The University of Nairobi (UoN) is Kenya’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious university. Founded in 1970, UoN has consistently held the top position in Kenya university rankings and remains the first-choice institution for thousands of Kenyan students every year. With over 100,000 students enrolled across more than 30 schools and faculties, UoN offers one of the broadest and most diverse courses lists of any university in East and Central Africa.
Whether you are a Form Four leaver planning your KUCCPS application, a working professional exploring postgraduate options, or a parent researching the best institution for your child, this guide gives you a comprehensive, up-to-date breakdown of University of Nairobi courses and fees for the 2026 academic year — including the full UON courses list by faculty, the UON fee structure, admission requirements, and how to apply.
About the University of Nairobi
- Official Website: uonbi.ac.ke
- Location: University Way, Nairobi (Main Campus); multiple campuses and regional centres across Kenya
- Type: Public National University
- Founded: 1970 (as University of Nairobi; previously Royal Technical College of East Africa, 1956)
- Accreditation: Commission for University Education (CUE)
- Memberships: Association of African Universities (AAU), Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA)
- KUCCPS Code: Verify on kuccps.net
UoN operates across multiple campuses including the Main Campus (Nairobi), Chiromo Campus (Sciences), Upper Kabete Campus (Veterinary and Agriculture), Medical Campus (Kenyatta National Hospital), and Kisumu Campus (Western Kenya).
University of Nairobi Fee Structure 2026
Before exploring the full courses list, it is important to understand how UoN fees are structured. Like all Kenyan public universities, UoN charges different fees depending on whether a student is government-sponsored or self-sponsored.
Government-Sponsored Students (KUCCPS-Placed)
Government-sponsored students at UoN pay heavily subsidized functional fees. These fees cover registration, examinations, student welfare, medical levy, library, and other institutional charges — not full tuition.
| Fee Category | Approximate Amount (KES) |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee (once) | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Examination Fees (per semester) | 5,000 – 8,000 |
| Student Union Levy (per year) | 2,000 – 3,000 |
| Medical Levy (per year) | 2,000 – 4,000 |
| Library and ICT Levy (per year) | 2,000 – 4,000 |
| Caution Money (refundable, once) | 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Total Approximate Annual Fees | 16,000 – 48,000 |
Self-Sponsored Students (Module II / Parallel Degree)
Self-sponsored students — including those on the evening, weekend, and open learning programmes — pay full tuition fees. The annual cost varies significantly by faculty and programme.
| Faculty / School | Annual Self-Sponsored Fees (KES) |
|---|---|
| Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmacy | 500,000 – 900,000 |
| Engineering | 180,000 – 350,000 |
| Law | 160,000 – 300,000 |
| Architecture & Built Environment | 150,000 – 280,000 |
| Science & Technology | 120,000 – 250,000 |
| Business (School of Business) | 100,000 – 200,000 |
| Arts & Social Sciences | 90,000 – 160,000 |
| Education | 80,000 – 150,000 |
| Agriculture & Veterinary Sciences | 130,000 – 250,000 |
| Postgraduate Programmes (Masters) | 120,000 – 350,000 per year |
| PhD Programmes | 150,000 – 400,000 per year |
Fees above are approximate for the 2025/2026 academic year. Confirm current figures directly at uonbi.ac.ke or at the UoN Finance Office. First-year students may pay additional one-off costs including caution money and registration fees.
Full UON Courses List by Faculty 2026
The University of Nairobi is organized into colleges, faculties, schools, and institutes. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of courses offered at UON by academic unit.
College of Health Sciences
The College of Health Sciences is UoN’s flagship college and home to Kenya’s most prestigious medical school. It comprises the School of Medicine, School of Dental Sciences, School of Pharmacy, School of Nursing, and School of Public Health.
Undergraduate Programmes:
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine and Community Health
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
- Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Bachelor of Science in Health Records and Information Management
Postgraduate Programmes:
- Master of Medicine (MMed) — multiple specializations including Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Radiology
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology
- Master of Science in Nursing
- PhD in Medicine and related disciplines
College of Engineering and Technology
The College of Engineering and Technology is one of Kenya’s oldest engineering faculties, comprising the Faculty of Engineering and the School of Computing and Informatics.
Undergraduate Programmes:
- Bachelor of Science in Civil and Construction Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Information Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Biosystems Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
Postgraduate Programmes:
- Master of Science in Civil Engineering
- Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Information Technology
- PhD programmes in Engineering and Computing
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences houses the School of Arts and Social Sciences, School of Education, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and the Faculty of Law.
Undergraduate Programmes:
- Bachelor of Arts (various combinations including History, Geography, Literature, Sociology, Philosophy, Linguistics, French, German, Chinese)
- Bachelor of Education (Arts)
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communication
- Bachelor of Arts in Film and Theatre Arts
- Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Postgraduate Programmes:
- Master of Laws (LLM) — various specializations
- Master of Arts in various disciplines
- Master of Education
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)
- Master of Science in Journalism
- PhD in Law, Humanities, and Social Sciences
College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences
Based at the Upper Kabete Campus, this college comprises the Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and the Faculty of Natural Resources Management.
Undergraduate Programmes:
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
- Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management
- Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM)
- Bachelor of Science in Range Management
- Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Horticulture
Postgraduate Programmes:
- Master of Science in Agriculture (various specializations)
- Master of Veterinary Medicine
- Master of Science in Food Science and Technology
- Master of Science in Environmental Studies
- PhD in Agriculture, Veterinary, and Natural Resources
College of Biological and Physical Sciences
Based at Chiromo Campus, this college houses the School of Physical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, School of Mathematics, and the Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology.
Undergraduate Programmes:
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) — Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Statistics, Biochemistry, Botany, Zoology, Geology, Meteorology, Microbiology, Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science
Postgraduate Programmes:
- Master of Science in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Statistics, and related fields
- Master of Science in Actuarial Science
- PhD programmes in Biological and Physical Sciences
School of Business
The University of Nairobi School of Business is one of Kenya’s most respected business schools, offering programmes in commerce, finance, management, and entrepreneurship.
Undergraduate Programmes:
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) — Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Management Science, Operations Management, Insurance
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship
Postgraduate Programmes:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Science in Finance
- Master of Science in Marketing
- Master of Science in Human Resource Management
- Executive MBA (EMBA)
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- PhD in Business and Management
Faculty of Architecture, Design and Development
Undergraduate Programmes:
- Bachelor of Architecture (BArch)
- Bachelor of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning
- Bachelor of Arts in Landscape Architecture
- Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
- Bachelor of Science in Real Estate
- Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying
- Bachelor of Science in Housing
Postgraduate Programmes:
- Master of Architecture
- Master of Arts in Urban Management
- Master of Science in Construction Management
- Master of Science in Real Estate
School of Economics
Undergraduate Programmes:
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Statistics
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Mathematics
Postgraduate Programmes:
- Master of Arts in Economics
- Master of Science in Economics
- PhD in Economics
UON Admission Requirements 2026
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
To be admitted to a degree programme at UoN, students must meet the following general minimum requirements:
| Admission Route | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| KUCCPS (Government-Sponsored) | KCSE grade C+ (Plus) and meeting cluster points for specific programme |
| Self-Sponsored (Module II) | KCSE grade C+ (Plus) and meeting programme-specific requirements |
| Diploma Holders (Credit Entry) | Relevant diploma with Credit pass or above from a recognized institution |
| International Students | Equivalent qualifications as assessed by Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) |
Programme-Specific Minimum Requirements
| Programme | Minimum KCSE Grade | Key Subject Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine (MBChB) | B+ (Plus) | Biology A-, Chemistry A-, Physics/Maths B+ |
| Dental Surgery | B (Plain) | Biology B+, Chemistry B+, Physics/Maths B |
| Pharmacy | B- (Minus) | Biology B, Chemistry B, Physics/Maths B- |
| Engineering | C+ (Plus) | Mathematics B, Physics B-, Chemistry C+ |
| Law (LLB) | B- (Minus) | English B, any two Group II subjects at B |
| Architecture | C+ (Plus) | Mathematics B-, Physics C+, Art/Drawing advantage |
| Commerce / Business | C+ (Plus) | Mathematics C+, English C+ |
| Education | C+ (Plus) | Two teaching subjects at C+ |
| Arts / Social Sciences | C+ (Plus) | Relevant humanities subjects at C+ |
| Veterinary Medicine | B (Plain) | Biology B+, Chemistry B, Physics/Maths B |
| Computer Science / IT | C+ (Plus) | Mathematics B, Physics C+ |
How to Apply to the University of Nairobi 2026
Via KUCCPS (Government-Sponsored Students)
- Visit kuccps.net and log in using your KCSE index number
- Select UoN programmes among your up to six KUCCPS choices
- Pay the KES 1,500 application fee via M-Pesa
- Submit before the annual deadline and await placement
- If placed at UoN, download your admission letter from the KUCCPS portal
- Report to UoN on the stipulated date with all required documents
Via Direct Self-Sponsored Application
- Visit uonbi.ac.ke/admissions and select your programme
- Complete the online application form and upload required documents
- Pay the UoN application fee (confirm current amount at the admissions office)
- Await an offer letter — processing typically takes two to four weeks
- Accept your offer, pay fees, and register for your first semester
Apply for HELB Financial Support
All admitted students — including self-sponsored — should apply for HELB financial support immediately upon receiving their admission letter. HELB provides undergraduate loans of KES 35,000 to KES 60,000 per year based on a household means test.
UoN Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) Programmes
For students who cannot attend physical classes, UoN offers selected programmes through its Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) directorate. Popular ODeL programmes include:
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
- Bachelor of Education (Arts and Science)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)
Access the UoN e-learning portal at elearning.uonbi.ac.ke. Annual ODeL fees range from approximately KES 60,000 to KES 180,000 depending on the programme.
Read also: List of Public Universities in Kenya: The Complete 2026 Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What courses are offered at the University of Nairobi?
UoN offers over 500 programmes across undergraduate, postgraduate diploma, masters, and PhD levels. Key faculties include Medicine, Engineering, Law, Business, Agriculture, Sciences, Humanities, Architecture, and Education. The full and current UON courses list is available at uonbi.ac.ke.
2. How much are University of Nairobi fees in 2026?
Government-sponsored students pay approximately KES 16,000 to KES 48,000 per year in functional fees. Self-sponsored students pay full tuition, ranging from KES 80,000 for Education to over KES 900,000 for Medicine per year. Confirm current fees at uonbi.ac.ke or the UoN Finance Office.
3. What is the minimum grade required to join the University of Nairobi?
The general minimum entry requirement for most UoN undergraduate programmes is C+ (Plus) in KCSE. Competitive programmes like Medicine require B+ (Plus) and above with specific subject grades. Law typically requires a minimum of B- (Minus). Check programme-specific requirements on uonbi.ac.ke.
4. How do I apply to the University of Nairobi?
Government-sponsored students apply through KUCCPS at kuccps.net during the annual application window (typically February to April). Self-sponsored students apply directly through the UoN admissions portal at uonbi.ac.ke. Applications are accepted year-round for most self-sponsored programmes.
5. Does the University of Nairobi offer evening and weekend programmes?
Yes. UoN offers Module II programmes in the evenings and on weekends specifically designed for working professionals and self-sponsored students. These cover most faculties including Business, Law, Education, Arts, and Sciences. They carry the same degree qualification as regular programmes.
6. Does the University of Nairobi offer online degrees?
Yes. UoN’s ODeL directorate offers selected undergraduate and postgraduate programmes online and through blended learning. Popular online programmes include BCom, BEd, Nursing, MBA, and PGDE. Access the e-learning portal at elearning.uonbi.ac.ke.
7. Is the University of Nairobi degree recognized internationally?
Yes. UoN degrees are fully accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and recognized by universities and employers across Africa, the United Kingdom, North America, and beyond. UoN is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), reinforcing the international standing of its qualifications.
Conclusion: Is the University of Nairobi the Right Choice for You?
For most Kenyan students, the University of Nairobi represents the gold standard of higher education — a nationally and internationally recognized institution offering an extraordinary breadth of programmes, strong research output, and a powerful alumni network that spans every sector of Kenyan society.
Here are the key takeaways from this guide:
- UoN is Kenya’s top-ranked university with programmes in Medicine, Engineering, Law, Business, Agriculture, Sciences, Arts, and more
- Government-sponsored fees range from KES 16,000 to KES 48,000 per year — very affordable for qualified KUCCPS applicants
- Self-sponsored fees range from KES 80,000 (Education) to KES 900,000+ (Medicine) annually
- The minimum KCSE entry requirement is C+ (Plus) for most programmes, with higher grades needed for Medicine, Law, and Engineering
- Apply through KUCCPS for the best chance of government-sponsored placement, and through the UoN admissions portal for direct self-sponsored entry
- HELB loans are available to help fund your studies at UoN regardless of your mode of admission
Confirm the latest fee schedules, programme availability, and application deadlines directly at uonbi.ac.ke.
Read also:
