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Mount Kenya University

Thika, 🇰🇪 Kenya Private
#7 National #9 THE
Mount Kenya University campus
50,000 students Multiple Campuses $1.8k - $3.5k/yr

About Mount Kenya University

Mount Kenya University (MKU), located in Thika, Kenya, is a private, multi-campus institution established in 1996. Originally known as the Thika Institute of Technology, it has grown significantly to become one of Kenya's largest private universities. MKU is dedicated to providing a broad, holistic, and inclusive education, holding a charter and ISO 9001:2015 certification.

Academics


MKU offers a wide array of programs from certificate to doctorate levels across 14 schools and over 160 degree programs. Key faculties include the Medical School, College of Health Sciences, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, School of Business and Economics, and the School of Law. The university emphasizes innovative and market-driven programs responsive to national and international scientific and technological needs, with a focus on practical skills and research. MKU also provides flexible learning options, including digital classes with online lecturer support and self-paced study.

International Students


While specific diversity statistics are not readily available, MKU is a practitioner of the internationalization of higher education, with campuses and centers across Kenya and in Uganda, Somaliland, and Burundi. The university offers English-taught programs and has a dedicated International Students Coordinator located within its modern Student Center. Support services for international students are integrated into student welfare offices, and the university promotes cultural integration through various student clubs and associations.

Campus & Location


The main campus is situated in Thika, an industrial town approximately 45 kilometers northeast of Nairobi, often called the "Birmingham of Kenya." The campus features modern infrastructure including a library, hostels, lecture halls, laboratories, and sporting amenities. Public transportation, primarily buses, provides easy access to and from Nairobi and within Thika. Nearby attractions include Fourteen Falls and Chania Falls, offering opportunities for leisure and exploration.

Career Outcomes


MKU boasts a strong record of graduate employability, with a study by CPS International ranking its graduates among the most preferred by employers in Kenya, placing seventh overall among all universities. The university actively fosters entrepreneurship through its MKU Hub for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, which has incubated over 100 student-led startups and provides mentorship and funding. MKU also has strong industry connections, evidenced by collaborations with various companies in financial, manufacturing, and transport sectors to enhance graduate employability and align curricula with market needs. Career services include advisory programs, training of peer counselors, and mentorship initiatives to support students' professional development.

Highlights

  • Chartered, ISO 9001:2015 certified
  • Broad, holistic education
  • Diverse programs, certificate to doctorate
  • Multi-campus, international presence
  • Flexible learning, digital options
  • Thika main campus, modern facilities

Subject Areas

BusinessEducationHealth SciencesEngineeringSocial Sciences

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Work Placements Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available

Photos

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Programs Offered at Mount Kenya University (34)

Offers programs in:

Business & Management Education Medicine & Health Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (23)

Bachelor of Human Resource Management

Business and Economics

Economics
bachelorbscbusinessbusiness and economicseconomics
English Full-time

Bachelor of Economics

Business and Economics

Business and Economics
bachelor in business and economicsbsc business and economicsstudy business and economics in kenyabachelor business and economics in kenyabusiness and economics program in thika
English Full-time

Bachelor of Business Management

Business and Economics

Business Administration
andbabachelorbengbsc
English Full-time

Bachelor of Commerce

Business and Economics

Business and Economics
english-taught bachelor business and economicsbachelor business and economics in kenyabachelor business and economicsenglish bachelor business and economics kenyastudy business and economics in kenya
English Full-time

Bachelor of Marketing

Business and Economics

Economics
andbachelorbusinesseconomicskenya
English Full-time

Bachelor of Education (Arts)

Education

Education
artsbabachelorbsceducation
English Full-time

Bachelor of Education (Science)

Education

Education
bachelors educationbachelor in education in kenyaeducation degreebachelor educationteaching degree
English Full-time

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)

Education

Education
(earlyBABSBScbachelor
English Full-time

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

STEM

Health Sciences

Nursing
nursing bachelorBSN KenyaMount Kenya Universityclinical nursingcommunity health nursing
English Full-time

Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
health sciences in Thikabachelor of health scienceshealth sciences at Mount Kenya Universityhealth sciences program in Kenyaundergraduate health sciences program
English Full-time

Bachelor of Clinical Medicine

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
health sciences bachelor programbachelor health sciences kenyaundergraduate health sciencesstudy health sciences in kenyabachelor in health sciences
English Full-time

Bachelor of Pharmacy

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
study health sciences bachelorstudy health sciences in thikahealth sciences degreestudy health sciences in kenyahealth sciences at mount kenya university
English Full-time

Bachelor of Public Health

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
bachelorbachelor of public healthhealthhealth scienceskenya
English Full-time

Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management

Hospitality and Tourism

Hospitality And Tourism
ba hospitality and tourismbs hospitality and tourismbsc hospitality and tourismhospitality and tourism degreehospitality and tourism program
English Full-time

Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management

Hospitality and Tourism

Management
bachelorbschospitalitykenyamanagement
English Full-time

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

STEM

Pure and Applied Sciences

Pure and Applied Sciences
appliedbachelorinformationkenyapure
English Full-time

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

STEM

Pure and Applied Sciences

Interdisciplinary Studies
appliedbachelorclimateconservationecology
English Full-time

Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics

STEM

Pure and Applied Sciences

Pure and Applied Sciences
applied mathematics bachelor KenyaBS applied mathematics Mount Kenya Universitymathematical sciences Kenyaquantitative methods bachelor Kenyaapplied math degree Kenya
English Full-time

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

STEM

Pure and Applied Sciences

Pure and Applied Sciences
undergraduate pure and applied sciencesbachelor of pure and applied sciencesbachelor's in pure and applied sciencespure and applied sciences in thikabachelor pure and applied sciences kenya
English Full-time

Bachelor of Social Work

Social Sciences and Humanities

Social Work
bachelors in social workstudy social work in kenyasocial work program in kenyastudy social work in thikabsw
English Full-time

Bachelor of Arts in Community Development

Social Sciences and Humanities

Social Sciences and Humanities
artsbachelorbachelor of arts in community developmentcommunitydevelopment
English Full-time

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication

Social Sciences and Humanities

Social Sciences
bachelorbachelor of arts in journalism and mass communicationkenyamount kenya universitysocial sciences
English Full-time

Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Security Studies

Social Sciences and Humanities

Social Sciences and Humanities
bachelor in social sciences and humanities in kenyaundergraduate in social sciences and humanitiesenglish bachelor social sciences and humanities in kenyaenglish-taught bachelor social sciences and humanitiesbachelor in social sciences and humanities
English Full-time

Master Programs (7)

Master of Business Administration

Business and Economics

Business & Economics
administrationbusinessbusiness and economicseconomicskenya
18 months English Full-time

Master of Education

Education

Education
educationgraduatekenyalearningma
18 months English Full-time

Master of Science (Public Health)

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
englishhealthkenyamastermaster of science (public health)
18 months English Full-time

Master of Science (Environmental Science)

STEM

Pure and Applied Sciences

Pure and Applied Sciences
english-taught msc pure and applied sciences in kenyaenglish-taught pure and applied sciencesmasters in pure and applied sciencesmasters pure and applied sciences in kenyamsc pure and applied sciences
18 months English Full-time

Master of Science (Computer Science)

STEM

Pure and Applied Sciences

Pure and Applied Sciences
english-taught master pure and applied sciencesmasters in pure and applied sciencespure and applied sciences at mount kenya universitystudy pure and applied sciences in kenyaenglish-taught master pure and applied sciences in kenya
18 months English Full-time

Master of Arts (Communication)

Social Sciences and Humanities

Social Sciences
artscommunicationgraduatehumanitieskenya
18 months English Full-time

Master of Arts (Sociology)

Social Sciences and Humanities

Social Sciences and Humanities
master in social sciences and humanities in kenyamasters in social sciences and humanitiesmasters social sciences and humanitiesenglish master social sciences and humanities in kenyamaster of arts (sociology)
18 months English Full-time

PhD Programs (4)

Doctor of Philosophy (Business)

Business and Economics

Business and Economics
economics degreedoctor of philosophy (business)phd business and economics abroadbusiness and economics degreeeconomist career
36 months English Full-time

Doctor of Philosophy (Education)

Education

Philosophy
doctoreducationkenyaphdphilosophy
36 months English Full-time

Doctor of Philosophy (Health Sciences)

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
health sciences degreephd in health sciencesphd in health sciences in kenyadoctorate health scienceshealth sciences phd
36 months English Full-time

Doctor of Philosophy (Pure and Applied Sciences)

STEM

Pure and Applied Sciences

Pure and Applied Sciences
applieddoctordoctoraldoctoratekenya
36 months English Full-time

Mount Kenya University Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

Acceptance Rate Open (60%+)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline 2025-03-31
Tuition (per year) $1.8k - $3.5k/yr
Application Fee $50
Teaching Language English
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)ISO 9001:2015 CertifiedPharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB)The Kenya Nutritionists & Dieticians Institute (KNDI)Clinical Officers Council (COC)Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board (KMPDB)Public Health Officers and Technicians Council (PHOTC)Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK)Commission for Legal Education (CLE)Kenya Medical Laboratory Technologist and Technicians Board (KMLTTB)Kenya National Qualification Authority (KNQA)Health Records and Information Managers Board

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Frequently Asked Questions About Mount Kenya University

Common questions from international students considering Mount Kenya University.

What is the acceptance rate at Mount Kenya University?

Mount Kenya University is classified as "Open (60%+)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does Mount Kenya University cost for international students?

Tuition at Mount Kenya University ranges from $1.8k - $3.5k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing, books, and living expenses.

What is Mount Kenya University ranked globally?

Mount Kenya University holds the following rankings: Times Higher Education #9, #7 in Kenya. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

Are scholarships available at Mount Kenya University?

Yes, Mount Kenya University offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.

When does Mount Kenya University start its semesters?

Mount Kenya University has intakes starting in Fall, Spring. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

How many English-taught programs does Mount Kenya University offer?

Mount Kenya University offers 34+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.

Where is Mount Kenya University located?

Mount Kenya University is located in Thika, Kenya 🇰🇪. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

What are MKU admission requirements?

For specific details about Mount Kenya University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

Is MKU accredited in Kenya?

For specific details about Mount Kenya University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

Can international students study at MKU?

Mount Kenya University actively welcomes international applicants. The admissions process for international students typically requires English proficiency proof, academic transcripts, and may include additional documents like recommendation letters or statement of purpose.

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