University of Nairobi (UoN) January 2026 Intake

The University of Nairobi (UoN) remains one of the most respected public universities in Kenya, valued for its academic excellence, strong research culture, diverse programs, and long-standing history of producing leaders across industries. Every year, thousands of prospective students compete for a chance to join UoN, driven by its reputation, modern facilities, competent faculty, and vibrant campus life. If you plan to enter the university, the University of Nairobi January 2026 Intake presents a major opportunity to start your academic journey.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the UoN January 2026 intake, including available programs, qualifications, application procedures, deadlines, fee structures, and tips for securing admission. Whether you are a KCSE candidate, a diploma holder, a working professional seeking advancement, or an international student, this article will help you navigate the process confidently.

Overview of the University of Nairobi, January 2026 Intake

The University of Nairobi typically conducts intakes in January, May, and September, with January being the most popular period due to its alignment with Kenya’s academic calendar and the availability of a wide range of programs. The January Intake 2026 is expected to attract applicants for:

• Undergraduate degrees
• Diplomas and certificates
• Postgraduate diplomas
• Master’s degree
• PhD programs
• Open and distance learning (ODL) programs
• Continuing education and professional development courses

Most faculties and schools will accept new students in January 2026, especially for programs with high demand in business, engineering, health sciences, computing, humanities, agriculture, law, and education.

Why Choose the University of Nairobi in 2026?

Choosing a university shapes your future, and UoN provides numerous advantages that make it a top choice for both Kenyan and international students. Several reasons make UoN an excellent option for the January 2026 intake.

Strong Academic Reputation

• UoN consistently ranks among the best universities in East Africa thanks to its rigorous programs, active research output, and numerous collaborations across the continent. Employers widely recognise UoN graduates, which improves opportunities for both employment and postgraduate advancement.

Wide Range of Courses

• The university offers hundreds of programs across diverse fields. Whether you are interested in engineering, medicine, social sciences, law, agriculture, arts, climate science, entrepreneurship, or information technology, UoN provides well-structured programs taught by experienced professionals.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

• The university continues to invest in modern infrastructure, including laboratories, libraries, digital learning platforms, research centres, innovation hubs, studios, and student support facilities that enhance learning and research productivity.

Experienced Faculty

• UoN boasts a strong workforce of lecturers, professors, industry experts, and researchers with national and international experience. The faculty plays a significant role in shaping policy, research, and technological innovation in Kenya.

Strong Industry Connections

• UoN collaborates closely with government institutions, private companies, NGOs, development partners, and international universities. These partnerships support internships, mentorships, scholarships, research funding, and employment opportunities for students.

Vibrant Campus Life

• Life at UoN includes sports, debates, professional clubs, cultural events, innovation competitions, student leadership forums, and entrepreneurship activities. Students experience a well-rounded university environment that nurtures personal and professional growth.

Flexible Learning Options

UoN recognises the evolving needs of modern learners and offers flexible pathways such as:

• Part-time (evening) classes
• Weekend classes
• Fully online learning
• Blended learning
• Distance learning through the Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) programme

These options allow working professionals to further their studies without disrupting their schedules.

UoN Programs Offered During the January 2026 Intake

The January 2026 intake is expected to offer a broad selection of programs across various faculties. Below is an overview of the types of programs you can apply for.

Undergraduate Degree Programs

Undergraduate programs are available across all faculties, including:

• School of Business
• School of Engineering
• School of Medicine
• School of Nursing
• School of Law
• School of Computing and Informatics
• School of Agriculture
• School of Education>
• School of Economics
• School of Biological Sciences
• School of Physical Sciences
• School of Journalism and Mass Communication
• School of the Arts and Design

Each school offers specialised programs designed to meet industry needs and academic excellence standards.

Diploma and Certificate Courses

Diploma and certificate programs are ideal for applicants who may not meet direct degree entry requirements or those seeking hands-on technical training. These programs also act as pathways to undergraduate studies.

Popular diploma fields include:

• Business Management
• Human Resource Management
• Project Planning
• Journalism
• Information Technology
• Banking and Finance
• Early Childhood Education
• Agricultural Technology

Postgraduate Diplomas

Postgraduate diplomas offer professional qualification upgrades and are suitable for graduates seeking specialisation in a particular area. They are typically shorter than master’s degrees and offer targeted skill development.

Master’s Degree Programs

UoN offers a wide variety of master’s programs that include:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

• Master of Arts programs across the humanities and social sciences
• Master of Science programs across scientific and technical fields
• Master of Education programs
• Master of Public Health
• Master of Engineering disciplines
• Master of Laws (LLM)

PhD Programs

PhD programs focus on research and knowledge production across a broad spectrum of disciplines. The university supports students through experienced supervisors, research facilities, and global networks.

Distance and Online Learning Courses

UoN’s Open, Distance, and e-Learning (ODeL) mode is available for select undergraduate, diploma, and postgraduate programs. This mode allows students to learn at their own pace with minimal physical attendance.

Minimum Entry Requirements for January 2026

Entry requirements vary based on the program and level of study. Below is a general guideline.

Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Most undergraduate programs require:

• KCSE mean grade of C+ and above
• C+ or higher in subject clusters relevant to the chosen degree

For applicants with qualifications other than KCSE, such as IB, GCE, or international certificates, the university provides equivalent evaluation guidelines.

Diploma Requirements

Diploma programs generally require:

• KCSE mean grade of C plain and above
• Some programs may require specific cluster subject grades
• A certificate qualification from a recognised institution may also be accepted

Certificate Requirements

Certificate courses normally require:

• KCSE mean grade of C- or D+
• Some fields may have specific subject requirements

Master’s Degree Requirements

To qualify for a master’s program, applicants typically need:

• A recognised bachelor’s degree with at least an Upper Second Class Honours
• Lower Second Class graduates may be considered if they have relevant work experience

PhD Requirements

PhD applicants must have:

• A relevant master’s degree from a recognised university
• A well-developed research proposal>
• Academic transcripts and letters of recommendation

International Students’ Requirements

International applicants may need:

• Certified academic transcripts
• Passport identification
• Verified English proficiency, depending on the program
• Equivalency evaluation, where necessary
• Student visa documentation after admission

Application Process for UoN January Intake 2026

Applying to the University of Nairobi is a straightforward process, though it requires careful attention to detail. Below are the general steps applicants will follow for the January 2026 intake.

• Identify Your Program
• Prepare Your Documents
• Fill Out the Online Application
• Pay the Application Fee
• Submit the Application
• Await Admission Decision

UoN Admission link: (https://www.uonbi.ac.ke/)

Application Deadlines for January 2026 Intake

Although official deadlines may vary by program, applicants are advised to begin the application process early. Typically:

• Applications open several months before January
• Selection begins as the deadline approaches
• Late applications may be accepted only if spaces remain

Applying early increases your chances of admission, especially for competitive programs such as medicine, law, engineering, and computer science.

Fee Structure and Funding Options

Fees differ based on program type, level, faculty, and mode of study. The following guidelines provide a general overview.

Undergraduate Programs

Fees depend on whether the student is under government sponsorship or self-sponsored. Self-sponsored students generally pay higher tuition. Additional charges may apply for laboratory use, attachments, field work, and student services.

Diploma and Certificate Programs

Diploma and certificate fees vary by school, with technical programs often costing slightly more due to laboratory needs.

Postgraduate Programs

Master’s and PhD programs typically include fees for coursework, thesis supervision, research materials, and examinations.

Accommodation Fees

UoN provides accommodation within hostels on a first-come, first-served basis. Students can also opt for private off-campus housing in the surrounding areas.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The university supports students through:

• Government loans
• Bursaries
• Work-study programs
• Merit scholarships for exceptional students

Postgraduate students may also access research grants and sponsorships depending on their field.

Faculties and Schools Participating in the January Intake

While most schools participate in the January intake, the following faculties are typically very active during this period:

• Faculty of Science and Technology
• Faculty of Engineering
• Faculty of Agriculture
• Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences>
• Faculty of Business and Management Sciences
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Law

Programs offered vary by year, so reviewing available options in advance is essential.

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