The Commission for University Education (CUE) has released updated requirements for the recognition and evaluation of academic qualifications, including diplomas, degrees, and master’s degrees.
According to CUE, any academic qualification must have been obtained from an accredited and recognized University or Institution.
At the same time, the holder of the Award must have met the Minimum Entry Requirements for an Academic Programme leading to an equivalent qualification in Kenya.
All copies of certificates and academic transcripts presented as proof of meeting the entry requirements for a particular qualification must also be certified by an advocate and Commissioner for Oaths (for Kenyan citizens), an advocate and Notary Public (for foreigners), or the issuing University/Institution.
CUE Lists Requirements for Recognition of Diplomas, Degrees and Masters
Also Read: KUCCPS Subject Requirements for Architectural and Surveying Programmes
CUE Lists Conditions for Recognition of Diploma
For a Diploma qualification to be recognized, the holder must meet at least one of the following academic requirements:
-
Applicants may present a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a minimum mean grade of C- (minus) or another accredited and recognized equivalent qualification.
-
Alternatively, eligibility may be based on a KCSE mean grade of D+ (plus) together with a relevant accredited post-secondary certificate.
-
Another acceptable qualification includes the Kenya Certificate of Education (KCE), East African Certificate of Education (EACE), or an Ordinary Level qualification with Division I or II, or an accredited and recognized equivalent.
-
Candidates may also qualify with KCE, EACE, or an Ordinary Level qualification with Division III, provided it is accompanied by a relevant accredited post-secondary certificate.
-
Admission may further be granted to holders of the Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE) Advanced Level with at least one principal pass and one subsidiary pass.
In addition, the institution awarding the diploma must follow a recognized academic calendar structure, which should fall under one of the following systems:
Semester System: Two equal terms per academic year, each lasting 15–17 weeks.
Trimester System: Three equal terms per academic year, each lasting 13–15 weeks.
Quarter System: Four equal terms per academic year, each lasting 9–12 weeks.
Recognition of Bachelor’s Degree Qualifications
To qualify for recognition of a Bachelor’s degree, the holder must meet at least one of the following conditions:
Have a KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) or higher, or an accredited and recognized equivalent.
Hold a relevant diploma from an accredited and recognized institution.
Have a KCSE mean grade of C (plain) or its equivalent plus a relevant accredited diploma.
Have a KCSE mean grade of C- (minus) or its equivalent together with a relevant accredited post-secondary certificate and a relevant diploma from an accredited institution.
Hold KCE or EACE Ordinary Level Division I or II (or equivalent) plus a recognized diploma from an accredited institution.
Hold KCE or EACE Ordinary Level Division III (or equivalent) plus a recognized post-secondary certificate and a recognized diploma.
Have completed KACE Advanced Level with two principal passes and one subsidiary pass.
Like diploma programs, the academic calendar of the awarding university must follow one of these recognized structures:
- Semester System: Two terms per year, 15–17 weeks each.
- Trimester System: Three terms per year, 13–15 weeks each.
- Quarter System: Four terms per year, 9–12 weeks each.
Also Read: Fate of Students Applying for Oral Health Course in Limbo as KDA Flags Degree
Recognition of Master’s Degree Qualifications
For a Master’s degree to be recognized, the holder must satisfy the following requirements:
- Possess a recognized bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Honours (Upper Division) or equivalent from an accredited university or institution.
- Hold a Second Class Honours (Lower Division) bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with a minimum of two years of relevant work experience.
- Provide the bachelor’s degree certificate together with certified academic transcripts.
The program must include research that accounts for at least one-third of the total program structure.
In addition, the program must include at least 630 instructional hours.
According to CUE, the university or institution must operate under a recognized academic calendar, such as:
Semester System: Two equal terms of 15–17 weeks per academic year.
Trimester System: Three equal terms of 13–15 weeks per academic year.
Quarter System: Four equal terms of 9–12 weeks per academic year.
