Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) January 2026 Intake Details

Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK), 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 Co-operative University of Kenya, often called CUK, is one of Kenya’s most respected public universities for co-operative management, business, community development, ICT, and applied sciences. The January 2026 intake is already open for applications, giving prospective students a fresh chance to begin or advance their academic journey at the very start of the year.

The Co-operative University of Kenya January 2026 intake is a powerful opportunity to start or advance your academic journey in a university that specialises in co-operative business, community development, ICT, finance, agribusiness, and many other market-relevant fields. Whether you are a recent KCSE leaver aiming for your first certificate or degree, or an experienced professional ready for postgraduate study, there is likely a programme that fits your goals.

If you are planning to join a university in early 2026, this detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Co-operative University of Kenya January 2026 intake, from programmes and entry requirements to the application process, fees, and practical tips for success.

Overview of the Co-operative University of Kenya

The Co-operative University of Kenya is a chartered public university located in Karen, Nairobi. It grew from the former Co-operative College of Kenya into a fully fledged university that focuses on co-operative business, finance, community development, entrepreneurship, ICT, agriculture, and related fields.

CUK plays a significant role in training professionals for Kenya’s vibrant co-operative and financial sectors, as well as for public and private organisations. The university is known for,

Strong links with co-operatives, SACCOs, community-based organisations, and government agencies
Market-driven programmes that blend theory with real-life application
A focus on ethical leadership, innovation, and sustainable development
A student-friendly environment in a quiet, green Karen setting

With the January 2026 intake, CUK continues its tradition of offering multiple entry points throughout the year, January, May, and September intakes, so students can choose an intake that fits their plans and finances.

Levels of Study Available in the January 2026 Intake

During the Co-operative University of Kenya January 2026 intake, opportunities are open across four main levels,

Certificate Programmes

Certificate courses are ideal if you,

Did not meet the minimum grade for a diploma or degree,
Want to build foundational skills before progressing to higher levels,
They are already working and need targeted training in a specific area.

CUK offers certificate programmes in areas such as

Business Management
Co-operative Management
Sales and Marketing
Human Resource Management
Supply Chain Management
Social Work and Community Development

Diploma Programmes

Diploma programmes are more advanced than certificate courses and prepare students for middle-level professional roles or for progression to degree programmes. At CUK, diploma options span business, ICT, co-operatives, hospitality, finance, and community-focused fields, including

Diploma in Business Management
Diploma in Co-operative Management
Diploma in Marketing
Diploma in Supply Chain Management
Diploma in Human Resource Management
Diploma in Accountancy
Diploma in Computer Science or ICT-related fields
Diploma in Tourism or Hospitality
Diploma in Agripreneurship and Agribusiness

Undergraduate Degree Programmes

The Co-operative University of Kenya offers a growing list of market-driven bachelor’s degrees. Many of these programmes admit new students in the January intake. Some of the notable courses include

Bachelor of Co-operative Business
Bachelor of Co-operatives and Community Development
Bachelor of Science in Economics
Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistics and Data Science
Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Information Technology
Bachelor of Science in Network Engineering and Cyber Security
Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science-related fields
Bachelor of Development Studies
Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship
Bachelor of Purchasing and Supplies Management
Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Innovation and Technology
Bachelor of Finance or Banking-related programmes

Postgraduate Programmes, Master’s and PhD

The January 2026 intake places special emphasis on postgraduate studies, particularly in the School of Co-operative and Community Development and related schools. Official communications highlight January 2026 as a key reporting period for new postgraduate students at CUK.

Typical postgraduate offerings include,

Postgraduate diplomas in specialised fields<
Master’s programmes in areas such as
Co-operative Management
Business Administration
Community Development
Finance, ICT, or data-related disciplines

Entry Requirements for the January 2026 Intake

Certificate: KCSE mean grade D (plain) or equivalent.
Diploma: KCSE C- (minus) or relevant certificate.
Degree: KCSE C+ (plus) and required subject clusters, or a credit-level diploma for advanced placement.
Postgraduate:
Postgraduate Diploma – relevant bachelor’s degree
Master’s – bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Honours, sometimes with experience
PhD – relevant master’s degree plus research proposal

How to Apply for the Co-operative University of Kenya January 2026 Intake

The application process for the January 2026 intake is designed to be straightforward. CUK receives applications both through its own admissions portal and, for some programmes, through KUCCPS, especially for government-sponsored students.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you.

Select a programme and review entry criteria.
Confirm eligibility based on KCSE or prior qualifications.
Prepare documents (academic transcripts, ID/passport, passport photos, certificates).
Complete the application form via the CUK portal or downloadable forms.
Pay the application fee (approx.: Certificate/Diploma KES 500; Degree 1,500; Master’s 2,000; PhD 3,000).
Apply with proof of payment and await official response.

CUK Application Link: (https://cuk.ac.ke/)

Fees and Funding

Annual fees differ by level and programme:

Certificate:~KES 60,000–70,000
Diploma: ~KES 67,000–80,000
Undergraduate (self-sponsored): ~KES 120,000+; ICT/science may be higher
Government-sponsored: ~KES 30,000+
Master’s: ~KES 145,000–160,000
PhD: ~KES 200,000+

Students may access HELB loans, scholarships, SACCO/employer sponsorships, and other financial support.

Learning Modes and Campus Life

Students may study full-time, evening, weekend or blended formats. The Karen campus offers modern lecture halls, digital learning resources, libraries, clubs, and a secure green environment conducive to academic and personal development.

Why Choose the Co-operative University of Kenya for January 2026

If you are still deciding where to apply, here are strong reasons to consider the Co-operative University of Kenya January 2026 intake,

Niche strength in co-operative and community development

CUK is uniquely positioned in co-operative business, microfinance, SACCO management, and community development, areas that are central to Kenya’s economy.

Wide range of modern programmes

From data science and cyber security to agribusiness, finance, marketing, and environmental studies, CUK’s programme mix reflects emerging job market trends.

Practical, career-focused training

Many programmes include field attachments, industrial placements, and applied projects that connect classroom learning with real work environments.

Multiple entry levels and progression pathways

You can join at the certificate level and progress to diploma and degree, or upgrade from diploma to degree, and later to postgraduate. This makes CUK a long-term academic partner.

Accessibility for different age groups and backgrounds

Through KUCCPS placements, self-sponsored options, and TVET programmes, the university accommodates both recent KCSE leavers and older applicants who want to reskill or upskill.

Active January 2026 postgraduate drive

If you already have a degree, the January 2026 postgraduate intake is a great opportunity to move into research, leadership, or specialised professional roles, especially in co-operative and community-focused sectors

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 Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK), January 2026 Intake fee structure, admission letters, Reporting/Opening Date, academic calendar, and latest updates for the 2025/2026 academic year.