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

Computer Science is offered at 51 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 Computer Science at universities we cover:

University	Fee (KSh)	Billing period
University of Nairobi	360,000	Per year
USIU-Africa (computing degrees)	220,750	Per semester
JKUAT	207,142	Per year

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

Computer Science degrees fall under KUCCPS Cluster 7. You need a KCSE mean grade of at least C+ (plus), and the standard minimum subject requirements are Mathematics (Alternative A) and Physics at C+ (plus), and English or Kiswahili at C (plain). Universities can set higher requirements for their own programmes.

Computer Science KUCCPS cut-off points

51 universities (38 public) offer Computer Science through KUCCPS. In 2025 cut-offs ranged from 23.280 to 44.970 points. These are the 25 most competitive programmes; the full list is on Computer Science cut-off points 2025 per university.

What you study

Computer science students learn programming, data structures and algorithms, databases, computer networks, operating systems, software engineering, discrete mathematics and statistics, and usually choose electives in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, cyber security or mobile development. Most programmes include a final-year project.

Other routes

Diplomas in information technology or computer science at national polytechnics and technical training institutes are a lower-cost entry route, and diploma holders can join degree programmes with credit transfer. Related degrees such as information technology and software engineering have their own cut-off pages.

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 Computer Science

University	Type	County
Africa Nazarene University	Private	Kajiado
Alupe University	Public	Busia
Bomet University	Public	Bomet
Catholic University of Eastern Africa	Private	Nairobi
Chuka University	Public	Tharaka Nithi
Co-operative University of Kenya	Public	Nairobi
Daystar University	Private	Machakos
Dedan Kimathi University of Technology	Public	Nyeri
Egerton University	Public	Nakuru
Garissa University	Public	Garissa
Gretsa University	Private	Kiambu
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
Kiriri Womens University of Science and Technology	Private	Nairobi
Kisii University	Public	Kisii
Laikipia University	Public	Laikipia
Maasai Mara University	Public	Narok
Machakos University	Public	Machakos
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
Multimedia University of Kenya	Public	Nairobi
Murang'a University of Technology	Public	Murang’a
Open University of Kenya	Public	Machakos
Presbyterian University of East Africa	Private	Kiambu
Pwani University	Public	Kilifi
Riara University	Private	Nairobi
Rongo University	Public	Migori
South Eastern Kenya University	Public	Kitui
St Pauls University	Private	Kiambu
Taita Taveta University	Public	Taita Taveta
Technical University of Mombasa	Public	Mombasa
Tharaka University	Public	Tharaka Nithi
Tom Mboya University	Public	Homa Bay
Turkana University College	Public	Turkana
University of Eldoret	Public	Uasin Gishu
University of Embu	Public	Embu
University of Kabianga	Public	Kericho
University of Nairobi	Public	Nairobi
Zetech University	Private	Nairobi

Applying through KUCCPS

1. Calculate your cluster points for Cluster 7 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 Computer Science degree takes four years, usually including an industrial attachment. Professional practice is governed by no single licensing body; employers look at skills, projects and professional certifications.

Careers

Graduates work as software developers, systems and data analysts, network and security specialists, IT consultants and researchers, in Kenya’s technology firms, banks, telecoms, government and as freelancers.

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.
• 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 Computer Science in Kenya?

Self-sponsored fees range from 207,142 to 360,000 shillings at the universities above, depending on the university and billing period; government-sponsored students pay much less.

What is the cut-off for Computer Science in 2025?

From 23.280 to 44.970 points, depending on the university.

How long does a Computer Science degree take?

Four years, usually including an industrial attachment.

What subjects do I need for Computer Science?

Mathematics (Alternative A) and Physics at C+ (plus), and English or Kiswahili at C (plain), with a KCSE mean grade of at least C+ (plus).

Can I get HELB for Computer Science?

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.