Study abroad in Kenya | Best Programs for international students

Study abroad in Kenya! Discover the best programs for study abroad degrees in Kenya, a full guide with reviews, alumni interviews, top 10  Universities cost, and tricks to get you started.

What is Kenyan Studies Abroad?

Kenya is located in East Africa with a coastline on the Indian Ocean.  It is a very beautiful country that encompasses Lakelands, savannah, mountain highlands, and the dramatic Great Rift Valley. 

Studying abroad in Kenya is considered the most popular and suitable place for education due to its geography.

Read More >>>Study in Kazakhstan Top universities Apply for Visa & cost

Studying abroad in Kenya is a chance to pursue your academic studies in a foreign country. Students foreign attend to carry out research or lectures  at a foreign university or through their study-abroad program

Table Content

1. What is Kenyan Studies Abroad?

2. Why Study Abroad in Kenya

3. Top 10 best  universities  to Study abroad in Kenya 

4. Best study abroad programs in Kenya for University students

5. How much does it cost to study abroad in Kenya

6. How to study abroad in Kenya for free

7. Study Abroad Application Process

Why Study Abroad in Kenya

Studying abroad in Kenya helps you to achieve a new experience,  learn a new language,  appreciate other traditions, and cultures,  gain a Larger understanding of the world and Go Beyond the challenges of living allowance.  

Study-abroad-in-Kenya

Here are some reasons why it is popular to study abroad in Kenya.

  • High-quality education 
  • It’s a challenge 
  • Experience a different culture and traditions 
  • Learn a new language
  • Make new friends
  • Career opportunities

Top 10 best  high schools to Study abroad in Kenya

Kenya has 64 comprehensive research-based Universities.  Below,  we mention a list of the top 10 best Universities in Kenya. 

University of Nairobi

The University of Nairobi is a comprehensive research public university. It was established in 1970 and is based in Nairobi. The University is one of the largest universities in Kenya.

Short Description

Total enrollment: 98,713 (2015)

Tuition fee: 5,000 USD per year

Scholarship: Available

Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 – 7.0.

A grade B (KCSE)

Application Deadlines: 23 October 

2022

Kenyatta University

Short Description

Total enrollment: 71,000+ (2016)

Tuition fee: Statutory Fees

Scholarship: Available

Language Requirements: IELTS: 6.5

TOEFL: 80

Founded: 1985

Application Deadlines: late December 

Mount Kenya University

Short Description

Total enrollment: 

Tuition fee: $8,000 per year 

Scholarship: Available

Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 – 7.0.

A grade B (KCSE)

Founded: 1996

Application Deadlines: 2022/2023

Moi University

Short Description

Total enrollment: 

Tuition fee: ksh. 13,200 – ksh. 69,200 

Scholarship: Available

Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 – 7.0. A grade B (KCSE)

Founded: 

Application Deadlines: August 10th to 20th,

Strathmore University

Short Description

Total enrollment: 

Tuition fee: 248,800 KES – 253,800 KES 

Scholarship: Available

Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 – 7.0

Founded: 1961

Application Deadlines: Learn more

Kenya Methodist University

Short Description

Total enrollment: 

Tuition fee: 13,500 USD 

Scholarship: Available

Language Requirements: IELTS: 6.5

TOEFL: 80

Application Deadlines: 11 November

Technical University of Kenya

Short Description

Total enrollment: under review 

Tuition fee: $70,000 for Academic Session 

Scholarship: Available

Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 – 7.0.

Founded: 1956

Application Deadlines: 17 th September

Chuka University

Short Description

Tuition fee: KZT 5,000 per semester 

Scholarship: Available

Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 – 7.0.

Founded: 27 September 2004

Application Deadlines: under review

Dedan Kimathi University of Technology

Short Description

Total enrollment: not update

Tuition fee: KZT 5,000 per semester 

Scholarship: Available

Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 – 7.0.

Founded: 1972

Application Deadlines: under review 

South Eastern Kenya University

Short Description

Total enrollment: not update

Tuition fee: Learn more 

Scholarship: Available

Language Requirements: IELTS: 6.5

TOEFL: 80

Application Deadlines: Learn more

Best-study-abroad-programs-in-Kenya

List of Top 50 Universities in Kenya 

  1. University of Nairobi
  2. Kenyatta University
  3. St. Paul’s University
  4. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
  5. Moi University
  6. Mount Kenya University
  7. United States International University Africa
  8. Strathmore University
  9. Kenya Methodist University
  10. Maseno University
  11. University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
  12. Chuka University
  13. Egerton University
  14. The Catholic University of Eastern Africa
  15. Technical University of Kenya
  16. Africa Nazarene University
  17. Daystar University
  18. Kabarak University
  19. Africa International University
  20. Kisii University
  21. Machakos University
  22. Adventist University of Africa
  23. University of Eldoret
  24. KCA University
  25. Kibabii University
  26. South Eastern Kenya University
  27. Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
  28. Meru University of Science and Technology
  29. The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
  30. University of Embu
  31. Pwani University
  32. Technical University of Mombasa
  33. Maasai Mara University
  34. Multimedia University of Kenya
  35. Pan Africa Christian University
  36. Scott Christian University
  37. Riara University
  38. Management University of Africa
  39. Karatina University
  40. RAF International University
  41. The Co-operative University of Kenya
  42. Amref International University
  43. Moringa University of Technology
  44. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
  45. Laikipia University
  46. Rongo University
  47. University of Kabianga
  48. Zetech University
  49. Kirinyaga University
  50. Gretsa University

Read More >>> Study abroad in Germany (What to know before studying abroad in Germany)

Best study abroad programs in Kenya for University students

Mention a chart of the best study abroad programs in Kenya for University students including program name, program term,  degree levels, scholarship value,  tuition fee,  application deadline, and location.  

1. Ecology and Conservation ®Summer Studies in Kenya

Program Details 

Program term: Summer

Degree Level: Bachelors, Masters

Scholarship Value: Available

Tuition-Free: 4850 USD

Location: Kenya Nairobi

Application Deadline: April 30, 2022

2. SIT Kenya —  Global Health and Human Rights

Program Details 

Program term: Fall, Spring

Degree Level: Bachelor

Scholarship Value: $10,000

Tuition-Free: 14923

Location: Kenya Nairobi

Application Deadline: September 

3. SFS Study Abroad: Wildlife Management

Program Details 

Program term: Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall, J-Term, Short Term

Degree Level: Associates Bachelors

Scholarship Value: $500 – $5,000

Tuition-Free: not fixed

Location: Kenya Tanzania

Application Deadline:  September 

4. KEI Abroad in Nairobi, Kenya

Kenya

Program Details 

Program term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer

Degree Level: Bachelor 

Scholarship Value:  available 

Tuition-Free:  $ 5000 USD

Location:

Application Deadline:

5. Holbrook Travel

Natural & Cultural Wonders of Kenya Study Program

Kenya

Program Details 

Program term: round year 

Degree Level: Bachelor

Scholarship Value: available 

Tuition-Free: $2,000 USD

Location: Kenya 

Application Deadline: September 

6. Turkana Basin Institute Origins Field School

Kenya

Program Details 

Program term: Fall, Spring, Summer 

Degree Level: Bachelor 

Scholarship Value: available 

Tuition-Free: $ 5000 USD

Location: Kenya

Application Deadline: September 

7. Customized Faculty-led Programs

Program Details 

Program term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring

Degree Level: Masters

Scholarship:  available 

Tuition-Free: not fixed

Location: Kenya

Application Deadline: September 

8. DeConstructing Narratives

Kenya

Program Details 

Program term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring

Degree Level: Bachelor

Scholarship Value: not update  

Tuition-Free: 750 USD

Location: Kenya

Application Deadline: April 

(N:B: these programs allow the English language)

How much does it cost to study abroad in Kenya

University fee increments in Kenya are very affordable.  According to the last ten years’ statistics,  University fee increments in Kenya have not changed much.

Average Studying costs at Universities in Kenya are between 1,380 USD – 5,000 USD per year. This cost of tuition fee varies from university to university.  

Below,  we mentioned a simple overview of the costs of studying in Kenya. They are: 

Education level Costs of tuition fee 
Tuition Fees – Public UniversitiesKsh 100,000-140,000 per year
Tuition Fees – Private Universities22,700 USD per year 
Fees in Technical Institute 1,380 USD – 5,000 USD per year

The living cost in Kenya is 51.63% more affordable than in Western countries and the USA or UK. The living costs of four family members are estimated monthly Costs of 200,660 KSh ($1,730) USD without rent and monthly costs are 55,382KSh ($477) USD without rent for a single person. 

How-much-does-it-cost-to-study-abroad-in-Kenya

Read More >>>Study Abroad in Singapore – Best programs for costing guide for international students

Here is a chart of glossary items and their prices:

Glossary Price and Quantity

QuantityProducts Price
1 literMilk (regular),91.08KSh
12 PicEggs (regular) 171.30KSh
1kgLocal Cheese1,181.98KSh
1kgRice (white)152.35KSh
1kgChicken Fillets682.48KSh
1 headLettuce75.61KSh
1kg    Beef Round 509.52KSh
1kgApples229.27KSh
1kgBanana114.43KSh
1kgTomato110.74KSh
1kgPotato91.29KSh
1kgOranges192.67KSh
1kgOnion99.68KSh
1.5 liter Water (bottle)72.49KSh

living costs in Kenya

The cost of living in Kenya varies from  Place to place and Institute to Institute.  Surprisingly, it is easy to live Perfectly in Kenya with a small budget.  Normally you will need $400 and $600 USD in a month to cover all living expenses.  

Apartment Rent per month 

ApartmentLocation Costs
1 BedroomCity Centre24,631.58KSh
1 BedroomOutside of Centre15,822.22KSh
3 BedroomCity Centre59,230.77KSh
3 BedroomOutside of Centre36,372.09KSh

How to study abroad in Kenya for free

There is no option to study abroad in Kenya for free without pre-primary and primary levels. But private pre-primary and primary levels charge tuition fees and miscellaneous fees.  

Studying abroad in Kenya for higher education is not free. However, the cost of education can be greatly reduced through scholarships. 

Study Abroad Application Process

Kenyan Universities Application process – How to Apply:

Choose a Course:

First of all, you can choose a University where you want to study in Kenya.

Bellow, We mention some top-ranked Kenyan universities applicants should choose for your study abroad adventure:

  • University of Nairobi
  • St. Paul’s University
  • Kenyatta University
  • Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
  • Moi University
  • Mount Kenya University
  • United States International University Africa
  • Strathmore University
  • Technical University of Kenya
  • Egerton University
  • Africa Nazarene University
  • The Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Study-Abroad-Application-Process

Prepared to Apply: 

You must have prepared when you should apply online. In any conditions, Don’t hurry up to decide which study program you should apply for. Keep in mind, that you should take enough time to read all the term conditions carefully and do enough research before applying. 

However,  you have to know some more facts including Taking an Entrance Exam, Doing an Oral Interview, and Joining University. 

FAQ

Is Kenya a good place to study abroad?

Kenya is a good place to study abroad. 1200 or up to 1200 International students (American students) study abroad in this country each year. 
However, all kinds of facilities are available in Kenya to study abroad for international students. Because of these,  Kenya is one of the best study destinations for international students. 

What are the requirements to study abroad in Kenya?

Studying abroad requirements in Kenya is very affordable and candidate-friendly. 
First of all, international students need a valid student visa to study in Konya. 
Then, applicants will be issued with an invitation letter by their Kenyan University,  and it can be used to secure their student visa from the Kenya embassy.  
However,  here is a list of some basic requirements to study abroad in Kenya:
1. A valid passport
2. A valid visa
3. Photo (Passport Size)
4. Scan a copy of the valid visa
5. Academic transcript (at last graduated) 
6. Bank statements 
7. Travel insurance clearance certificate
8. Health certificate.

Is Kenya cheap to study abroad?

According to statistics from the last ten years,  study costs in Kenya are very affordable. You will be able to study abroad in Kenya from 1,380 USD – to 5,000 USD in a year.  
An international student gets a higher education from Kenya to pay a low tuition fee. Compared to the UK or USA and other western countries. 

Is education free in Kenya for international students?

No, studying abroad in Kenya is not free for international students. Higher education in Kenya is not free for domestic and international students. 
To know well,  pre-primary and primary education is free for Kenyan people and international students ( in some special cases)

Is the school in Kenya free?

Public education and public school in Kenya are free and compulsory. But private schools charge tuition fees and miscellaneous fees. 
Public schools in Kenya have become free and compulsory, Since 2003.

You May Also like it

Best Study abroad Programs in China 2022

Leave a Reply