When it comes to accessing higher education in Kenya, the Kenyan government has been at the forefront of ensuring that education reaches all. Besides finishing secondary education and accessing higher levels of knowledge, such as colleges and Universities, did you know that you can still access the same places of learning without attending any physical classes? That’s where Kenya’s Open University of Kenya (OUK) comes in. The university takes after the African Virtual University in 1997 and allows all Kenyans today to access education and training from any part of Kenya.
The Open University of Kenya was established on August 3, 2023, when the Kenyan government formally awarded it a charter. It is the first virtual university in Kenya, meaning anyone can pay to join this esteemed institution to study various courses, from undergraduate to Postgraduate. If you are looking to join OUK in 2025, then understanding the courses on offer is essential. In this article, we have listed them along with how much they cost. So, read the article’s end to gain more insights.
What Courses Does the Open University of Kenya Offer?
The Open University of Kenya (OUK) offers quite several courses suited to anyone, whether it’s A bachelor’s program, Master’s, PhD, or even professional courses. The courses available at the institution are categorized based on the School, and they are as follows:
School Of Science and Technology
- Bachelor of Data Science
- Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computing
- Masters in Data Science
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
- Master of Science in Digital Services Management
- Master of Science in Cyber Security
School Of Education
- Bachelor of Technology Education
- Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education
- Masters on Learning Design and Technology
School Of Business and Economics
- Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Economics and Statistics
- Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability
- Bachelor of Economics and Data Science
- Master of Business Administration
- Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration
School Of Agriculture
- Bachelor of Agri-Technology and Food System
Professional Development Courses
- Accountability Fundamentals
- Business Modelling for Entrepreneurs
- Corporate Governance
- E-Learning Essentials for Online Engagement
- Emotional Intelligence
- Gender and Diversity
- Mental Health Awareness
- Online Assessment
Admission Requirements for OUK
Now that you know the courses offered at the Open University of Kenya, to apply to study for each one of them, it is a requirement that you as an applicant must be meeting the admission criteria for that particular course, which entails you having the necessary admission certificates. For undergraduate applicants, a KCSE certificate is needed, with the majority of the courses requiring a mean grade of C+ or higher.
For those upgrading and for those who are working, the University requires that you submit a portfolio demonstrating your workplace and experience. Two years plus is needed, as well as completion of two short courses lasting three months in your area of study.
On the other hand, for those looking to study any Postgraduate level course from Masters to PhD, applicants must have a recognized bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in the country.
How Can You Apply to OUK
So long as you are eligible for any courses on offer, OUK encourages all Kenyans and non-Kenyans to apply for the programs on offer. Luckily for you, you don’t have to visit the university so that you can officially join, but instead, you can make your application by following the steps below:
KUCCPS Portal
If you are looking to join OUK as a government-placed student where the government covers some part of your college fees, then using the KUCCPS portal is the recommended option. This method will require that you directly visit the KUCCPS Students portal at https://ouk.kuccps.net/ and log in using your KCSE index number and exam year. Once you are in, the portal will redirect you to the OUK KUCCPS portal, where you can select the OUK Courses that are available as listed. However, while doing so, be aware that KUCCPS charges a one-time fee of Ksh 1,500 and Ksh 1,000 for revisions.
OUK Admission Portal
Still, if you are a self-sponsored student looking to join OUK at your own cost, the university allows you to make a direct application through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. This is made possible by the OUK admission portal, available at https://admissions.ouk.ac.ke/login. Register and activate your account by checking the email address sent to you.
Once you log in, you can directly apply by going to the program sections and selecting “View Program” on your selected program. Next, Click the Apply Now button to complete the Application form. When you are done, submit your application and await the approval process.
Fee Structure for OUK Programs in 2025
Each course at the Open University of Kenya requires that all students enrolled pay for their course fee so that they can be fully registered for the particular semester and even sit for the exams. The fee structure for OUK varies depending on the course but also whether you are a government-sponsored student (those who pay their fees more) or a self-sponsored student who pays less, with the government stepping in to cover 15% of the fees.
Also, students from outside East Africa pay 10% more in fees. How much Government-sponsored students pay for their fees has not been published on the OUK website, but the annual fees for the undergraduate degrees and postgraduate diploma programs are as follows:
| 1 | Bachelor of Data Science | KES 105,000 |
| 2 | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics | KES 105,000 |
| 3 | Bachelor of Technology Education | KES 115,000 |
| 4 | Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship | KES 105,000 |
| 5 | Bachelor of Economics and Statistics | KES 105,000 |
| 6 | Post Graduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology | KES 110,000 |
| 7 | Post Graduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability | KES 110,000 |
Questions And Answers
How much does it cost to go to the Open University of Kenya?
How much it costs to study and apply to the OPen Univerites varies depending on your program. First, there are additional application fees of Ksh 1500 or Ksh 1000 for those applying via the KUCCPS portal. In addition, there are course fees with annual tuition fees starting at KSh 105,000 for most undergraduate courses. At the same time, master’s programs are priced at KSh 187,500 for the entire duration. If students can’t afford the annual fees, they can pay for individual course units at KSh 10,000 each.
What are the new courses offered by the Open University of Kenya?
The new courses introduced at OUK are as follows:
- Bachelor of Agricultural Technology and Food Systems
- Bachelor of Economics and Data Science
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
- Master of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration
How to apply for a course at the Open University of Kenya?
You can apply for a course at OUK by visiting the OUK admissions portal at https://admissions.ouk.ac.ke/login for self-sponsored students and the KUCCP portal at https://ouk.kuccps.net/ for government-sponsored students.
Conclusion
And there you have it. We hope you now have a clear picture of all the courses offered at the Open University in 2025 and their respective fee structures. Open University, the first virtual university in Kenya, has made it easier for all to access higher education. We have also guided you through the application process, but if you need any clarification, please let us know in the comment section, and we will guide you throughout.
