Technical University of Mombasa Courses 2026| How To Apply

If you are looking for a university that blends academic depth with real-world technical training, the Technical University of Mombasa is a practical option worth considering. Its range of programmes covers engineering, computing, maritime studies, logistics, business, hospitality, and applied sciences, giving students multiple routes into modern careers.

Technical University of Mombasa (TUM), List of courses, faculties, study options, admission requirements, learning modes, and what prospective students should know before applying..

This article is designed to help you choose the right programme quickly and confidently, whether you are aiming for a diploma, undergraduate degree, postgraduate qualification, or professional short course.

Why Choose the Technical University of Mombasa

TUM is structured around hands-on training, strong industry alignment, and programmes that respond to real labour market needs. Many courses include laboratory work, workshops, studio practice, fieldwork, industrial attachment, or project-based assessment. For students who want a qualification that translates into employable skills, this learning style is a major advantage.

Another reason TUM stands out is its coastal location, which supports unique programmes tied to maritime operations, shipping, logistics, tourism, hospitality, and marine engineering.

At the same time, TUM maintains a broad academic offering across engineering, computing, business, education, and applied sciences, making it suitable for many career goals.

Understanding TUM Programmes and Course Levels

When searching for the Technical University of Mombasa course details, it helps to understand how courses are grouped by level. TUM typically offers:

Certificate courses are ideal for entry-level skills and quick employability
Diploma courses, more in-depth training, and often a bridge to degree study
Bachelor’s degree programmes, full undergraduate qualifications
Postgraduate diplomas, professional or specialised training after a degree
Master’s degree programmes, advanced academic and professional qualifications
Doctoral programmes in selected areas, research-focused training
Short courses and professional programmes, skill upgrades and certifications

Different departments also provide bridging pathways, for example, certificate to diploma, diploma to degree, and degree to postgraduate studies. This matters because even if you do not meet direct degree entry requirements, you may still have a structured route to your target career.

Schools and Departments at TUM

TUM course options are usually organised under schools or faculties. While exact naming can vary over time, the university commonly covers areas such as:

Engineering and built environment
Computing and information technology
Business and economics
Applied and health sciences
Maritime and marine-related studies
Hospitality, tourism, and leisure
Education and social sciences
Pure sciences and mathematics
Graduate studies and research

When choosing a course, focus on the school that matches your interests first, then compare programme titles and specialisations.

Technical University of Mombasa Course Details by Study Area

Below is a detailed overview of the most searched course categories at TUM, along with what you can expect to study and typical career directions. Think of this as a structured map of TUM programmes rather than a single list; it will help you narrow down your best fit.

Engineering Courses at TUM

Engineering is one of TUM’s flagship areas, focusing on practical competence, design thinking, and problem-solving. Depending on the programme, you may study technical drawing, materials, mechanics, electrical principles, thermodynamics, machine design, control systems, and project management.

Common engineering-related programme clusters include:

Civil and structural engineering, roads, buildings, water systems, and construction management
Electrical and electronics engineering, power systems, instrumentation, control, and renewable energy
Mechanical and manufacturing engineering, machine systems, production processes, maintenance engineering
Mechatronics and automation-related fields, robotics, sensors, control, and industrial automation
Marine engineering-related training, ship systems, propulsion, maritime maintenance and safety
Building and construction-related programmes, quantity surveying, construction technology, and built environment studies

Career outcomes often include roles in construction firms, manufacturing plants, energy companies, government agencies, port operations, consultancy, and technical entrepreneurship.

Maritime, Shipping, and Logistics Courses

Because of Mombasa’s role as a major port city, TUM is a popular choice for students interested in maritime careers. These programmes typically focus on port operations, shipping management, marine safety, logistics systems, customs processes, and supply chain strategy.

Programme themes may include:

Maritime transport management
Port and shipping operations
Logistics and supply chain management
Clearing and forwarding related training
Marine and coastal resource-related studies in selected pathways

If your goal is to work at a port, shipping company, logistics firm, freight operations, transport planning, or international trade support services, these programmes can be highly relevant.

Computing, IT, and Digital Technology Courses

TUM offers computing programmes designed for the modern digital economy. Expect units in programming, databases, systems analysis, networking, cybersecurity basics, web development, software engineering, data communication, and information systems management.

Popular computing and IT clusters include:

Computer science, programming and algorithmic problem solving
Information technology, networking, systems support, enterprise IT
Information systems, business IT alignment, database-driven systems
Software engineering-related tracks, application development, testing, and dev workflows
Cybersecurity and networking-related pathways in some programmes
Data and analytics-related learning, depending on the course structure

Careers include software development, IT support, network administration, systems analysis, database administration, ICT management, and tech entrepreneurship.

Business, Economics, and Management Courses

TUM business programmes are aimed at leadership, entrepreneurship, and organisational performance. Students often study accounting, finance, marketing, procurement, human resource management, business law, economics, research methods, and strategic management.

Programme themes often include:

Business administration and management
Accounting and finance
Procurement and supply chain management
Human resource management
Marketing and sales
Project planning and management
Entrepreneurship and innovation
Economics and related business analytics topics in some tracks

Business qualifications are versatile; they can support careers in corporate management, finance departments, banks, SMEs, public administration, procurement offices, and consultancy.

Hospitality, Tourism, and Leisure Courses

Tourism and hospitality are major industries on the Kenyan coast, and TUM is a strong academic choice for this career path. These courses tend to combine classroom instruction with practical training in food production, service operations, events, travel management, front office systems, and customer experience.

Typical programme clusters include:

Hospitality management
Hotel and restaurant management
Food and beverage production, culinary-related training
Tourism management
Travel and tour operations
Events management and leisure-related studies

These programmes prepare graduates for hotels, resorts, airlines, tour companies, event firms, restaurants, and hospitality entrepreneurship.

Applied Sciences and Laboratory-Based Courses

TUM also offers science-based programmes that support sectors such as health support services, manufacturing, environmental management, and research laboratories. Depending on the programme, you may take chemistry, biology, microbiology, biochemistry basics, instrumentation, lab procedures, quality assurance, and research skills.

Programme themes may include:

Analytical and industrial chemistry-related studies
Biological and biomedical support programmes in some paths
Environmental science and management-related learning
Food science, quality control, or applied lab technology in selected routes
Mathematics and statistics-related modules supporting science and computing

Graduates can work in labs, quality control units, manufacturing plants, environmental agencies, research institutions, and regulatory support roles.

Education and Professional Training Courses

If you are interested in teaching, training, or educational leadership, TUM can offer education-related pathways depending on current programme offerings. Education programmes often combine subject content with pedagogy, curriculum studies, educational psychology, assessment methods, and teaching practice.

Education outcomes may include teaching roles, training and development positions, curriculum support work, and education administration.

Art, Design, and Media Related Courses

Some technical universities include creative programmes linked to design, communication, or media production. Where available, these programmes emphasise visual communication, digital design tools, production workflows, and creative entrepreneurship. If you are leaning toward creative industry careers, look for programmes that include studio practice and portfolio development.

TUM Entry Requirements and Qualifications

Entry requirements depend on the course level and the specific programme. The most important step is to match your highest qualification to the course level that accepts it.

Certificate Course Requirements

Certificate programmes generally target students who have completed secondary education and want a practical skill. Many certificate courses accept KCSE results with a minimum grade set by the institution, plus subject requirements for technical fields. Some programmes may accept alternative qualifications or relevant work experience.

Diploma Course Requirements

Diploma programmes typically require KCSE with a minimum overall grade and relevant subjects. For technical diplomas, mathematics and sciences may be required, while business diplomas may prioritise mathematics and languages. Students who have completed a relevant certificate can often progress into a diploma, sometimes with credit transfer, depending on the course structure.

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

Undergraduate degree programmes commonly require KCSE with a minimum mean grade, plus specific subject grades relevant to the programme. For engineering and science degrees, mathematics and physics are often important, and sometimes chemistry. For business degrees, mathematics and languages can be key, and for hospitality, communication and service-oriented competencies may matter.

TUM also typically recognises diploma holders for degree entry in related fields, in many cases allowing advanced standing depending on the alignment of courses taken.

Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s Requirements

Postgraduate entry usually requires an accredited bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Some professional programmes accept related degrees plus work experience. Master’s programmes may require minimum grade thresholds at the undergraduate level and may include research proposals or interviews for certain specialisations.

Doctoral Programme Requirements

Doctoral programmes generally require a master’s degree in a related discipline and a strong research proposal. Admission may include departmental evaluation of your research plan and supervision capacity.

TUM Intake Periods and Learning Modes

Most universities in Kenya have multiple intakes, commonly around September and January, with some programmes also offering May intakes. Learning modes may include:

Full-time, day-based study
Part-time, suitable for working students
Evening or weekend formats for selected programmes
Blended learning, in some cases, combines online and face-to-face sessions
Short courses with flexible schedules

If you are working or have other commitments, choosing the right learning mode can be as important as choosing the right programme.

TUM Fees Structure Overview

Fees vary based on programme level, course type, and whether you are self-sponsored or government-sponsored. Technical programmes with laboratories and workshops may have higher charges because of equipment and materials. Additional costs can include registration, examinations, industrial attachment support, student union fees, and practical materials for certain courses.

To budget realistically, plan for:

Tuition fees per semester or per academic year
Administrative and registration charges
Exam and assessment fees
Course materials, lab coats, drafting tools, or software requirements, depending on the programme
Accommodation and living expenses if you are relocating

A good approach is to map your full annual cost rather than focusing only on tuition, which avoids surprises mid-semester.

How to Apply to the Technical University of Mombasa

Application routes can differ depending on whether you are applying through placement systems or directly. Many students apply through national placement processes for degree programmes, while others apply directly to the university for diploma, certificate, and some self-sponsored options.

A practical application roadmap looks like this:

Choose your course level, certificate, diploma, degree, or postgraduate
Confirm you meet the minimum grades and subject requirements
Prepare your academic documents, KCSE certificate or result slip, diploma or degree transcripts, national ID or birth certificate, and passport photos if needed
Identify your intake, September, January, or other available periods
Submit the application via the university’s official application process, where applicable
Pay any required application fees according to official instructions
Track admission communication and respond promptly if asked for clarifications
Once admitted, complete registration, fee payment plan, and unit selection

For postgraduate applicants, also prepare a CV, academic transcripts, and in some cases a brief proposal, especially for research-heavy programmes.

Choosing the Best TUM Course for Your Career Goals

With many options available, the easiest way to decide is to filter using three questions.

What Career Do You Want in Three to Five Years

If you want to be a software developer, an IT programme makes sense. If your goal is port operations, maritime and logistics programmes align better.

If you want construction leadership, civil engineering, or construction management related programmes may be the best route. Clarity about your target career reduces confusion when comparing course titles.

Do You Prefer Practical Work or Theory-Heavy Study

TUM is generally practical, but some programmes lean more toward theory and research, especially at advanced levels. If you enjoy building, testing, lab work, and real projects, engineering and applied sciences can be a great match. If you prefer analysis, management, planning, and strategy, business and logistics programmes may fit.

What Is Your Best Entry Path Right Now

If your grades support direct degree entry, great, but if not, a diploma pathway can still lead you to a degree later. Many successful graduates start with a certificate or diploma, gain experience, and then upgrade. The best path is the one that is realistic and keeps your long-term goal reachable.