The Aga Khan University (AKU), founded in 1983 as Pakistan’s first private university, is a not-for-profit institution and an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network, one of the world’s largest private development organizations.
The university expanded into Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan, and the United Kingdom in early 2000.
AKU began as a health sciences university and is now among the largest private health-care providers in Pakistan and East Africa.
Its hospitals were the first in these regions to be accredited by the U.S.-based Joint Commission International, and its research and graduates have influenced health policy and practice both nationally and internationally.
More recently, the university has initiated programmes in teacher education, the study of Muslim civilisations, journalism, early childhood development, and public policy.
In September 2023, AKU launched a Faculty of Arts and Sciences, whose programmes aim to educate future leaders across a wide range of fields. Plans are also underway to establish additional graduate professional schools.
Aga Khan University, Kenya: Courses Offered, Fees and Location
In Kenya, the university offers a range of academic programmes in nursing, midwifery, and medical education, and operates a modern, state-of-the-art university centre in Nairobi that supports both academic and professional development.
The University Centre houses its academic units and a wide range of health education and graduate professional programmes. It is also home to various support and ancillary facilities.
The distinctive 37,500-square-metre building consists of two blocks—the North Tower and the South Tower—connected via an atrium bridge.
It was designed by the internationally renowned architecture firm Payette, known for designing buildings at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, and Columbia.
The University Centre is located on 3rd Parklands Avenue, off Limuru Road.
AKU received its charter from the Government of Kenya on June 11, 2021.
It heavily subsidises its academic programmes and provides scholarships to 9 out of 10 of its students in East Africa.
Undergraduate Programmes in Kenya
AKU’s undergraduate programmes are designed to help students make meaningful contributions and improve the quality of life in their communities.
Students are trained to apply classroom theory and academic research to address challenges in the developing world.
AKU offers four undergraduate programs in Kenya, which include Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), and Post-RN Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
Others are Post-RN Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (Post-RN BScM) and Direct-entry Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN).
Also Read: KU, JKUAT, Kisii University Top List for Most Degree Programmes in 2025
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
This six-year degree programme is designed to prepare medical doctors with a strong foundation in the humanities, social sciences, and medical sciences.
The curriculum incorporates problem-based learning and self-directed study, in line with adult learning principles and best practices in medical education.
Eligibility Criteria
- KCSE holders: Minimum C+ overall, with a B plain in the following cluster subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics, and English or Kiswahili.
- Advanced Level Certificate holders: Minimum of 2 principal passes in Biology and Chemistry, and a subsidiary pass in Mathematics or Physics.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Grade 5 or above in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Physics.
- Diploma in Medical Sciences: Minimum O-Level Division II pass or C+ mean grade with C+ in English or Kiswahili, Mathematics or Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, plus a three-year diploma with a credit pass from a recognized institution.
- Undergraduate Degree: A degree in Biological/Clinical Sciences or related qualifications from a recognized university.
Post-RN Bachelor of Science in Nursing
This 2.5-year programme enables registered nurses to upgrade their diploma to a degree. It fosters advanced knowledge and skills necessary for holistic nursing care.
Eligibility Criteria:
- KCSE with a minimum C plain or Kenya Certificate of Education (KCE) Division II
- Must be a holder of the Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse (KRCHN) or the Kenya Registered Nurse (KRN)
- A current registration and a valid practicing license
- Must have a minimum of two (2) years of practice experience
Post-RN Bachelor of Science in Midwifery
This 2.5-year “work-and-learn” programme enables practicing nurses and midwives to obtain advanced midwifery qualifications.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The applicant must have attained a mean grade of C plain at KCSE or Division II at KCE/EACE.
- A minimum grade of C (plain) in English and Biology / Biological Sciences
- A “Pass” grade in any one of the following subjects: Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, or Physical Sciences
- Must be a holder of Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse (KRCHN) or Kenya Registered Nurse (KRN) and Kenya Registered Midwife (KRM) (KRN and KRM) from a recognized training institution and of good standing
- Must be registered with the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) and hold a current practice license
- Must have a minimum of two (2) years of practice experience
Also Read: Aga Khan Leads the Region in Advancing Prostate Cancer Treatment
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Direct entry)
This four-year programme equips students with skills in patient-centred care, interprofessional practice, evidence-based nursing, and healthcare technology.
Graduates qualify to sit for the licensure exam by the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK), followed by a one-year internship.
Eligibility Criteria
- KCSE: Minimum C+ overall, plus C+ in either:
- Cluster A: Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics, and English or Kiswahili
- Cluster B: Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and English or Kiswahili
- Advanced Level Certificate holders: 2 Principal passes in Biology and Chemistry, and a subsidiary pass in Mathematics or Physics
Graduate Programmes in East Africa
Institute for Educational Development
- Master of Education (MEd)
School of Nursing and Midwifery
- MSc in Advanced Practice Nursing – Kenya
- MSc in Advanced Practice Midwifery – Kenya
- MSc in Advanced Practice Nursing – Tanzania
Medical College
- Master of Medicine (MMed)
Graduate School of Media and Communications
- MA in Digital Journalism
- MA in Strategic Communications
- Executive Masters in Media Leadership and Innovation (EMMLI)
Tuition Fees at the University
| Programme | Duration | Fees per Academic Term |
| Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery | 6 years | Ksh 431,594 per trimester (4/year) |
| Post-RN Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 2.5 years | Ksh 222,685 per semester (4/year) |
| Post-RN Bachelor of Science in Midwifery | 2.5 years | Ksh 222,685 per semester (4/year) |
| Direct-entry Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 4 years | Ksh 181,724 per trimester (4/year) |
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