Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) January 2026 Intake Details

Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), January Intake 2026 Application Form, Courses Offered, Admission Entry Requirements, Eligibility, How to Apply, Application Closing Date, Admission List, Student Portal, FAQs, and Fees Structure for Government (KUCCPS) Sponsored and Self-sponsored Students for the 2026/2027 Academic Year Intake.

The Catholic University of Eastern Africa January 2026 intake is officially open, with limited spaces available for qualified applicants. This is a key admission window for students in Kenya, the wider Eastern Africa region, and beyond who are ready to begin their studies at one of the region’s leading Catholic universities, rooted in faith, academic excellence, and service to society.

With roots that go back to the early 1980s and a heritage of around four decades, the university has grown from a specialist theological institute into a broad-based institution offering programmes in theology, arts, social sciences, business, law, science, education, nursing, and more, at certificate, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.

The Catholic University of Eastern Africa January 2026 intake offers you more than a place in a lecture hall; it offers entry into a community that integrates faith, reason, and service. With flexible study modes, a broad range of programmes, and a strong commitment to holistic formation, CUEA is positioned as a powerful launchpad for students who want their education to matter in real life.

If you are considering where to study in 2026, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, CUEA, and the January 2026 intake, from programmes and entry requirements to the step-by-step application process, student life, and practical tips to strengthen your application.

Why the CUEA January 2026 Intake Matters

CUEA traditionally runs three main intakes each year, January, May, and September, for regular, part-time, and Open and Distance e Learning modes of study. The January 2026 intake is especially strategic for several reasons:

The fresh academic year starts

Many programmes align January with the beginning of a new academic calendar cycle, making it a natural entry point if you are finishing high school at the end of the previous year or transitioning from another institution.

Less competition for some programmes

While the September intake tends to attract very large numbers, January can sometimes offer slightly more flexibility in class sizes for selected programmes, even though overall spaces remain limited.

Faster progression to graduation

Entering in January helps you avoid taking a “gap” semester, keeping you on track to finish your degree or diploma without unnecessary delays.

Stronger focus on onboarding

Universities often invest heavily in orientation and integration at the start of a calendar year. January 2026 at CUEA is promoted as a key moment to welcome new students into the CUEA family, including those from the September 2025 intake who are continuing with their studies.

CUEA Campuses and Study Modes

Main campus, Langata, Nairobi

The main campus in Langata sits in a serene, green environment along Bogani Road, close to Karen. It features modern academic blocks, lecture halls, a large library, chapels, sports facilities, and student support centres, creating a calm but vibrant setting for learning.

Gaba Campus, Eldoret

The Gaba Campus in Eldoret extends CUEA’s presence to western Kenya, offering selected programmes closer to students from that region and neighbouring countries.

Study modes

For the January 2026 intake, many programmes are offered in flexible study modes, allowing students to choose what fits their schedule and personal circumstances.

Regular full-time classes during the day
Evening or weekend classes for working professionals
Open, Distance and e Learning (ODeL) options in selected programmes, integrating online platforms and digital resources.

Faculties, Schools, and Programmes Open for January 2026

CUEA organises its academic offerings through faculties, schools, institutes, and centres. Key academic units include, among others,

Faculty of Theology
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Law
School of Business and Economics
School of Nursing
School of Graduate Studies
Institute of Canon Law, plus several specialist centres such as the Centre for Social Justice and Ethics

Within these units, a wide array of programmes is typically available for January intake. While specific offerings may change slightly from year to year, examples of programmes that are commonly available include,

Undergraduate degrees

Bachelor of Laws, LLB
Bachelor of Commerce and other business-related degrees, such as Economics and Finance or Economics and Statistics
Bachelor of Arts programmes in International Relations, Political Science, Development Studies, Sociology, Psychology, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Philosophy, and related fields
Bachelor of Science programmes such as Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Environmental Planning and Management, among others
Bachelor of Education degree options in arts or sciences for aspiring teachers
Nursing and health-related programmes are offered under the School of Nursing

Diploma and certificate programmes

CUEA also runs diploma and certificate programmes that often feed into degree programmes later, which is ideal if your current qualifications do not yet meet direct degree entry requirements or if you want a shorter, skills-oriented programme.

Postgraduate and doctoral programmes

For the January 2026 intake, the university is expected to admit postgraduate students into

Master’s programmes in education, business, theology, social sciences, and other disciplines
Postgraduate diplomas in specialised areas, for example, education or canon law
Doctoral programmes such as Doctor of Philosophy in Theology, Religious Studies, Education, Social Work, Mathematics, History, and Doctor of Business Administration, among others

Prospective applicants should always check the most recent list of programmes available for the January 2026 intake, since each academic year may see the introduction of new programmes or adjustments to existing ones.

Who Can Apply, General Admission Requirements

Eligibility varies by programme, but generally:

Undergraduates require recognised secondary certificates with grades relevant to the chosen field—some professional programmes may have stricter subject requirements.
Diploma/Certificate applicants may be admitted with comparatively lower grades, offering pathways into degree study.
Postgraduate and Doctoral candidates require prior degree qualifications (Bachelor’s for Master’s, Master’s for PhD) and research interest, where applicable. English proficiency may apply to foreign applicants.

Step-by-Step, How to Apply for the CUEA January 2026 Intake

The application process is designed to be accessible and largely online, making it possible to apply from anywhere.

Select a programme aligned with your academic strengths and career goals.
Confirm entry criteria for each shortlisted course.
Prepare documents (certificates, transcripts, ID/passport, photos; postgraduate applicants also need CVs, proposals and referees).
Submit an online application through the CUEA portal (https://studentportal.cuea.edu/).
Pay the application fee and retain proof.
Track your application until a decision is issued.
Respond to offer letters within deadlines and pay initial fees.
Report for registration and orientation in early January 2026.

Key Dates and Timelines for January 2026 Intake

Detailed dates, such as application deadlines, registration periods, and orientation days, are normally published by CUEA through its academic calendar, website, and official announcements.

As a general guide, you can expect something like this sequence,

Mid-year to late 2025, announcement that September 2025 and January 2026 intakes are open, with spaces limited
Late 2025, application processing, issuance of offer letters, and fee payments for January 2026 entrants
Early January 2026, reporting, registrations, and orientation week
January to April 2026, first semester or trimester for most January intake programmes

Tuition Fees, Scholarships, and Financial Support

CUEA operates as a private university, so tuition fees vary by programme, level, and study mode. Professional programmes such as Law or Nursing may have different fee structures from arts or humanities programmes.

To plan realistically, you should,

Request the latest fee structure for your chosen programme and campus
Add estimates for accommodation, meals, transport, books, and personal expenses
Consider whether you will be a self-sponsored student or rely partly on a sponsor, employer, or family support

Scholarships and bursaries

CUEA promotes several initiatives to make education more accessible, including a scholarship fund and donor-supported financial aid.

Possible sources of financial support include,

University-based scholarships and hardship bursaries, often targeted at high-achieving or financially needy students
Sponsorships from dioceses, congregations, or church organisations, particularly for theology and related programmes
Government student loans or grants, where applicable
Corporate or NGO scholarships for specific fields like education, social work, or development studies

Student Life at CUEA

One of the reasons many students choose the Catholic University of Eastern Africa is its vibrant campus life combined with a strong sense of community.

Spiritual and moral formation

As a Catholic institution, CUEA offers daily Mass, confessions, retreats, and pastoral counselling through its chaplaincy office. Students from all Christian traditions and other faiths are welcome, with an emphasis on mutual respect and spiritual growth.

Clubs, sports, and activities

The university hosts a variety of clubs and co-curricular activities that may include,

Sports such as rugby, football, netball, basketball, tennis, and athletics
Drama and performing arts
Debate and public speaking societies
Rotaract, environmental clubs, and community service groups

These activities, highlighted in some of CUEA’s recent student welcome messages, form part of the holistic development that the university emphasises, combining leadership, teamwork, and service.

Academic support and facilities

Students in the January 2026 intake will benefit from,

A 21st-century library with physical and digital collections
Computer labs and Wi Fi connectivity
Research and innovation support through the Directorate of Research
Academic advising and mentoring from faculty and departmental heads

Accommodation and student services

CUEA supports various accommodation options, from on-campus hostels such as St Bakhita to affiliated hostels and private providers in the surrounding Karen and Langata area.

In addition, student support services typically cover,

Health services and referrals
Counselling and wellness support
Career guidance and placement services
Disability support for students who need reasonable adjustments

Tips for a Successful Application

Start preparations early
Meet all subject and grade requirements
Fill forms accurately
Pay application fees on time
Follow up regularly
Budget for tuition and living costs

You are recommended to check this website daily for the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), January 2026 Intake fee structure, admission letters, Reporting/Opening Date, academic calendar, and latest updates for the 2025/2026 academic year.