Skip to main content

How to Apply

When Learning Begins

January, May and September

Admission at OUK is continuous. Learning begins in January, May and September each year.

Academic Calendar

Admission Requirements

Check that you meet the minimum requirements for your programme level before you apply.

Undergraduate (Bachelors) Programmes

  • A mean grade of C+ and above at KCSE or its equivalent; or
  • Diplomas or professional qualifications; or
  • A certificate of foundation or bridging courses from recognised institutions; or
  • A portfolio for the purpose of Recognition of Prior Learning; or
  • Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education with a minimum of one principal pass; or
  • A Bachelors degree from an institution recognised by the Senate.

Postgraduate Diploma Programmes

  • A Bachelors degree from an institution recognised by the Senate; or
  • Any other qualifications determined by the Senate through Recognition of Prior Learning, experience and skills.

Masters Programmes

  • A Bachelors degree in a relevant area of study, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Senate; or
  • A Bachelors degree with at least a Pass (or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Senate) and a relevant Postgraduate Diploma from the Open University of Kenya or an institution recognised by the Senate.

Doctoral (PhD) Programmes

  • A Masters degree in a relevant field recognised by the Open University of Kenya Senate.

Where to Apply

KCSE Holders

Apply through the KUCCPS admission portal for OUK.

Direct Applications to OUK

Apply on the OUK admissions portal, including admission based on recognition of prior learning.

From Applicant to Student

The four stages from submitting your application to attending your first class.

Download the Full Guide (PDF)
  1. 1Stage 1

    Application and Admission

    • Go to admissions.ouk.ac.ke to submit your application.
    • Once admitted, you will receive your admission letter.
    • Accept the offer, and you will be assigned a student email and registration number.

    Applications are approved within 5 working days of submission.

    Go to the admissions portal
  2. 2Stage 2

    Student Registration

    • Visit my.ouk.ac.ke and log in using your student email and credentials.
    • Go to Studentship in the main menu, select My Student Registration, click Register and fill in the registration form.
    • The form has pre-filled details. Check and update any information before you submit it.
    • Wait for approval from the Admissions Office. You will receive an email once it is approved.
    Open MyOUK
  3. 3Stage 3

    Session and Course Registration

    • Return to Studentship, select Session Registration, click Add a Study Year Session, choose your programme and save.
    • If the system asks you to confirm payment, click the button. It shows Payment Completed if no payment is required.
    • Go to My Courses, click Course Registration and tick the courses for your level of study.
    • Click Register. The courses you selected appear under the Courses Registered tab.
  4. 4Stage 4

    Attending Classes

    • Go to class by clicking the SOMAS icon.
    • If you see an error, log out of MyOUK, log back in and click the SOMAS icon again.

Ready to Apply?

Choose a programme or short course to start your application, or contact the Admissions Office if you need help.

Contact Admissions

Before You Apply

Browse the programmes and the fee structure, and check the admission criteria for your programme level. Applicants seeking credit transfer should also attach certified transcripts.

Application Guides