Cost of Studying Nursing in Kenya 2026: Fees, Cut-Offs and Requirements

Nursing is offered at 39 Kenyan universities through KUCCPS. What you pay depends mostly on whether you are government-sponsored or self-sponsored, and on whether the university is public or private. This guide covers fees at major universities, KUCCPS cut-off points and subject requirements, course length, licensing, funding and careers.

Fees compared

Self-sponsored fees for Nursing at universities we cover:

University	Fee (KSh)	Billing period
USIU-Africa	383,450	Per semester
JKUAT	320,061	Per year
Kenyatta University	275,400	Year 1

Public universities bill per year, while private universities such as USIU-Africa and Strathmore bill per semester, so multiply per-semester figures by the number of semesters you will take in a year before comparing. Your admission letter gives the exact amount.

Government-sponsored vs self-sponsored

Students placed by KUCCPS are government-sponsored. Under the funding model their programme cost is shared between a government scholarship, a HELB loan and a household contribution, depending on their needs band, so most pay far less than the self-sponsored fee. Self-sponsored students apply directly to the university and pay the full fee, though they can still apply to HELB. See government-sponsored vs self-sponsored fees.

Entry requirements

Nursing degrees fall under KUCCPS Cluster 13. You need a KCSE mean grade of at least C+ (plus), and the standard minimum subject requirements are Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics, and English or Kiswahili, each at C+ (plus). Universities can set higher requirements for their own programmes.

Nursing KUCCPS cut-off points

39 universities (27 public) offer Nursing through KUCCPS. In 2025 cut-offs ranged from 33.964 to 44.188 points. These are the 25 most competitive programmes; the full list is on Nursing cut-off points 2025 per university.

What you study

Nursing students take anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology and nutrition alongside nursing theory, then move into medical-surgical nursing, midwifery, paediatric, community health and mental health nursing. A large share of the course is clinical practice in hospitals and health centres, supervised by qualified nurses.

Other routes

If your grades fall short of the degree requirements, a diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) or another accredited college is a common route. Diploma nurses can later upgrade to a degree.

Other costs to budget for

Tuition is only part of the cost. Budget for accommodation and meals, which vary widely between university hostels and private rentals, plus books, a laptop, uniforms or lab coats where required, and travel and upkeep during attachments or clinical placements. Many students also pay for student union, medical cover and examination charges billed with tuition.

Universities offering Nursing

University	Type	County
Alupe University	Public	Busia
Catholic University of Eastern Africa	Private	Nairobi
Chuka University	Public	Tharaka Nithi
Daystar University	Private	Machakos
Dedan Kimathi University of Technology	Public	Nyeri
Egerton University	Public	Nakuru
Garissa University	Public	Garissa
Great Lakes University of Kisumu	Private	Kisumu
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology	Public	Siaya
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology	Public	Kiambu
Kabarak University	Private	Nakuru
Kaimosi Friends University	Public	Vihiga
Karatina University	Public	Nyeri
Kenya Highlands Evangelical University	Private	Kericho
Kenya Methodist University	Private	Meru
Kenyatta University	Public	Nairobi
Kibabii University	Public	Bungoma
Kirinyaga University	Public	Kirinyaga
Kisii University	Public	Kisii
Lukenya University	Private	Machakos
Maasai Mara University	Public	Narok
Mama Ngina University College	Public	Kiambu
Maseno University	Public	Kisumu
Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology	Public	Kakamega
Meru University of Science and Technology	Public	Meru
Moi University	Public	Uasin Gishu
Mount Kenya University	Private	Kiambu
Murang'a University of Technology	Public	Murang’a
Outspan Global University	Private	Nyeri
Presbyterian University of East Africa	Private	Kiambu
Pwani University	Public	Kilifi
South Eastern Kenya University	Public	Kitui
Tharaka University	Public	Tharaka Nithi
University of Eldoret	Public	Uasin Gishu
University of Embu	Public	Embu
University of Kabianga	Public	Kericho
University of Nairobi	Public	Nairobi
Uzima University	Private	Kisumu
Zetech University	Private	Nairobi

Applying through KUCCPS

1. Calculate your cluster points for Cluster 13 from your KCSE results on the KUCCPS students’ portal.
2. Compare them with recent cut-offs for each university and programme.
3. Choose your programmes in order of preference during the application window, mixing ambitious and safer choices.
4. Check the placement results, download your admission letter and apply to HELB.
5. If you are not placed, apply in the next revision window or directly to universities as a self-sponsored student.

Course length and licensing

A Nursing degree takes four years, followed by a one-year internship. Professional practice is governed by the Nursing Council of Kenya, which registers and licenses nurses after its licensing examination.

Careers

Graduates work in public and private hospitals, clinics, community health programmes, research and teaching, and can specialise later in areas such as critical care, midwifery, oncology or mental health nursing.

Funding your studies

• Apply to HELB as soon as you receive your admission letter, whether you are government- or self-sponsored.
• Check county government and NG-CDF bursaries in your home area.
• Ask the university’s financial-aid office about scholarships and work-study.
• Budget separately for accommodation, meals, books, equipment and attachment costs.

How to choose a university

• Compare cut-offs with your expected cluster points and include safer choices.
• Check that the programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education and the professional body.
• Compare the full cost, including accommodation and travel, not just tuition.

Related

University and TVET fees hub · KUCCPS cut-off points · Government vs self-sponsored fees

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to study Nursing in Kenya?

Self-sponsored fees range from 275,400 to 383,450 shillings at the universities above, depending on the university and billing period; government-sponsored students pay much less.

What is the cut-off for Nursing in 2025?

From 33.964 to 44.188 points, depending on the university.

How long does a Nursing degree take?

Four years, followed by a one-year internship.

What subjects do I need for Nursing?

Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics, and English or Kiswahili, each at C+ (plus), with a KCSE mean grade of at least C+ (plus).

Can I get HELB for Nursing?

Yes. Both government- and self-sponsored students at accredited universities can apply for HELB loans.

Sources: KUCCPS, University of Nairobi, USIU-Africa, Kenyatta University, JKUAT. Last updated October 2026.