University of Nairobi Online Application & Requirements 2026

The University of Nairobi online application process is straightforward once you know exactly what is required, when to apply, and how to navigate the portal. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to understand about the University of Nairobi Online Application Portal, walking you through the admission process and helping you secure your place.

The University of Nairobi (UON) is perhaps Kenya’s oldest and first university. It was established in 1956 and became a fully accredited university in 1970. The university has its Main campus in Nairobi CBD with other schools in the Chiromo Campus, Lower Kabete Campus, Kikuyu Campus, Kenyatta National Hospital Campus, Parklands Campus, and the Kenya Science Campus. UON is a public university that also admits self-sponsored students.

If you aspire to join the University of Nairobi in 2026, understanding the processes involved is essential to securing a place. The university serves both government-sponsored students through KUCCPS and self-sponsored students who apply directly through their online portal. Below, we have covered all that you need to know in 2026.

What Are the Requirements for the University of Nairobi?

While joining UON is easy, it is even easier if you meet the necessary eligibility criteria. The requirements vary from one course to another, and it’s up to you to review UON’s course offerings and understand what they need from you.

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Below, however, we have just detailed some of the general requirements that apply to all applicants:

For Undergraduate Students

• A KCSE mean grade of C+ is the minimum entry requirement for direct-entry undergraduate programmes. Specific subject cluster requirements vary by faculty and course — check the official admission portal for the exact requirements for your chosen programme.
• C- for those applying with a certificate or diploma qualification.
• For those upgrading a certificate or diploma from a recognized institution in Kenya, a KCSE mean grade of C- or equivalent is the minimum entry requirement.

For Certificate Programs

Admission to Certificate Courses will be based on any of the following minimum qualifications: KCSE mean grade of C- or equivalent, or an O’ level equivalent.

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For Postgraduate Students

• A recognized Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
• Official transcripts from previous institutions.
• Additional documents such as:
  • Degree certificates certified by the issuing institutions.
  • Translations of certificates not in English.
  • Any necessary documents for international students, including proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) if applicable.

All applicants are required to provide all the required information: current email address, an active phone number and Postal Address, and certified scanned copies of Certificates, transcripts, and a current passport photo.

Documents Required for Your UON Application

Before you begin the online application process, you need to have all your documents ready and saved in digital format — scanned or photographed clearly. Missing or uncertified documents are one of the most common reasons applications are delayed, so preparing everything in advance saves you significant time and stress.

All applicants must upload certified scanned copies of the following documents:

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General Documents (All Applicants)

• National ID card or valid passport
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Active email address and phone number (used for all official communications)
• Postal address

For Undergraduate Applicants

• Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificate or official result slip
• Certified copies of any other certificates relevant to your chosen course
• For applicants transferring from another institution: certified academic transcripts from that institution

For Certificate and Diploma Applicants

• Certificate or Diploma from a recognized and accredited institution
• Certified academic transcripts
• KCSE certificate or equivalent

For Postgraduate Applicants (Master’s and PhD)

• Bachelor’s degree certificate, certified by the issuing institution
• Official academic transcripts from all previous institutions attended
• Translations of any academic documents not written in English
• Any additional supporting documents specified for your particular programme

For International Applicants

• All of the above documents relevant to your level of study
• Proof of English language proficiency: valid TOEFL or IELTS scores, where applicable
• Any foreign credential evaluations or equivalency certificates required

Important: All certificates must be certified (stamped and signed) by the issuing institution before uploading. The portal will not accept uncertified copies. Ensure all files are saved in the accepted digital formats before you begin the application process.

University of Nairobi Online Application

So long as you are convinced that you have met the requirements, you can then apply for that particular program. However, various course applications from UON are available during different intake periods. The University of Nairobi has three intakes a year: February, September, and December.

Below is a full table of UON intakes and their respective deadlines for 2026:

For the most current dates, always check the official portal at https://application.uonbi.ac.ke/ as deadlines may be updated.

Process Involved

Joining the University of Nairobi is easy as long as you meet the requirements. In its various academic calendars, the university always admits students from the Government side (KUCCPS Students) or students who pay and are self-sponsored.

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) is the state corporation that coordinates the placement of Government-Sponsored Students to Kenyan universities and colleges. KUCCPS undertakes the selection of undergraduate students for admission to higher learning institutions for Government sponsorship. The government sponsors this category of students, and their fees are usually lower. On the other hand, self-sponsored students join the university by making applications directly to the university through the admission portal, which is discussed below.

1. Visit the official University of Nairobi Admissions portal using the link https://application.uonbi.ac.ke/
2. When the page loads, you will see a table with various courses; go through it to see if your course is available. Also, make sure that you understand the admission requirements before applying.
3. Now, to get started with the admission process, you will have to register on the portal. Click on the “Register” button and provide all the details accurately as required. Prospective students are required to complete their application. The University of Nairobi does not make use of representatives, agents or agencies during the application process.
4. Check the email you provided during the registration process, activate your account, and log in.
5. Once you are logged in, update your profile under Profile Management so you can start the course application. The needed details are your Personal details, Contact information, Educational background, Work experience, Academic certificates, and so on.
6. On your user Dashboard, click on the “Click here to apply” menu option to see the number of programs. When you are satisfied with everything, click on the Apply Intake button to start the program application process.
7. Next, to submit that particular program for consideration, you will need to pay the application fees using the portal’s provided channel.

UON Application Fees 2026

During the application process for a course at the University of Nairobi, you must pay a nonrefundable application fee so that your details can be processed. The fee varies by level: undergraduate and master’s cost Kshs. 3,000, and PhD costs Kshs. 4,000, and international students looking to join the university will have to pay USD 50. Upon payment, you will receive a payment confirmation via email and phone.

How to Pay

There are many ways to pay; for local applicants, using the M-Pesa option is a quick solution, while for international applicants, using the Bank option is also an option. The system supports online payments using Mastercard and Visa cards, M-Pesa, and bank transfers. Below, we have gone deeper into these methods:

M-Pesa

1. Go to M-PESA on your phone
2. Select the Lipa na M-PESA option and choose Paybill
3. Enter the Business No. provided and the account number using your M-Pesa number
4. Enter the amount you intend to pay
5. Finally, input your M-Pesa PIN and press OK to send
6. You will then receive an M-Pesa confirmation of the transaction

In each case, the system will issue an applicant reference number which should be used as the account number when making the payment.

Bank Payment Options

Electronic transfer/direct cash deposit at any ABSA bank branch countrywide is also available. Here’s a table summarizing the provided bank details:

Tracking Your Application Status

After submitting your online application, you can track its progress through the same admission portal and see its status. Applicants can track the status of the application online through the system. Alerts will be sent via email and phone. If your application is approved, you can get the admission letter plus the joining instructions through the same portal.

What Happens After Your Application Is Approved

Once your application is reviewed and approved, the University of Nairobi will notify you through your registered email address and phone number. Here is what to expect and what you need to do next:

Step 1: Download Your Admission Letter and Joining Instructions

Log in to the application portal at https://application.uonbi.ac.ke/ and download your official admission letter along with the joining instructions. These documents contain all the important information you need before reporting to the university.

Step 2: Review the Joining Instructions Carefully

The joining instructions will tell you:

• The exact date and campus you are required to report to
• The fees you are required to pay before reporting
• Documents you need to bring on your first day
• Any medical examination requirements
• Registration procedures upon arrival

Step 3: Pay the Required Fees

The joining instructions will clearly state the fees you need to pay and the payment channels available. Ensure you complete payment before the indicated deadline to confirm your place.

Step 4: Report to Your Campus

On the reporting date indicated in your joining instructions, report to your respective campus with all original documents and any items specified in the instructions.

Requesting a Course Change: In the event that you are not shortlisted for the course that you have selected, you can request a course change by writing a letter to the Academic Registrar, emailed to reg-academic@uonbi.ac.ke or to admissions@uonbi.ac.ke. In the letter, make sure to indicate your Application Reference Number and the new course you wish to change to.

UON Admission Contacts

For immediate assistance, you can reach out to the university using the following details:

Frequently Asked Questions