Candidates who sat the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2023 have been racing against time to place their applications for their dream courses and institutions they hope to pursue higher education in.

But as they race to select their dream courses and institutions, the question of the charges they would have to incur in pursuing their dreams is inevitable.

According to a list provided by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), the cost of the various degree programs varies from one university to another. 

This article has analyzed some of the most expensive courses as indicated in the KUCCPS list.

Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery

The Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery is among the most expensive degree courses in Kenyan institutions.

According to the KUCCPS list, 11 institutions in Kenya are offering the degree- with the lowest charging Ksh461,210 per year.

The University of Nairobi, for example, is offering the course at a fee of Ksh635,000, while Egerton is offering the same at Ksh 643,940.

At the same time, Kenyatta University, Maseno University, Moi University and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) are all charging Ksh612,000.

Kisii University is the institution charging the lowest among the 11 universities (Ksh461,210), while Mount Kenya University is offering the course at 510,000 and Uzima University at Ksh535,000.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery stands out as one of the most expensive courses offered in Kenya, with the KUCCPS list showing that the course is offered at Ksh780,000 at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) while UoN is offering it at Ksh613,000.

Also Read: KUCCPS Opens Application Portal for 2023 Candidates: How to Apply

Veterinary Medicine

Following Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery as the second most expensive course is the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.

According to the list, the University of Nairobi is charging Ksh521,000 while JKUAT is charging Ksh516,000.

Food and Nutrition 

In addition, Bachelor of Science in Food Nutrition and Dietetics is on the list as one of the most expensive fees.

Also Read: KUCCPS Makes Appeal to Candidates with Grades E and D

A program in Food Nutrition at the UoN, for example, is charging Ksh 375,000 and Ksh307,000 at Egerton University.

Other institutions offering the same include Kisii University (Ksh294,185), and Kenyatta University (Ksh275,400).

The KUCCPS opened the application window for 2023 candidates on February 8 and set the deadline on February 26.

Despite challenges including slow response of the application portal, the placement service has over the days announced progress and successful applications from candidates from across the country.

After the applications, KUCCPS will then proceed to place the candidates into their institutions of choice ahead of the expected admissions in August.

Under the new funding model introduced in 2023, students placed by KUCCPS will have an opportunity to apply for scholarship to facilitate their studies.

Vulnerable students get a scholarship covering up to 82% of their school fees, and students’ loan of 18%.

On their part, students who prove to be extremely needy get a 70% scholarship from the government and a 30% loan, while those from a needy background get a 53% scholarship, a 40% loan and the remainder 7% is left for the family to shoulder.