Cost of Studying Commerce (BCom) in Kenya 2026: Fees, Cut-Offs and Requirements

Commerce (BCom) is offered at 48 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 Commerce (BCom) at universities we cover:

University	Fee (KSh)	Billing period
Strathmore University (most degrees)	230,000–270,000	Per semester
University of Nairobi	216,000	Per year
Kenyatta University	183,600	Year 1
JKUAT	168,967	Per year
USIU-Africa (Finance/Accounting)	147,750	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

Commerce (BCom) degrees fall under KUCCPS Cluster 2. You need a KCSE mean grade of at least C+ (plus), and the standard minimum subject requirements are Mathematics at C+ (plus) in Alternative A or C (plain) in Alternative B, or Business Studies at C+ (plus). Universities can set higher requirements for their own programmes.

Commerce (BCom) KUCCPS cut-off points

48 universities (35 public) offer Commerce (BCom) through KUCCPS. In 2025 cut-offs ranged from 23.612 to 34.559 points. These are the 25 most competitive programmes; the full list is on Commerce (BCom) cut-off points 2025 per university.

What you study

The BCom covers financial and management accounting, finance, economics, marketing, management, business law, statistics and information systems, and students usually specialise in a later year in options such as accounting, finance, banking, marketing, human resources or procurement.

Other routes

Business diplomas at TVET colleges, or professional courses such as KASNEB’s certificates, are lower-cost alternatives, and diploma holders can join a BCom with credit transfer.

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 Commerce (BCom)

University	Type	County
Africa Nazarene University	Private	Kajiado
Alupe University	Public	Busia
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
Gretsa University	Private	Kiambu
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology	Public	Kiambu
Kabarak University	Private	Nakuru
Kaimosi Friends University	Public	Vihiga
Kca University	Private	Nairobi
Kenyatta University	Public	Nairobi
Kibabii University	Public	Bungoma
Kirinyaga University	Public	Kirinyaga
Kisii University	Public	Kisii
Koitaleel Samoei University College	Public	Nandi
Laikipia University	Public	Laikipia
Lukenya University	Private	Machakos
Maasai Mara University	Public	Narok
Machakos University	Public	Machakos
Mama Ngina University College	Public	Kiambu
Management University of Africa	Private	Nairobi
Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology	Public	Kakamega
Meru University of Science and Technology	Public	Meru
Mount Kenya University	Private	Kiambu
Multimedia University of Kenya	Public	Nairobi
Murang'a University of Technology	Public	Murang’a
Nyandarua University College	Public	Nyandarua
Open University of Kenya	Public	Machakos
Pan Africa Christian University	Private	Nairobi
Pioneer International University	Private	Nairobi
Pwani University	Public	Kilifi
Rongo University	Public	Migori
South Eastern Kenya University	Public	Kitui
St Pauls University	Private	Kiambu
Taita Taveta University	Public	Taita Taveta
Technical University of Kenya	Public	Nairobi
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 2 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 Commerce (BCom) degree takes four years. Professional practice is governed by no licence for the degree itself; many graduates add professional qualifications such as CPA from KASNEB, then register with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).

Careers

Graduates work in accounting, banking, insurance, finance, marketing, procurement, human resources and entrepreneurship.

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 Commerce (BCom) in Kenya?

Self-sponsored fees range from 147,750 to 230,000–270,000 shillings at the universities above, depending on the university and billing period; government-sponsored students pay much less.

What is the cut-off for Commerce (BCom) in 2025?

From 23.612 to 34.559 points, depending on the university.

How long does a Commerce (BCom) degree take?

Four years.

What subjects do I need for Commerce (BCom)?

Mathematics at C+ (plus) in Alternative A or C (plain) in Alternative B, or Business Studies at C+ (plus), with a KCSE mean grade of at least C+ (plus).

Can I get HELB for Commerce (BCom)?

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.