List of Cheapest Universities in Kenya with Tuition Fees
Kenya is an African country located in the Eastern region, and it’s home to many wildlife like Lions, Elephants, and Rhinos. The capital city is Nairobi while other important cities are Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, etc. The country is the world’s 29th most populous whose economic development has been remarkable with steady growth in major sectors of Energy, Transport, Tourism, Agriculture, Industry and manufacturing, and Chinese investments.
1. Mount Kenya University
Year of establishment – 2000
Location – Thika
Average Tuition Fees – $300
Website – https://www.mku.ac.ke
This is the most affordable and a privately owned university founded by Prof. Simon N. Gicharu. The university has other campuses in the country offering various undergraduate and postgraduate programs for intending students.
2. Meru University of Science and Technology
Year of establishment – 2008
Location – Meru
Average Tuition Fees – $375
Website – https://www.must.ac.ke
This is a government-owned and one of the best technical universities with majors in Engineering, Information technology, Economics, Business, and nursing.
3. Kisii University
Year of establishment – 1965
Location – Kisii
Average Tuition Fees – $495
Website – https://www.kisiiuniversity.ac.ke
This is also a government-owned university, formerly established as a teacher’s training college but has transformed and gained university status since 2007 and became a fully-fledged university in 2013.
4. St. Paul’s University
Year of establishment – 1903
Location – Nairobi
Average Tuition Fees – $705
Website – https://www.spu.ac.ke
This is a private Christian university but not faith-based and thus admit students from all religion into her programs including Theology, health sciences, social science, computer science, etc.
5. Kenyatta University
Year of establishment – 1985
Location – Nairobi
Average Tuition Fees – $1250
Website – https://www.ku.ac.ke
Is a government-owned 3rd oldest university with the main campus of Kenyatta in Nairobi, and 12 other campuses across the country offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
What these tuition figures actually cover
The fees listed above are tuition only. They exclude accommodation, feeding, health insurance, textbooks, local transport and visa costs. When budgeting, treat tuition as roughly half of what a year will genuinely cost you.
Kenya uses the Kenyan shilling (KES). Nairobi is a major regional hub for education, technology and development organisations, which can be an advantage for internships and post-study networks.
Budgeting realistically as a Nigerian student
Work out the full picture before committing:
- Tuition — confirm the current figure directly with the institution, as published figures date quickly
- Accommodation — on-campus housing is usually cheaper than private rental
- Feeding and daily living
- Health insurance — typically mandatory for international students
- Flights — direct and connecting routes are available from Lagos to Nairobi
- Visa and immigration fees
- Proof of funds — you will usually need to show you can support yourself for the full period of study
Entry requirements to expect
Requirements vary by institution and programme, but international applicants are generally asked for:
- WAEC, NECO or equivalent secondary certificates for undergraduate entry
- A recognised bachelor’s degree and transcripts for postgraduate entry
- A valid international passport
- Proof of financial capacity
- Academic references
On English tests: Kenya is English-speaking and Nigerian degrees are taught in English, so IELTS or TOEFL is generally not required. Confirm with the specific institution.
How to apply
- Shortlist two or three institutions from the list above and confirm they are accredited and offer your programme.
- Contact admissions directly and request the current international student fee schedule. Do not rely on figures from any third-party site, including this one, without confirming.
- Ask about English test requirements for Nigerian applicants specifically.
- Prepare documents early — transcript and certificate collection routinely takes weeks in Nigeria.
- Apply, then begin the student visa process once you receive an offer letter.
- Arrange proof of funds in the format the immigration authority requires.
Working while studying
Work rights for international students in Kenya are restricted and tied to your student pass. Confirm what is permitted with the institution’s international office and the Directorate of Immigration Services before making assumptions.
Is Kenya the right choice for you?
Kenya suits you if you want an affordable African degree with strong regional networks, particularly in development, health and technology fields where Nairobi hosts many international organisations.
Be clear-eyed about one thing: a low tuition fee is not the same as an affordable degree. Once flights, living costs and visa expenses are counted, self-funding is rarely cheaper than a fully funded scholarship, where tuition, accommodation and travel are all covered and you pay nothing.
If cost is your priority rather than location, apply to funded programmes in parallel:
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC — fully funded Master’s in Canada, including flights and a laptop
- Chevening Scholarship — fully funded UK Master’s for Nigerians
- DAAD EPOS Scholarship — fully funded Master’s in Germany
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarship — fully funded doctoral study in the UK
Frequently asked questions
Can Nigerians study in Kenya?
Yes. Kenyan universities admit international students including Nigerians. You will need to meet academic requirements and obtain a student pass.
Do I need a student permit to study in Kenya?
Yes. International students require a student pass issued by the Directorate of Immigration Services. Your institution normally supports this application once you hold an offer.
Is Kenya cheaper than studying elsewhere?
Kenya is generally much cheaper in total cost than Europe or North America, particularly once flights and living expenses are accounted for.
Are these tuition fees current?
Fees change regularly. Treat the figures above as a comparison guide only and confirm current rates directly with each institution before making any decision.
Always verify tuition, entry requirements and visa rules directly with the institution and the relevant immigration authority before applying or making payment.