at KCSE or equivalent for most certificates
Some bridging or pre-university pathways are available for applicants who need to upgrade specific subjects before joining a diploma or degree

Postgraduate programmes

A relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution
For master’s, usually at least second class honours, upper division, or strong lower division with additional experience or a postgraduate diploma
For a PhD, a relevant master’s degree and a researchable proposal

In addition, all applicants are generally expected to submit:

Copies of academic certificates and transcripts
A national ID card, or birth certificate, or a passport for international applicants
Recent passport-sized photograph
Proof of payment of the non-refundable application fee

Application Routes for the Technical University of Mombasa January 2026 Intake

There are two main ways students typically join TUM for undergraduate and diploma programmes in Kenya, with an additional direct route for postgraduate studies.

Government sponsored students through KUCCPS

Many Kenyan students first join public universities through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service, which handles placement for government-sponsored students. TUM appears among the listed universities in KUCCPS, with a wide range of programmes available for placement.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, KCSE candidates will apply through KUCCPS during the national placement window, select TUM programmes as their preferred choices, and, if placed, will later receive admission letters from TUM indicating their reporting dates and requirements.

Direct application to TUM as a self-sponsored student

TUM also allows direct applications for self-sponsored students, which is especially relevant for:

Applicants who did not receive a KUCCPS placement
Diploma, certificate, and short course applicants
Upgrading students, for example, diploma holders seeking degree entry
Postgraduate students

Direct application can be done either online or through manual forms.

Online Application Process for January 2026 Intake

TUM has an online application system linked to its student management information system. Official guides and social posts outline the process, which typically looks like this.

Step 1: Create an applicant account
Visit the official TUM website and navigate to the admissions or online application section, then create a new applicant account using a valid email address and phone number. You will receive login credentials to access the application portal.👇🏿

admission link:https://www.tum.ac.ke/

Step 2: Log in and select January 2026 Intake
Use your credentials to log in to the application portal. Choose the correct intake, in this case January 2026, and then select the level of study, for example, degree, diploma, certificate, or postgraduate.

Step 3: Enter personal and academic details
Fill in personal information exactly as it appears on your national ID, birth certificate, or passport, then enter your KCSE index number, year of sitting, grades, or details of any past diplomas or certificates you hold.

Step 4: Upload supporting documents
Scan and upload the required documents, which usually include your academic certificates or result slips, ID or passport, and passport-size photo. Ensure that scanned copies are clear and legible.

Step 5: Pay the application fee
TUM charges a non-refundable application fee whose amount is indicated in the current advert or on the application portal. Payment is typically made through bank, mobile money, or other channels specified by the university. Keep the transaction reference, as you may need to input it or upload proof.

Step 6: Choose your programme preferences
Select the programme or programmes you wish to apply for, sometimes indicating a first and second choice. Check that you meet the stated entry requirements before confirming your choices.

Step 7: Review and submit your application
Confirm that all details are correct, then apply. The system may generate an acknowledgement or application reference number, which you should print or save for future reference.

Step 8: Wait for communication from TUM
Admission decisions and joining instructions are normally communicated via the contacts you provided, often through email and the portal. Be sure to check your account regularly, especially from late 2025 as January 2026 draws closer.

TUM Manual or Offline Application

In addition to online applications, TUM often provides a downloadable application form that can be filled out manually. Past adverts state that applicants may download the form, complete it, attach photocopies of required documents, pay the application fee, and submit the package physically or by post to the Registrar, Academic Affairs.

For January 2026, this option is likely to remain available, especially for applicants who may not have reliable internet access.

TUM Important Dates and Timelines for January 2026

As of late 2025, detailed January 2026 dates may not yet be fully public, but looking at recent adverts gives a realistic sense of the timeline. TUM has historically advertised January intakes a few months in advance, with adverts for January 2024 and January 2025 intakes appearing towards the end of the preceding year.

You can expect the following general pattern, subject to official confirmation:

October to December 2025, adverts published specifying programmes on offer, entry requirements, and application instructions
October 2025 to early January 2026, the application window opens for online and manual applications
Early to mid-January 2026, reporting, registration, and orientation for new students
Mid to late January 2026, start of lectures for the first semester or trimester of the year

Keep in mind that specific schools or programmes may have slightly different dates, especially where professional or regulatory bodies are involved. Always verify final dates from official TUM communication once the January 2026 advert is released.

Fees, Funding, and Cost Considerations

TUM publishes official fee structures by programme level and study mode on its website and downloads section. These structures show tuition, registration, examination, and other charges for postgraduate, undergraduate, diploma, certificate, and short course programmes.

While actual amounts vary widely, here are key points to keep in mind for January 2026:

Different fees for different categories, for example, government-sponsored versus self-sponsored, local versus international students, and full-time versus part-time
Additional charges, such as student ID, caution money, medical, union fees, and laboratory or studio levies for certain programmes
Hostel and accommodation, which may be charged separately if you secure university-managed housing or rely on private hostels near the campus

For Kenyan students, potential funding options can include:

Government capitation and loans or bursaries, where applicable, for government-sponsored learners
Student loans from the Higher Education Loans Board and other credit providers
County government bursaries and scholarships
Employer sponsorship for working professionals upgrading their qualifications

Because fee policies can change, always rely on the most recent TUM fee structure and government funding guidelines when planning for January 2026.

Special Applicant Categories

KCSE school leavers

If you sat the KCSE recently and are planning to join a university immediately, the January 2026 intake is a timely option because it allows you to start your studies early in the year and progress without a long gap. You can apply either through KUCCPS when that window opens or directly to TUM as a self-sponsored student, depending on your results and preferences.

Diploma and certificate holders upgrading

TUM’s strong technical background means that many diploma and certificate holders from technical institutes and TVET colleges seek to upgrade to higher qualifications there. If you hold a relevant diploma with good grades, you may qualify for admission into a related degree with credit transfers, reducing the overall time needed to complete your bachelor’s programme.

International students

TUM’s coastal location and technical focus attract international students from the region and beyond. If you are applying from outside Kenya, you generally need to:

Provide certified copies of your secondary school or prior academic qualifications
Obtain an equivalence evaluation where required
Meet English language requirements where applicable
Secure a student pass or visa and medical coverage in line with Kenyan regulations

January intakes are often convenient for international students whose academic calendars differ from Kenya’s traditional school year.

Working professionals and part-time students

Some TUM programmes, especially in business, ICT, and selected technical areas, are offered in part-time, evening, or weekend modes. This structure makes the January 2026 intake particularly attractive for employed people who want to upgrade their skills while continuing to work.

Step-by-Step Preparation Checklist for January 2026 Intake

To organise your application, you can use this practical checklist as you prepare for the Technical University of Mombasa January 2026 intake:

Decide on your target level: certificate, diploma, degree, or postgraduate
Explore the TUM programme catalogue and identify at least one main programme and a backup option that match your strengths and interests
Compare your KCSE grades or prior qualifications with the general entry requirements
Assemble all key documents, KCSE certificate or result slip, transcripts, diploma or degree certificates, national ID or passport, passport photos
Set aside funds for the application fee and initial registration, and accommodation costs
Create your applicant account on the TUM application portal once January 2026 applications open
Fill in all sections carefully, double-checking the spelling of names and the accuracy of grades
Upload clear scanned copies of all documents and confirm that each one is readable
Pay the application fee using the official payment details and keep the receipt or confirmation
Submit your application and save or print the acknowledgement and reference number
Monitor your email and the application portal frequently for admission updates and joining instructions
Once admitted, confirm your readiness to report, organise accommodation, and prepare any items required for your specific school, such as lab coats or drawing tools

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Even when you meet the minimum requirements, presenting a well-prepared application can position you more competitively for the January 2026 intake. Consider the following strategies:

Align your programme choice with your strengths
Review your subject performance and interests. If you excelled in Mathematics and sciences, technical, engineering, and ICT fields may be a natural fit. Strong performance in languages, business, and humanities may point you toward business, management, and social science programmes.

Be realistic yet ambitious
Choose programmes whose minimum requirements you comfortably meet, rather than aiming only at highly competitive courses where you barely satisfy the cutoff. You can still be ambitious by considering strong, in-demand alternative programmes that build similar skills.

Submit your application early
Do not wait for the last day of the application window. Early submission gives you more time to correct any mistakes, respond to queries from the admissions office, and plan for funding and accommodation.

Prepare for possible interviews or additional tests
Some programmes, especially in health sciences, education, or specialised technical areas, may require interviews, portfolio reviews, or aptitude tests. Be ready to respond professionally if you are invited for any extra evaluation.

Stay organised and responsive
Use a dedicated notebook or digital folder to store your application details, receipts, and correspondence. Respond promptly to any emails or calls from TUM requesting clarifications or additional documents.

Student Life at the Technical University of Mombasa

Joining in January 2026 means you will experience TUM at a time when the academic year is just beginning, which is ideal for settling in.

Campus environment
The main campus in Tudor sits within Mombasa city, giving you easy access to transport, shopping centres, health facilities, and recreational spots such as beaches and historical sites. The urban setting is balanced by on-campus academic facilities, libraries, laboratories, and student support services.

Accommodation
There are university-managed hostels and numerous private hostels and rental options around the campus. Because accommodation may be limited, early admitted students have an advantage when it comes to securing convenient housing.

Clubs and co-curricular activities
Like many universities, TUM supports student clubs and associations in areas such as sports, culture, entrepreneurship, technology, media, and community service. Joining these groups early in the semester helps you build networks and settle into campus life faster.

Support services
Student support may include guidance and counselling, health services, disability support, chaplaincy, and academic advising, all of which are helpful for first-year students adjusting to university learning.

Frequently Asked Questions about TUM January 2026 Intake

Will all TUM programmes be available in the January 2026 intake?
Not necessarily. Each advert specifies which programmes are open in a particular intake. Some are offered only once a year, while others appear in several intakes. Use previous January adverts as a guide, but confirm using the official January 2026 notice when it is released.

Can I apply for January 2026 if I am still waiting for my KCSE certificate?
In many Kenyan universities, you can begin the application process using your provisional result slip, then present the official certificate later. However, you must follow exactly what the TUM January 2026 advert and admissions office specify regarding acceptable documents at each stage.

Is it possible to change my programme after admission?
Programme changes are sometimes allowed under clearly stated rules, often within the first weeks of the semester and only if you meet the entry requirements and space is available in the new programme. Such changes usually require formal approval from the relevant department and Registrar, Academic Affairs.

How will I know if my application was successful?
You will receive official communication via email and phone contacts you provided and through the application portal. Successful applicants receive an admission letter, joining instructions, and fee details before the reporting date.

Can international students join the January 2026 intake?
Yes, provided you meet the academic and language requirements, obtain the necessary immigration documents, and finalise your application early enough to travel and settle before classes begin. International applicants should also budget for additional costs such as visa processing and medical insurance.

NOTE:

The Technical University of Mombasa January 2026 Intake offers a valuable opportunity to start or advance your academic journey in a practical, industry-focused environment, within one of East Africa’s most vibrant coastal cities. By understanding the typical programmes available, the entry requirements, and the online and manual application processes, you can position yourself to take full advantage of this intake.

Begin preparing your documents early, explore programmes that fit your interests and strengths, and closely follow official TUM communication as 2025 progresses. With careful planning, the January 2026 intake can be the beginning of a transformative season in your education and career.

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