Entry requirements, country by country.
What you need academically, in English, financially and for the visa — plus the grades most commonly asked for by course. Requirements vary by university; your advisor confirms the exact list for your shortlist.
United Kingdom
KCSE C+ and above (or A-levels / a recognised foundation year) for undergraduate entry; a second-class degree for most master's programmes.
Academic requirements
- Undergraduate: KCSE mean grade C+ with relevant subject grades, A-levels, IB, or an international foundation year
- Postgraduate: bachelor's degree, typically second class honours (upper or lower depending on university)
- Full transcripts and certificates for every year of study
- Some universities accept KCSE direct entry to year 1; others require a foundation programme first
English language
- IELTS UKVI Academic 6.0–6.5 overall (no band under 5.5–6.0) for most degrees
- PTE Academic 59–65, or TOEFL iBT 80–90
- Many universities waive English tests for Kenyan students taught in English — confirmed case by case
Visa documents
- CAS from a licensed student sponsor
- Student visa application + Immigration Health Surcharge
- TB test certificate (required for Kenyan applicants)
- 28-day bank statement or official sponsorship letter
Proof of funds
Proof of tuition for year 1 plus living costs (currently £1,136/month outside London, £1,483/month in London) held for 28 consecutive days.
Intakes
September (main), January, and a smaller May intake at some universities
Common courses and what they ask for
| Course | Undergraduate entry | Postgraduate entry | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business & Management | KCSE C+ / A-levels BCC | 2:2 degree in any discipline | IELTS 6.0–6.5 |
| Nursing & Midwifery | C+ with C in Biology & Chemistry, plus interview & DBS | Health-related degree + registration | IELTS 7.0 (NMC standard) |
| Computer Science / IT | C+ with C+ in Mathematics | Computing or numerate degree, 2:2+ | IELTS 6.0–6.5 |
| Engineering | B- with strong Maths & Physics or a foundation year | Engineering degree 2:1 for top schools | IELTS 6.0–6.5 |
| Medicine (MBBS) | A grades in Biology & Chemistry, UCAT/BMAT, interview | Not applicable | IELTS 7.0–7.5 |
| Law (LLB / LLM) | B/B+ with strong English | Law degree 2:1 for most LLMs | IELTS 6.5–7.0 |
How your qualifications are read abroad
Universities compare every applicant against the British system. Use these tables to see how the Kenyan 8-4-4 and CBC grades, British A-levels, the IB, the American GPA and other African and European qualifications line up with each other.
Kenyan system (8-4-4 & CBC)
KCSE remains the main school-leaving qualification, with CBC senior school now feeding through. Universities abroad read the KCSE mean grade plus your individual subject grades.
| Qualification | Grading scale | What it is used for |
|---|---|---|
| KCSE (Form 4) | Mean grade A to E, subject grades A–E | Undergraduate entry, foundation and diploma programmes |
| KNEC Certificate / Diploma | Pass, Credit, Distinction | Diploma top-ups, year 1 or year 2 entry at some universities |
| Kenyan bachelor's degree | First Class, Upper Second, Lower Second, Pass | Master's entry abroad |
| CBC senior school | Performance levels 1–4 across pathway subjects | Undergraduate entry as CBC cohorts graduate |
Rough equivalents
- KCSE A / A-UK A-levels AAA–AAB · Canada 85%+ · USA GPA 3.7+
- KCSE B+ / BUK A-levels ABB–BBB · Canada 75–84% · USA GPA 3.0–3.6
- KCSE B- / C+UK BBC–BCC or foundation year · Canada 65–74% · USA GPA 2.5–2.9
- KCSE C / C-Diploma, foundation or pathway entry rather than direct year 1
- Upper Second (2:1) degreeUK 2:1 · Canada B+ / 3.3 GPA · USA 3.3 GPA
Good to know
- Subject grades matter as much as the mean grade — nursing, engineering and computing look at Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics individually.
- KCSE results slips are accepted for conditional offers; the certificate is needed before the visa stage.
- Most universities accept KCSE English as proof of English, but UKVI-approved IELTS may still be required for the visa.
Equivalents are indicative. Each university sets its own conversion table, and your advisor confirms the exact grade needed for your shortlist.
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