Tuition Fees in Nairobi for International Students

When choosing a university, it is important to look at the area that you are going to study because there are a lot of wonderful countries and cities that need to be visited to learn new information and achieve great experiences. When it comes to formal education, it is evident that Nairobi, which is one of the locations in Kenya, tries to the best of its abilities to provide good education levels.

When it comes to popular educational institutions, it's difficult not to mention public universities. These universities serve as the foundation for formal education, and students who wish to apply to a public university in Nairobi should be aware that there are 6 universities in total, making their decision easier because there are only a few universities to compare and observe.

Private universities are also some of the most credible places where you can get your degree. Out 24 institutions in Nairobi, 18 of them are privately operated. With these options, along with public institutions, students have better chances of finding a university that fits their financial capabilities.

Tuition fees are among the most significant factors students weigh when it comes to their university applications. Fortunately, knowing about tuition fees ahead of time can help you prepare for this challenge. In this article, we will be looking at tuition fees in Nairobi.

Are there any free tuition universities in Nairobi?

No, there are no free-tuition universities in Nairobi. Students are expected to be capable of financing their education and paying their tuition fees. However, students may check the universities here if they offer financial help, such as grants, scholarships, or work-study opportunities. It’s also worth checking the cheapest universities in Nairobi to find the most affordable study destinations.

Is Nairobi affordable for International Students?

Those pursuing bachelor's degree studies as an international student in Nairobi spend an average of 92,300 KES annually on tuition fees. On top of this, they also need to consider other costs, such as accommodation, food, and transport. With all these, those looking to study in Nairobi need to prepare well, as these expenses can easily add up to make a significant dent in their finances.

Meanwhile, international students in master's programs might not find Nairobi friendly to their wallets. The average tuition rate here is 140,200 KES. This along with living costs and miscellaneous expenses can quickly add up and make budgeting quite a challenge.

Tuition Fees in Nairobi

There are multiple universities in Nairobi that are welcoming to both international and domestic students, and they provide great educational values with different tuition fee values. Here are the tuition fee ranges of universities in Nairobi, based on student type and degree.

Universities Annual Tuition Fee for Bachelor
University of Nairobi 15,000 KES - 17,200 KES
Multimedia University of Kenya 67,500 KES - 276,700 KES
Islamic University of Kenya 74,000 KES
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa 100,000 KES - 232,400 KES
Zetech University 109,300 KES - 121,300 KES
Pioneer International University 140,100 KES - 156,000 KES
United States International University Africa 142,600 KES - 273,400 KES
Africa International University 145,600 KES - 193,000 KES
KCA University 151,200 KES - 345,600 KES
Pan Africa Christian University 163,000 KES - 188,600 KES
Technical University of Kenya 172,000 KES - 262,000 KES
KAG East University 174,000 KES
Amref International University 175,200 KES - 316,800 KES
Kenyatta University 191,300 KES - 535,500 KES
Riara University 194,600 KES - 207,200 KES
Daystar University 199,200 KES - 220,000 KES
Universities Annual Tuition Fee for Master
University of Nairobi 21,000 KES - 31,500 KES
Adventist University of Africa 77,400 KES - 435,600 KES
Pan Africa Christian University 90,200 KES - 282,200 KES
Multimedia University of Kenya 110,000 KES - 172,500 KES
Zetech University 144,000 KES
The Co-operative University of Kenya 150,200 KES - 162,000 KES
United States International University Africa 158,700 KES - 187,700 KES
Technical University of Kenya 170,000 KES - 260,000 KES
Africa International University 219,400 KES
Daystar University 220,800 KES
Amref International University 240,000 KES
KCA University 252,000 KES - 308,900 KES
Kenyatta University 270,000 KES - 408,800 KES
Riara University 279,000 KES
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa 960,000 KES - 320,500 KES

Tuition fees in Universities in Nairobi

1. University of Nairobi

  • University of Nairobi
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 15,000 KES - 17,200 KES
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 21,000 KES - 31,500 KES

Considered the largest university in Kenya, the University of Nairobi is a leading public university dedicated to serving the needs of Kenyan society as well as the entire African region. It currently has seven campuses in the nation’s capital city and offers over 300 academic programs tailored to impart students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for them to thrive in the professional world. The university also takes pride in its strong research culture and vast network of industry connections.

2. Pan Africa Christian University

  • Pan Africa Christian University
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 163,000 KES - 188,600 KES
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 90,200 KES - 282,200 KES

The Pan Africa Christian University has a long and rich history that can be traced back to 1978, when it was first established as a Bible College by the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC). It was chartered as a university in 2008, which marked a significant milestone as the first PAOC university in the world. Through the years, the institution has significantly grown from holding classes with only six students to having 56 academic programs, four schools, and over 3,000 students.

3. Multimedia University of Kenya

  • Multimedia University of Kenya
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 67,500 KES - 276,700 KES
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 110,000 KES - 172,500 KES

The Multimedia University of Kenya opened its doors in 1948 as the Central Training School. This public institution of higher education underwent several upgrades and transformations before it became a fully-fledged university in 2013. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across several disciplines, including mass media, information technology, business management, and social sciences.

In 2019, the university established the National Institute for Optics and Lasers through an infrastructure grant from the National Research Fund. This specialized and cutting-edge field adds to the university’s prestige, opening further opportunities for its students, faculties, and stakeholders.

4. Zetech University

  • Zetech University
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 109,300 KES - 121,300 KES
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 144,000 KES - 144,000 KES

Zetech University was established in 1999 as Zetech College by Engineer Ken Mbiuki. In 2014, this education institution received its Letter of Interim Authority, allowing it to operate as a university with flagship programs that include Bachelor of Information Technology, Bachelor of Business Information Technology, and Bachelor of Business Administration and Management. An important milestone was achieved in 2022 when the Commission for University Education granted the university a fully-fledged university status.

Guided by its motto, “Invent Your Future,” this institution believes in harnessing and nurturing the intellectually curious minds of its students. In addition to providing them with an enriching education experience, the university encourages its students to participate in extracurricular activities. There are 25 active clubs and societies on campus, giving students opportunities to hone their social skills and explore their interests.

5. United States International University Africa

Established in 1969, the United States International University – Africa (USIU-Africa) is a well-regarded private university located in Nairobi, Kenya. It was originally founded in 1927 as Balboa Law College and has since evolved into a prominent global university. USIU-Africa is dedicated to providing an international educational experience and has campuses in Mexico City, London, Tokyo, and Nairobi. The university offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs and is committed to delivering high-quality education through global research partnerships and collaborations, preparing students for success in an interconnected world.

6. Technical University of Kenya

  • Technical University of Kenya
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 172,000 KES - 262,000 KES
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 170,000 KES - 260,000 KES

The Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) has a rich legacy and played a key role in establishing the first three higher education institutions in East Africa. Its history dates back to the 1920s when leaders in the East African Territories advocated for improved access to higher education. Their efforts led to the upgrading of Makerere Institute to Makerere University College in 1949, as well as the founding of the Royal Technical College of East Africa (RTCEA) in Nairobi in 1952. Today, TU-K is committed to providing high-quality technological education and training and strives to make significant contributions to society through research and innovation. The university’s motto, “Education and training for the real world,” reflects its dedication to preparing students for practical success.

7. Africa International University

  • Africa International University
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 145,600 KES - 193,000 KES
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 219,400 KES - 219,400 KES

The Africa International University is a Christian higher education institution in Karen, a quiet and peaceful suburb of Nairobi, Kenya. The Association of Evangelicals in Africa founded it in 1983 as the Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology. It was upgraded to a chartered university in March 2011 and offers programs in business, ICT, development studies, and counselling psychology.

Guided by its motto, “Education with Passion and Integrity,” this institution offers a holistic approach to learning. It aims to train and educate Christ-centered leaders through innovative teaching, relevant and up-to-date curriculums, research, and partnerships with other institutions.

8. Daystar University

  • Daystar University
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 199,200 KES - 220,000 KES
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 220,800 KES - 220,800 KES

Daystar University, established in 1994, is a prestigious Christian institution located in Nairobi, Kenya. Its primary mission is to nurture and equip Christian servant leaders who are committed to making a positive impact on both the church and society. Daystar University places great importance on the seamless integration of faith and education, aiming to develop graduates who possess transformative leadership qualities. The university’s academic programs, teaching methodologies, and research endeavors are all deeply rooted in Christian principles and values, providing students with a holistic and values-based education.

9. Amref International University

  • Amref International University
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 175,200 KES - 316,800 KES
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 240,000 KES - 240,000 KES

Amref International University is a private higher education institution in Kenya run by Amref Health Africa, the largest health NGO in Africa. This accredited institution provides health sciences education, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, certificate, diploma, and professional short programs. Guided by its motto, “Inspiring Lasting Change,” the university has nurtured leaders and significantly shaped the future of public health practice in Africa. It remains committed to contributing to the advancement of health sciences in the country through developing relevant and up-to-date programs and research.

10. KCA University

  • KCA University
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 151,200 KES - 345,600 KES
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 252,000 KES - 308,900 KES

KCA University, previously known as Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA), was established in 1989 by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). It is a private, non-profit institution located in Nairobi, Kenya, with the objective of providing specialized training for accountants in the nation. In 2007, KCA University received a Charter from the Kenyan government, officially transitioning into a comprehensive university. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs including accounting, business, information technology, law, and social sciences. KCA University is accredited by the Commission for University Education and is recognized for its academic excellence, research, and community engagement.

11. Kenyatta University

  • Kenyatta University
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 191,300 KES - 535,500 KES
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 270,000 KES - 408,800 KES

Founded in 1965, Kenyatta University is a prominent institution in Kenya that operates across 13 locations, with its main campus situated in Nairobi County. The primary campus, which covers over 1,000 acres, offers a peaceful and well-equipped environment conducive to educational growth. The university is widely respected for its outstanding programs and esteemed faculty, earning global acclaim. It emphasizes hands-on learning and skill development, fostering strong partnerships with industries to provide real-world experience. The university is accredited by reputable organizations and is committed to providing high-quality education, promoting academic excellence, and instilling ethical principles for sustainable personal and societal progress.

12. Riara University

  • Riara University
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 194,600 KES - 207,200 KES
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 279,000 KES - 279,000 KES

Since its establishment in 2012, Riara University has continued to abide by its motto, “Nurturing Innovators,” and has become one of the top private institutions of higher education in Kenya. It is committed to providing its students with an enriching educational experience through relevant curriculums, top-notch educators, and state-of-the-art amenities. Aside from its expansive academic offerings, this university looks after its students’ well-being by providing them with various sports and recreational facilities on campus.

13. The Catholic University of Eastern Africa

The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) is located in Kenya and is a prominent global university with nearly 40 years of history. It was initially established as the Catholic Higher Institute of Eastern Africa (CHIEA) on 3 September 1984, focusing on graduate-level theology studies. In 1992, the institution was granted a Civil Charter and was renamed the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. The university is known for providing comprehensive value-based education and producing innovative and employable graduates. It is accredited by the Commission for University Education and offers flexible study options, outstanding learning resources, and a supportive environment that prioritizes student well-being. Emphasizing both moral and intellectual growth, CUEA aims to cultivate influential leaders for both the church and society.

The primary goal of this article is to provide information about tuition fees in Nairobi and to assist students in their quest to achieve their goals. By describing the average tuition fees and providing you with the best ones available, we hope to help you make an informed decision about your education. Remember that studying in Nairobi can be a financially viable option, so don't let the cost of tuition prevent you from pursuing your dreams.

And make sure to check out the most affordable universities in Nairobi to learn more about making the best out of your finances as an international student.