Pharmacy is offered at 8 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 Pharmacy at universities we cover:
| University | Fee (KSh) | Billing period |
|---|---|---|
| JKUAT | 451,981 | Per year |
| University of Nairobi | 450,000 | Per year |
| Kenyatta University | 428,400 | Year 1 |
| USIU-Africa | 362,450 | Per semester |
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
Pharmacy 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.
Pharmacy KUCCPS cut-off points
8 universities (5 public) offer Pharmacy through KUCCPS. In 2025 cut-offs ranged from 40.531 to 45.234 points. These are the 25 most competitive programmes; the full list is on Pharmacy cut-off points 2025 per university.
| University | Programme | Code | 2025 cut-off | 2024 cut-off | 2023 cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nairobi | Bachelor of Pharmacy | 1263129 | 45.234 | 43.457 | 44.452 |
| Kenyatta University | Bachelor of Pharmacy | 1111129 | 44.945 | 43.381 | 44.010 |
| Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology | Bachelor of Pharmacy | 1249129 | 44.644 | 43.697 | 43.872 |
| Maseno University | Bachelor of Pharmacy, with IT | 1229129 | 43.947 | 42.967 | 43.308 |
| Kisii University | Bachelor of Pharmacy | 1087129 | 43.616 | 42.776 | 43.111 |
| Mount Kenya University | Bachelor of Pharmacy | 1279129 | 43.015 | 42.484 | 42.989 |
| Kabarak University | Bachelor of Pharmacy | 1061129 | 41.993 | 41.648 | 41.093 |
| Kenya Methodist University | Bachelor of Pharmacy | 1077129 | 40.531 | 39.918 | 39.609 |
What you study
Pharmacy students study pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutics (how medicines are made and delivered), pharmacology, pharmacognosy (medicines from natural sources) and clinical pharmacy, with laboratory work throughout and placements in hospital and community pharmacies.
Other routes
A diploma in pharmaceutical technology at KMTC or another accredited college qualifies you to work as a pharmaceutical technologist and can be a route to a later 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 Pharmacy
| University | Type | County |
|---|---|---|
| Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology | Public | Kiambu |
| Kabarak University | Private | Nakuru |
| Kenya Methodist University | Private | Meru |
| Kenyatta University | Public | Nairobi |
| Kisii University | Public | Kisii |
| Maseno University | Public | Kisumu |
| Mount Kenya University | Private | Kiambu |
| University of Nairobi | Public | Nairobi |
Applying through KUCCPS
- Calculate your cluster points for Cluster 13 from your KCSE results on the KUCCPS students’ portal.
- Compare them with recent cut-offs for each university and programme.
- Choose your programmes in order of preference during the application window, mixing ambitious and safer choices.
- Check the placement results, download your admission letter and apply to HELB.
- 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 Pharmacy degree takes five years, followed by a one-year internship. Professional practice is governed by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, which registers pharmacists and licenses pharmacies.
Careers
Pharmacists work in hospital and retail pharmacies, the pharmaceutical industry, regulation, research and medical sales.
Pharmacist or pharmaceutical technologist?
In Kenya a pharmacist holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, completes an internship and registers with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, which allows them to supervise pharmacies, dispense all classes of medicines and work in clinical, industrial and regulatory roles. A pharmaceutical technologist holds a diploma, is also registered by the Board, and typically works in retail and hospital pharmacies. The degree costs more and takes longer, but opens more senior and specialised roles.
Where pharmacists work
Pharmacists in Kenya work in county and national referral hospitals, private hospitals, community (retail) pharmacies and chains, pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution, the regulator, research institutions, universities and medical sales. Many also own and run their own pharmacies after gaining experience.
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 Pharmacy in Kenya?
Self-sponsored fees range from 362,450 to 451,981 shillings at the universities above, depending on the university and billing period; government-sponsored students pay much less.
What is the cut-off for Pharmacy in 2025?
From 40.531 to 45.234 points, depending on the university.
How long does a Pharmacy degree take?
Five years, followed by a one-year internship.
What subjects do I need for Pharmacy?
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 Pharmacy?
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.
