Have your dreams to further your studies stalled because of financial difficulties? You’re not alone. Many Kenyans face this challenge, especially after completing secondary or tertiary education.

For a fortunate few, parents support their education all the way to tertiary training or undergraduate level.

But beyond that, many are left to navigate the journey alone. The majority are burdened by HELB loan repayments, while others are held back by economic hardships that make higher education seem out of reach.

The Open University of Kenya (OUK), a public university known for its flexible and affordable courses, has now advertised a range of programs at competitive prices.

The programs range from professional courses to undergraduate degree programs and master’s degree courses.

Here is a breakdown of the courses.

Professional courses
1. Business Modelling for Entrepreneurs – Free (3 weeks)
2. Mental Health Awareness – Free (2 weeks)
3. Accountability Fundamentals  – Ksh 10,000 (6 weeks)
4. Corporate Governance – Ksh 10,000 (6 weeks)
5. E-Learning Essentials for Online Engagement – Ksh 10,000 (6 weeks)
6. Emotional Intelligence – Ksh 10,000 (6 weeks)
7. Gender and Diversity – Ksh10,000 (6 weeks)
8. Online Assessment – Ksh 10,000 (6 weeks)

Degree programs

School of Science and Technology

1. Bachelor of Data Science, up to 4 Academic Years at Ksh 105, 000 (per year).
2. Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, up to 4 Academic Years at Kshs 105, 000 (per year).
3. Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computing up to 4 Academic Years Ksh 105, 000 (per year).
4. Master of Data Science 2 Academic Years Ksh 187, 500 (entire programme).
5. Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence 2 Academic Years Ksh 187, 500 (entire programme).
6. Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, 2 Academic Years Ksh 187, 500 (entire programme)
7. Master of Science in Digital Services Management, 2 Academic Years at Ksh 187, 500 (entire programme).

School of Business and Economics

1. Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship, up to 4 Academic Years at Ksh 105, 000 (per year).
2. Bachelor of Economics and Statistics, up to 4 Academic Years Kshs 105, 000 (per year).
3. Bachelor of Economics and Data Science, up to 4 Academic Years Kshs 105, 000 (per year).
4. Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability, 1 Academic Year Ksh 110, 000 (per year).
5. Masters in Business Administration 2 Academic Years Ksh 187, 500 (entire programme).

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management 3 Academic Years Ksh 337,500
(entire programme).

School of Education

1. Bachelor of Technology Education – KSh 115,000 per year (up to 4 academic years).

2. Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology – KSh 110,000 per year (1 academic year)

3. Postgraduate Diploma in Education – KSh 110,000 per year (1 academic year).

4. Master’s in Learning Design and Technology – KSh 187,500 (entire 2-year program)

Minimum entry requirements for undergraduate programmes

• KCSE average grade of c+ or higher, or equivalent as determined by the senate
• Recognized diplomas or professional certifications
• KCSE certificate (or equivalent) plus foundational or bridging course from approved institutions
• Kenya advanced certificate of education with at least 1 principal and subsidiary pass
• KCSE certificate (or equivalent) and a portfolio demonstrating:

a) two years of relevant workplace training

b) two years of relevant work experience

c) two relevant short courses, each lasting at least 3 months

Other qualifications recognizing prior learning, as approved by the senate

Postgraduate diploma entry requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a senate-recognized institution

Master’s program entry requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant area of study or an equivalent qualification recognized by Senate.
• A bachelor’s degree with at least a Pass or an equivalent qualification recognized by Senate and a relevant postgraduate diploma from the Open University of Kenya or an institution recognized by Senate.

Doctoral program entry requirements

• Relevant master’s degree recognized by the senate

Application information

• KUCCPS-placed students qualify for government scholarships and HELB loans
• Self-sponsored students are eligible for HELB loans
• Credit transfers and exemptions follow the credit transfer policy
• Non-east African students pay an additional 10% for all programs and courses
• KNUT members, staff, and their legal dependents receive a 16% discount
• Interested applicants have been asked to check out program details available at https://ouk.Ac.ke. The applications are accepted all year-round.

Cost of undergraduate degrees in Kenya

The cost of obtaining a degree in Kenya varies considerably based on the academic level (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral), the type of institution (state-funded or private), and the chosen field of study.

Is master’s degree only key to career success, better salary in Kenya?

Here is a general overview of the typical costs for each degree level at public and private universities in Kenya:

Bachelor’s degree

Public university

Yearly cost: KSh 50,000 to KSh 150,000.

Students receiving government support (via HELB) pay reduced fees, typically between KSh 16,000 and KSh 50,000 annually, subject to the program. President William Ruto’s regime in 2023 introduced the new funding model that placed students into bands. The bands classified students according to their families’ economic capabilities. Family contributions to the fee were required. This model was, however, challenged in court. The government was forced to revert to the old model.

Self-funded students face higher fees, usually ranging from KSh 80,000 to KSh 150,000 per year.

What is cost of degree in private universities in Kenya?

Yearly cost: KSh 100,000 to Ksh 300,000.

Certain programs like medicine, law, or engineering may cost substantially more, both in private and public universities, occasionally reaching KSh 500,000 annually. Degree programs usually take between 3 to 4 years. Other courses like medicine and some engineering courses like actuarial engineering take up to six years.

Master’s degree cost in Kenya

Public universities:

Total cost: Can between KSh 200,000 to KSh 400,000 for the complete program (2 years). Some programs, particularly in business (MBA), might cost up to KES 500,000 or beyond.

Private universities:

Total cost can be from: KSh 300,000 to KSh 600,000 for the entire program. Renowned programs or specialized fields such as MBA and healthcare can reach KSh 1,000,000 or more.

Some programs may provide scholarships or funding options, lowering student expenses.

Cost of PhD in Kenya

Public universities

Total cost: KSh  250,000 to KSh 500,000 per year. The program can span 3-5 years. In some universities, like Egerton, the cost is KSh 742,700 for the entire program of three years. Other expenses like field work, supervision, and graduation can drive the cost to KSh 1,000,000. At UoN a higher doctorate degree costs about KSh 496,000.

Just like for the master’s degree programs, scholarships or funding options are also available and can lower student expenses.

Cost of PhD in private universities

Total cost is estimated at KSh 500,000 to KSh 1,500,000 for the complete program. The cost may be higher or lower depending on the institution. Specialized or international programs cost more.

At St Paul’s University and USIU, the cost of some PhD courses is between KSh 290,000 and KSh 350,000, according to their latest fee structures.