How to Apply for a Postgraduate Degree in Kenya

Is It the Right Time for Postgraduate Study?

Before applying, honestly assess whether now is the right time. Postgraduate study adds the most career value when: you have a clear career goal that specifically requires the advanced qualification, you have 2–3 years of work experience that will enrich your engagement with the programme (particularly for MBAs which are explicitly designed for professionals with experience), you have a specific research interest if pursuing an MSc or MA by research, or you need a postgraduate qualification for professional registration in a field where it is required (e.g., medical specialization). Postgraduate study adds less value when pursued immediately after graduation without clear purpose, simply because peers are applying, or to delay the job search.

Entry Requirements

Standard postgraduate degree entry requirements at Kenyan public universities: a relevant undergraduate degree from a recognized institution (Second Class Honours Lower division or above for most programmes — some competitive programmes require Upper Second or First Class), a completed application form, academic transcripts, degree certificate (or provisional certificate if results are recent), a research proposal for research degrees (MSc/MA/MPhil/PhD by research), two or three academic reference letters, and a personal statement explaining your motivation and research interests. MBA programmes additionally require professional work experience (typically 2–5 years) and sometimes GMAT or equivalent aptitude test scores at top institutions.

The Application Process

Step 1 — Choose your programme and institution (see below for guidance). Step 2 — Visit the institution’s graduate school or postgraduate admissions office — most major Kenyan universities have dedicated postgraduate application portals or forms. Step 3 — Complete the application form, attach all required documents, and pay the application fee (typically KSh 1,000–5,000). Step 4 — Submit by the institution’s intake deadline (most Kenyan universities have January and September intakes for postgraduate programmes). Step 5 — Attend any required interview (common for research degrees — the prospective supervisor typically interviews applicants). Step 6 — Receive admission letter and register by the specified deadline.

Funding Your Postgraduate Degree

Self-funding — most common route. Public university postgraduate fees: KSh 50,000–150,000/year for taught Masters depending on programme. HELB postgraduate loans — HELB provides loans for postgraduate study at approved Kenyan institutions. Apply through helbfund.go.ke. University scholarships — many Kenyan universities offer partial scholarships for high-performing applicants, particularly for research degrees. Ask the graduate school directly about scholarship availability. Government scholarships — Kenya Higher Education Loans Board and various Ministry of Education scholarship programs. International scholarships — Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Commonwealth Scholarships, DAAD (Germany), Chevening (UK), and Fulbright (USA) for study in Kenya or abroad. Many of these specifically target Kenyan applicants.

Choosing a Programme

How to choose: align the programme with a specific career goal rather than general interest, research the faculty supervisor’s expertise if pursuing research (their current research output is the best indicator of their supervision quality), check programme accreditation (CUE recognition for Kenyan institutions, international accreditation where claimed), assess the alumni network value for your specific career goals, and compare fee structures and mode of delivery (full-time, part-time, evening — important if you are currently employed). For professional Masters (MBA, MPH, MEd), employer-sponsored study while working is often more valuable than full-time study and provides income continuity.

Frequently Asked Questions

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