The Open University of Kenya (OUK) has announced a new admissions cycle featuring affordable academic and professional courses, with some short courses starting at just Ksh5,000. This move coincides with several public universities unveiling fully funded postgraduate scholarships targeting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Expanded Course Offerings and Reduced Fees at OUK

In its latest admissions notice released on August 4, 2026, OUK introduced a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional development programmes. Bachelor's degree tuition fees begin at Ksh79,000 per academic year, while selected short professional courses are offered at Ksh5,000. Additionally, some introductory courses, such as Business Modelling for Entrepreneurs and Mental Health Awareness, will be fully sponsored.

New degree programmes include:

  • Bachelor of Public Communication
  • Bachelor of Public Administration
  • Bachelor of Education (Arts)
  • Bachelor of Nursing (Upgrading)
  • Master of Economics
  • Master of Science in Mathematical Innovation
  • PhD in Economics

OUK is also expanding its technology-focused curriculum to meet rising demand for digital skills. It now offers Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, Data Science, Computer Science, and Interactive Media Technologies.

Other specialized courses include AI in Management and Accountability, Software Engineering, Cloud Computing, Robotics and Automation, and Responsible AI and Business Analytics.

Scholarship Opportunities at Public Universities

Alongside OUK's announcement, several public universities have launched fully funded postgraduate scholarships supported by the African Development Bank’s Higher Education Science and Technology (HEST) Phase II Project. These scholarships are aimed at young Kenyans pursuing STEM disciplines.

  • Garissa University: Scholarships for Master's students, PhD tutorial fellows, and professional training in Leather Technology and related STEM areas. Application deadline: August 18, 2026.
  • Tharaka University: Fully funded Master's scholarships in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Information Technology, and Computer Science for applicants under 30. Scholarships cover tuition and research costs. Deadline: August 11, 2026.
  • Tom Mboya University: AfDB-funded Master's and PhD scholarships in STEM fields with study placements at partner universities in China and Malaysia. Deadline: August 18, 2026.
  • Kisii University: Competitive postgraduate research scholarships in Foundational Literacy under the HERI-Africa Programme.

Application Process

Applications for OUK programmes remain open year-round via the university’s admissions portal. Students admitted through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) are eligible for government scholarships and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans. Self-sponsored students may also apply for HELB funding.

The scholarship application windows for the other universities are currently active, with deadlines in August 2026.