Quick Summary
Situated in Nairobi, Kenya, University of Nairobi is a public established in 1970. Ranked #563 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 84000 students including 2.1% from outside Kenya. Known for strengths in Development Studies, Agriculture, Medicine, it maintains an acceptance rate of 45%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Top-ranked university in East Africa with the largest network of alumni in government and industry.
Subject Strengths
Development StudiesAgricultureMedicineEnvironmental SciencesVeterinary Science
Founded1970
TypePublic
Total Students84000
Intl Students2.1%
Faculty Ratio16
CampusUrban
Campus Size200 acres
Affiliated HospitalsKenyatta National Hospital
AccreditationCommission for University Education (CUE) Kenya
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#563
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1001–1200
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#901-1000
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor, Master, PhD, Postgraduate Diploma
Programs
Available in all colleges including Health Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences
PhD Programs
Offered through the Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) Campus
Online Programs
KAVI Institute of Clinical Research, Institute for Development Studies (IDS), Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Commission for University Education (CUE) Kenya
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate45%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPAC+ Mean Grade in KCSE or equivalent
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · August 31
SPRINGApplication Deadline · December 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Ensure all academic transcripts are certified by the issuing institution; international students must get conversion of grades from KNQA.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Kenyan Shilling
UG Tuition
KSh285,000/yr
per year · KES
Living Cost
KSh520,000/yr
per year · KES
PG Tuition
KSh390,000/yr
per year · KES
Application Fee
$35
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
KSh808,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · KES
Scholarships AvailableUoN Scholarships, Gandhi Smarak Nidhi Fund, Rattansi Educational Trust
Avg Scholarship$1,200
Financial AidHELB (Higher Education Loans Board) for Kenyan students
Work-StudyAvailable for needy students through the Dean of Students
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor, Master, PhD, Postgraduate Diploma programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Law | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Medicine | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Civil Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Business Administration | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Computer Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$9,500
Average Salary After Graduation
72%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong partnerships with Kenya Private Sector Alliance and government ministries
Industry Connections
SafaricomEquity BankKenya PipelineKCB Bank Group
Notable Alumni
Wangari Maathai, William Ruto, Willy Mutunga, Martha Koome
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
UoN Grounds, Swimming Pool, Indoor Gymnasiums, Tennis Courts
Student Clubs
UNSA (University of Nairobi Students Association), Drama Club, Choir, Rotaract
Library Resources
Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library, E-Resources center, Africana Digital Repository
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, University of Oslo Exchange, Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM)
Summer Programs
Short courses in African Studies and Tropical Medicine