1. What are the minimum admission requirements for undergraduate programs at the Open University of Kenya?

The minimum requirements include a mean grade of C+ and above at KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education) or its equivalent. Alternatively, applicants with diplomas, professional qualifications, or other qualifications recognized by the Senate are eligible.

2. Can I apply with a KCSE certificate alone, or do I need additional qualifications?

While a KCSE certificate is accepted, you may also need to provide a certificate of completion for foundation or bridging courses from recognized institutions to meet the eligibility criteria.

3. Is work experience considered for admission?

Yes, work experience can be considered for admission. You can provide evidence of two years of work experience in a relevant field as part of your application.

4. Are there specific short courses I need to complete for admission?

Yes, one is expected to complete relevant short courses if prior learning recognition is the basis of admission.

5. Can I apply if I have a bachelor's degree from another institution?

Yes, you can be admitted based on an earlier acquired degree.

6. Are there any age restrictions for admission?

OUK is a university for all without age, gender, location restrictions

7. Is there financial aid or scholarships available for eligible students?

Yes, government-sponsored students are eligible for Higher Education Funds both from Universities Fund and Higher Education Loans Board as any other Kenyan student.

8. How does the admission process work for open universities in general?

Admission applications shall be reviewed and students placed in the rightful programme / level of study.

9. How do I apply for admission to the Open University of Kenya?

Students can apply through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Services (KUCCPS) admission portal dedicated for OUK (ouk.kuccps.net) if they have KCSE qualifications, or using OUK admission portal (admissions.ouk.ac.ke) if they wish to be considered for admission based on recognition of prior learning.

10. Are there application deadlines for admission?

Admission applications will be continuous without any deadlines. Students will be put in cohorts depending on the programmes for ease of administration of the programmes. It's important to check the university's website for specific instructions.

11. Can international students apply for admission at OUK?

Yes, international students are welcome to apply. However, they should review specific admission requirements for international applicants and may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of English proficiency.

12. How can I access the fees structure?

Please click on the following link to see the fee structures: https://ouk.ac.ke/programmes-fee-structure

13. How long does it take for my admission letter to be processed?

Admission letters are processed within five working days of receipt of the duly filled in application forms.

14. When and how shall I know that I have been granted admission?

The Admissions Office usually communicates to successful and unsuccessful applicants through email as soon as the process of admission is complete.

15. Can I apply for multiple programs simultaneously?

Yes, applicants can apply for multiple programs at OUK. However, each program application must be submitted separately and admission decisions are made independently for each program.

16. Do you allow credit waiver/transfers? If you do, how do I apply for the same?

Yes, the University allows Credit waiver/transfers. Students who wish to apply for credit waiver/transfers are required to fill -in an application form on the website

17. What is the difference between semester call-off and deferment of studies?

Semester call-off request is sought by students who have successfully completed at least one semester of study, and are intending to take a break from their studies due to various reasons while deferment of studies is where a new student chooses to delay start of their study/enrolment to a later date.

18. Can a student change the programme they are admitted to pursue at the Open University of Kenya?

Students may seek to transfer from the programmes of study that they have been enrolled into as shall be provided for from time to time. Students can only seek Inter/Intra School transfer at the beginning of an Academic Year.

19. Is there an application fee?

No, the application fee is waived.

20. Can I do my exams if I have not cleared my school fees?

A student is required to clear the Semester fees for him/her to be allowed to sit for the end of Semester Examination.

21. When is School fees due?

School fees is due on the first day of the Semester.

22. Can I pay my fees in instalments?

Yes, Phased Fee Payment option is available for students. This is an option provided for payment of fees in installments within a semester of study. In order to be considered for this option, you are required to pay at least 50% of the applicable fee at the beginning of the semester and clear the balance at least two weeks to examinations

22. How do I pay fees at OUK?

Payment of fees is captured below the fees structure issued to students.

i) Government Sponsored Students (GSSP) will pay through OUK FEES COLLECTION GSSP, Equity Bank, Machakos Branch,

ii) Privately Sponsored Students Program (PSSP) will pay fees through OUK FEES COLLECTION PSSP, Equity Bank, Machakos Branch

iii) Students must ensure that full name and registration number is correctly captured during payment of the fees.