United States International University (USIU) Admission Requirements 2026-2027

United States International University (USIU) Admission Requirements 2026/2027 Intake | The United States International University (USIU) 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 United States International University (USIU) 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.

Understanding USIU admission in 2026

USIU bases its admissions on academic merit, clear documentation, and, for most programs, evidence that you are ready to study in a rigorous English-speaking environment. The university runs on a trimester calendar, with several intakes each year, including a January 2026 intake that continues the existing cycle of admissions.

Across all levels, there are a few themes you will see repeated in the 2026 requirements

minimum academic qualifications, such as grades or GPA
proof that your previous institution is recognized and accredited
strong English language proficiency if English is not your first language
supporting documents, such as recommendation letters and personal statements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not automatically guarantee admission, because USIU subjects applications to selective screening and considers overall academic performance and completeness of documentation.

Undergraduate admission requirements at USIU in 2026

General academic requirements for undergraduates

Admission to undergraduate programs is based on your secondary or high school performance, and USIU evaluates different national and international systems using defined equivalences. For 2026, the key benchmarks include

For Kenyan applicants using KCSE, a minimum mean grade of C plus and above
For EACE, KCE, KACE, or EAACE, at least five credits at O Level, and three principal passes at A Level
For a 12th-grade United States-style high school diploma, a GPA of 2.50 or higher
For GCE, IGCSE, or similar systems, five upper-level passes at O Level, and three principal passes at A Level
For the full IB Diploma, at least five passes at grade 4 and above

These are minimum thresholds, so competitive applicants often present stronger grades, especially for popular programs like business, international relations, psychology, and IT.

Program-specific undergraduate requirements

Some programs within USIU have higher or more specific entry requirements because of professional or regulatory expectations. For 2026, two notable examples are

Bachelor of Pharmacy – you need at least a KCSE mean grade of B minus, including a minimum of C plus in specific subject clusters, usually Mathematics or Physics, English or Kiswahili, Chemistry, and Biology.
Bachelor of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics – you need at least KCSE C plus overall, and minimum grades in cluster subjects, such as Biology C plus, Mathematics B minus, and English B, or an equivalent combination in other systems.

If you are applying through international systems, your results are evaluated according to standards from the International Academic Credentials Handbook, the Kenya Commission for University Education, and the Kenya National Qualifications Authority, so your grades must be comparable to these Kenyan benchmarks.

English language and test score requirements

Because USIU teaches in English, all students whose first language is not English or whose previous education was not delivered in English must demonstrate proficiency before starting an academic program.

Undergraduate international applicants are typically asked to provide one of the recognized English tests or qualifications, for example

a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score in at least the high seventies to low nineties on the internet-based test,
an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of around band 7,
or a Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English with grade C or better.

USIU may update test score thresholds over time, but the general expectation remains that you should be able to study, write academic essays, and participate confidently in university discussions in English.

United States citizens and permanent residents are also expected to submit SAT or ACT results, which the university evaluates alongside the high school GPA, particularly when you come from an American-style curriculum.

Transfer student admission requirements

If you have already started university elsewhere and wish to transfer to USIU in 2026, you will be considered a transfer applicant. Transfer admission is based on an official evaluation of your previous higher education work and your secondary school record.

Key points for transfer applicants include

You must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended, as well as proof of high school graduation
Only courses completed with a grade equivalent to C or better can be considered for transfer credit
If you have fewer than about 12 semester units, your secondary school results still carry significant weight
Once you reach around 18 to 27 semester units of completed coursework, standardized tests like the SAT or ACT may no longer be required

USIU can accept up to a maximum of 90 trimester units of transfer credit from accredited institutions, but the final 30 semester units toward your degree typically must be completed at USIU to meet residency requirements.

When your transcripts are evaluated, courses are compared with USIU offerings, and credits are awarded based on how closely the syllabi match. Some courses that do not have a direct equivalent may still transfer as electives, helping you progress toward graduation.

International applicants, credential evaluation in 2026

One of USIU’s strengths is its diverse international student body. International applicants in 2026 are considered on the same basis as local applicants, but their credentials are carefully evaluated for equivalence. All international credentials are evaluated using recognized standards such as the International Academic Credentials Handbook, the regulations of Kenya’s Commission for University Education, and the Kenya National Qualifications Authority.

If your documents are not originally in English, you will need to provide official translations. In addition, you should usually be prepared to submit

certified copies of your academic transcripts and certificates
copies of your passport identification page
proof of your ability to meet financial requirements, such as a sponsor’s letter
Any host country study permit or pupil’s pass forms required under Kenyan regulations

Because immigration rules can change, applicants for 2026 should plan by checking current visa requirements, gathering financial guarantees, and allowing time for processing.

General documentation for undergraduate applications

Although the exact checklist may differ slightly by program and intake, typical documentation for undergraduate applicants includes

a completed and signed application form
a non-refundable application fee, often around a few thousand Kenyan shillings for local applicants
original and photocopies of academic transcripts, diplomas, and certificates, with originals returned after verification
a copy of your national identity card or birth certificate
at least one recent passport-sized photograph
a school-leaving certificate
If you hold foreign qualifications, an equivalent or recognition certificate as required by the Kenyan authorities

Missing or unclear documents are one of the most common reasons for delays in processing, so if you are targeting a 2026 entry, build a folder containing all your academic records, identification documents, and test results in advance.

Master’s admission requirements at USIU in 2026

If you are planning postgraduate study in 2026, USIU offers a wide range of master’s programs, from business and communication to technology, psychology, and international relations. Graduate admission requirements vary slightly by program, but there are university-wide expectations and program-specific rules.

Core academic requirements for master’s programs

For most master’s programs at USIU, the basic academic threshold includes

a baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited institution
a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a four-point scale, or equivalent performance in another grading system
In many cases, relevant professional work experience in the field you are applying to

That means if you are graduating in 2024 or 2025 and targeting a 2026 intake, you should pay close attention to your final year grades and consider gaining some work experience or internships that align with your intended master’s specialization.

University-wide graduate admission documents

Beyond grades and degrees, USIU specifies several common documentation requirements for all graduate applicants, such as

official undergraduate degree certificates and transcripts, with degrees and dates clearly indicated
proof of graduation from high school or its equivalent, which may be needed for records
a personal narrative or statement of purpose, where you explain your academic journey, professional goals, and reasons for choosing the program
two letters of recommendation, usually from academic referees, employers, or professional supervisors
any other program-specific requirements listed on the application form, such as a CV, writing sample, or portfolio for certain creative programs

Strong graduate applications do not just list qualifications; they tell a clear story, you should show how your previous studies and experience have prepared you and what you hope to achieve through the program.

English proficiency for graduate applicants

For master’s applicants whose previous language of instruction is not English, USIU usually expects an English proficiency test meeting the university threshold, for example

TOEFL Paper-Based Test around 550
TOEFL Computer-Based Test around 213
TOEFL Internet-Based Test around 90
or a Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English with at least grade C

In addition, where applicable, you may be asked to submit official translations of your academic records alongside the originals.

Doctoral admission requirements at USIU in 2026

USIU’s doctoral programs are designed for advanced scholars and professionals who want to develop deep expertise and contribute original research. Programs include, for example, doctoral offerings in information systems and technology, and in international relations.

General doctoral entry requirements

University-wide doctoral requirements typically include

an official master’s degree certificate and transcripts from all graduate work
official undergraduate degree certificates and transcripts
demonstrated strong academic performance at the graduate level, often with GPA expectations above basic pass levels
a personal narrative explaining your academic path, research interests, and professional objectives
letters of recommendation, often from academic supervisors or senior professionals
any additional requirements described in the specific doctoral application form, which may include a research concept note, writing sample, or CV

For certain doctoral programs, such as the Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems and Technology, you must already hold a relevant master’s degree in information systems and technology or a closely related field from USIU or another accredited university.

Some doctoral programs expect evidence of research potential, such as published work, conference papers, or a mini research proposal, while others may focus more on professional experience combined with academic strength.

How to strengthen your USIU application for 2026

Meeting the minimum USIU admission requirements is essential, but going beyond the basics can make your application stand out, especially for competitive programs. Here are practical ways to strengthen your profile for the 2026 cycle.

Focus on strong, consistent grades

Admission officers do not only look at the final grade or GPA; they often review the pattern of your performance. If your earlier years were weaker but you show a clear upward trend, highlight that journey in your personal narrative. If you are still in high school or undergraduate studies, use the remaining terms before 2026 to improve your grades in core subjects related to your target program.

Align your experience with your chosen program

For master’s and doctoral applicants, relevant work or internship experience can make a big difference. For example

If you want to study MBA or a business-related field, experience in finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, or management roles is helpful
For counseling psychology, volunteer work in mental health, community outreach, or education can show your commitment
For information systems and technology or data-related programs, practical experience with programming, IT support, systems analysis, or analytics strengthens your case

Use your CV and personal narrative to show how your experiences connect with your chosen program’s focus and learning outcomes.

Write a compelling personal narrative

USIU asks for a personal narrative or statement of purpose at the graduate and doctoral levels, and a well-written narrative can set you apart.

A strong narrative usually

explains what motivated you to pursue your field
describes key academic or professional experiences that shaped your goals
shows that you understand what the USIU program offers
makes a clear link between the program and your future career or research plans

Avoid generic statements; instead, be specific about courses, skills, and opportunities you hope to gain, and keep your writing focused, clear, and authentic.

Choose recommenders wisely

Recommendation letters are a chance for someone else to confirm your readiness. For 2026 applications, think strategically about who can best speak to your abilities

academic referees, such as lecturers or supervisors, can highlight your analytical skills, research potential, and classroom participation
Professional referees, such as managers, can speak about your responsibility, leadership, teamwork, and real-world performance

Give your recommenders enough time to write, share your CV and program choice, and gently remind them of deadlines without pressure.

Prepare early for English and standardized tests

If you know you will need TOEFL, IELTS, or another proficiency exam, or SAT/ACT in the case of some undergraduate applicants, schedule your test early enough to allow for retakes if necessary. Target scores at or above the minimum threshold used by USIU, leaving a buffer in case one section is weaker.

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