CUE Announces Updated Requirements for Diplomas, Degrees & PhD

The Commission for University Education (CUE) has issued fresh guidelines on the recognition and equating of academic qualifications.

The fresh announcement covers various academic awards, such as diplomas, bachelor’s, postgraduate diplomas, postgraduate certificates, master’s, and doctoral awards.

The guidelines are to ensure that both foreign and local academic awards meet Kenya’s stringent academic standards as prescribed in the Section 5 (1) (g), and Section 5A (2) of Universities Act No. 42 of 2012, Universities Regulations of 2014, and Universities Standards and Guidelines of 2014.

This is in line with CUE’s mandate to protect and uphold the quality and integrity of higher learning in Kenya.

All students, graduates, and learning institutions are advised to adhere to these fresh guidelines in order to comply with Kenya’s academic standards.

I. General Requirements for Recognition and Equation of Qualifications

1.The qualification must be Accredited and Recognized.

2.The qualification must have been obtained from an accredited and recognized University or Institution.

3.The holder of the Award must have met the Minimum Entry Requirements for an Academic Programme leading to an equivalent qualification in Kenya.

4.All copies of Certificates and Academic Transcripts presented as proof of attainment of entry requirements for a particular qualification must be certified by an Advocate and Commissioner for Oaths (for Kenyan citizens), an Advocate and Notary Public (for foreigners) OR the issuing University/Institution.

II. Recognition of Diploma Qualifications

The holder of the Award must have obtained:

1.Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) Mean Grade C (plain) or its Accredited and Recognized equivalent OR

2.KCSE Mean Grade C- or its Accredited and Recognized equivalent with an Accredited and Recognized relevant Post-Secondary Certificate, OR

3.The Kenya Certificate of Education (KCE), East African Certificate of Education (EACE), “Ordinary Level” Division I or II or an Accredited and Recognized equivalent, OR

4.The Kenya Certificate of Education (KCE), East African Certificate of Education (EACE), “Ordinary Level” Division III or an Accredited and Recognized equivalent, plus an Accredited and Recognized Post-Secondary Certificate, OR

5.The Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE) “Advanced Level” with at least one Principal pass and a subsidiary.

6.The holder of the Diploma Award must have obtained the following minimum number of instructional hours:

• Applied Sciences and Agriculture: 1650
• Information Technology: 920
• Computer Science: 920
• Engineering: 1650
• Architecture: 1650
• Health Sciences: 1650
• Pure and Natural Sciences: 1250
• Hotel and Hospitality: 1450
• Arts and Humanities: 1050
• Social Sciences: 1050
• Business Studies: 1050

7.The Academic Calendar for the awarding University/Institution must have been divided into one of the following modes:

• Semesters comprising two (2) equal Divisions/Terms of between fifteen – seventeen (15-17) weeks per Academic Year;
• Trimesters comprising three (3) equal Divisions/Terms of between thirteen-fifteen (13-15) weeks per Academic Year; OR
• Quarters comprising four (4) equal Divisions/Terms of between nine-twelve (9-12) weeks per Academic Year.

Also Read: What It Takes to Become a Professor in Kenya: Qualifications and Requirements

III. Recognition of Bachelor’s Degree Qualifications

The holder of the Award must have obtained:

1.Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a Mean Grade of C+ and above or its Accredited and Recognized equivalent, OR

2.An Accredited and Recognized relevant Diploma from an Accredited and Recognized Institution, OR

3.KCSE Mean Grade C (plain) or its Accredited and Recognized equivalent, with an Accredited and Recognized relevant Diploma from an Accredited and Recognized Institution, OR

4.KCSE Mean Grade C- or its Accredited and Recognized equivalent, with an Accredited and Recognized relevant Post-Secondary Certificate plus an Accredited and Recognized relevant Diploma from an Accredited and Recognized institution, OR

5.The Kenya Certificate of Education (KCE), East African Certificate of Education (EACE), “Ordinary Level” Division I or II or an Accredited and Recognized equivalent, plus an Accredited and Recognized Diploma from an Accredited and Recognized institution, OR

6.The Kenya Certificate of Education (KCE), East African Certificate of Education (EACE), “Ordinary Level” Division III or an Accredited and Recognized equivalent, plus an Accredited and Recognized Post-Secondary Certificate and an Accredited and Recognized Diploma from an Accredited and Recognized institution, OR

7.The Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE) “Advanced Level” with two Principal passes and a subsidiary.

IV. Recognition of Postgraduate Certificate

1.An Accredited and Recognized Bachelor’s degree from an Accredited and Recognized University or Institution.

2.The Postgraduate certificate award must be supported by certified academic transcripts.

3.Research must have constituted not less than one third of the entire programme structure.

4.The holder of the Award must have obtained the minimum of three hundred and fifteen (315) instructional hours.

5.The Academic Calendar for the awarding University/Institution must have been divided into one of the following modes:

• Semesters comprising two (2) equal Divisions/Terms of between fifteen – seventeen (15-17) weeks per Academic Year;
• Trimesters comprising three (3) equal Divisions/Terms of between thirteen-fifteen (13-15) weeks per Academic Year; OR
• Quarters comprising four (4) equal Divisions/Terms of between nine-twelve (9-12) weeks per Academic Year.

V. Recognition of Post Graduate Diploma

1.An Accredited and Recognized Bachelor’s degree from an Accredited and Recognized University or Institution.

2.The Postgraduate Diploma award must be supported by certified academic transcripts.

3.Research must have constituted not less than one third of the entire programme structure.

4.The holder of the Award must have obtained the minimum of four hundred and seventy three (473) instructional hours.

5.The Academic Calendar for the awarding University/Institution must have been divided into one of the following modes:

• Semesters comprising two (2) equal Divisions/Terms of between fifteen – seventeen (15-17) weeks per Academic Year;
• Trimesters comprising three (3) equal Divisions/Terms of between thirteen-fifteen (13-15) weeks per Academic Year; OR
• Quarters comprising four (4) equal Divisions/Terms of between nine-twelve (9-12) weeks per Academic Year.

VI. Recognition of Master’s Degree

1.An Accredited and Recognized Bachelor’s degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division and above or Equivalent from an Accredited and Recognized University or Institution.

2.An Accredited and Recognized Bachelor’s degree with Second Class Honours Lower Division or Equivalent from an Accredited and Recognized University or Institution with a minimum of two years relevant working experience.

3. The Bachelor’s degree Certificate must be supported by certified academic transcripts.

4. Research must have constituted not less than one-third of the entire programme structure.

5. The holder of the Award must have obtained a minimum of six hundred and thirty (630) instructional hours.

6. The academic calendar for the awarding University/Institution must have been divided into one of the following modes:

• Semesters comprising two (2) equal Divisions/Terms of between fifteen – seventeen (15-17) weeks per Academic Year;
• Trimesters comprising three (3) equal Divisions/Terms of between thirteen-fifteen (13-15) weeks per Academic Year; OR
• Quarters comprising four (4) equal Divisions/Terms of between nine and twelve (9-12) weeks per Academic Year.

VII. Recognition of Doctorate Degree Qualifications

The holder of the Award must have obtained:

1. An Accredited and Recognized Bachelor’s degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division and above OR Equivalent from an Accredited and Recognized University or Institution.

2. An Accredited and Recognized Bachelor’s degree with Second Class Honours Lower Division or Equivalent from an Accredited and Recognized University or Institution with a minimum of two years relevant working experience.

3. An Accredited and Recognized relevant Master’s degree from an Accredited and Recognized University or Institution.

4. The Bachelors and Master’s degree Certificates must be supported by academic transcripts.

5. Research must have constituted not less than two thirds of the entire programme structure.

6. The holder of the Award must have studied for a minimum of three (3) Academic Years.

7. The academic calendar for the awarding University/Institution must have been divided into one of the following modes:

a. Semesters comprising two (2) equal Divisions/Terms of between fifteen – seventeen (15-17) weeks per Academic Year;

b. Trimesters comprising three (3) equal Divisions/Terms of between thirteen-fifteen (13-15) weeks per Academic Year; OR

c. Quarters comprising four (4) equal Divisions/Terms of between nine-twelve (9-12) weeks per Academic Year.

VIII. Institutional Recognition

In circumstances where:

The qualification does not meet the minimum workload requirements as per the University’s Standards and Guidelines;

And/or

The holder of the qualification did not meet the minimum admission requirements as per the University’s Standards and Guidelines.

But

The awarding University or Institution is Accredited and Recognized by an Accrediting Body operating under International Conventions or Regional Conventions to which Kenya is a signatory, or the Laws of the Country of Operation with which Kenya has diplomatic relations;

And/or

The qualification was obtained under a collaborative arrangement authorized and/or recognized by CUE;

The Commission may grant only Institutional Recognition.

Also Read: Best Kenyan Universities for Education Degrees in 2026

IX. Qualifications Not Recognizable

Granted that Recognition and Equation of Qualifications is bound by International Conventions, Regional Conventions and by the Laws of the Countries in which Foreign Universities and Institutions operate, the Commission will not recognize foreign qualifications if:

1. The Academic Programme is not Accredited and Recognized.

2. The awarding University or Institution is not Accredited and Recognized by an Accrediting Body operating under International Conventions, Regional Conventions to which Kenya is a signatory or the Laws of the Country of operation with which Kenya has relations.

3. The Degree/Award does not meet the minimum workload requirements as per The Universities Standards and Guidelines, 2014.

4. The holder of the qualification did not meet the minimum admission requirements as per The Universities Standards and Guidelines, 2014.

5. If the qualification was obtained under a collaborative arrangement that is neither authorized nor recognized by CUE.

X. Equation of Qualifications

In addition to the requirements for Recognition of Qualifications as provided in Sections II-VIII above, Equation of Qualifications shall be based on:

1. Previous qualifications before enrolling for the given qualification to confirm adherence to the minimum entry qualifications in line with The Universities Standards and Guidelines, 2014 for an Academic Programme.

2. Content and duration of study in line with The Universities Standards and Guidelines, 2014 for an Academic Programme (certified Academic Transcript(s) must be presented).

3. In case of professional programmes, registration to practice in the Country of origin.

4. The Academic Calendar for the awarding University/Institution must have been divided into one of the following modes:

• Semesters comprising two (2) equal Divisions/Terms of between fifteen – seventeen (15-17) weeks per Academic Year;
• Trimesters comprising three (3) equal Divisions/Terms of between thirteen-fifteen (13-15) weeks per Academic Year; OR
• Quarters comprising four (4) equal Divisions/Terms of between nine-twelve (9-12) weeks per Academic Year.

5. The duration of study and credit hours for a given qualification. The holder of the Award must have obtained the minimum number of total instructional hours as detailed below in a three (3) contact hour programme spread over a sixteen (16) week Semester OR Equivalent duration:

S/No. || Programme ||Contact Hours ||Minimum Number of Units

• Arts and Humanities,  1680,  35
• Social Sciences,  1680,  35
• Pure and Natural Sciences,  1785,  37
• Applied Sciences,  2240,  47
• Medical & Allied Sciences,  3960,  83

The Degree classification shall be as detailed below:

S/No.||  Overall Average Mark||  G.P.A Classification

• 70% and above 3.70 – 4.00,  First Class Honours
• 60% – 69% 3.00 – 3.69,  Second Class Honours (Upper Division)
• 40% – 59% 2.00 – 2.99,  Second Class Honours (Lower Division)
• 40% to less than 50% 2.00 – 2.49,  Pass

XI. Bridging and Pre-University Qualifications

These qualifications were viable when the Commission for Higher Education, the precursor to the Commission for University Education, was handling both Tertiary and University Education.

But, with the enactment of The Universities Act No. 42 of 2012, The Universities Act No. 42 of 2012, Revised Edition 2016 [2015], and the Universities Act, CAP 210 Laws of Kenya, Bridging and Pre-University qualifications are no longer within the mandate of CUE; and are not recognized and equated as university-level or degree-awarding qualifications.

Hence, CUE has expunged these qualifications from the general requirements for Recognition and Equivalence of Universities and degree awarding Qualifications.

XII. Charges

CUE is mandated by The Universities Act, CAP 210 Laws of Kenya, to levy charges for services rendered for Recognition and Equation of Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, Postgraduate Certificates or such other academic awards conferred or awarded by Foreign Universities and Institutions.

With effect from 21st November 2014, as published in the Kenya Gazette, Notice No. 8477 and No. 6853 of 26th August 2016, the charges are as follows:

1. First application by holder of the Academic Award: KES 6,000/=

2. More than one Award from the same University or Institution: KES 6,000/=

3. Awards from different Institutions KES 6,000/= each

4. Subsequent application on the same Academic Award by the holder: KES 3,600/=

5. Express (same day) service by Holder of the Academic Award: KES 10,000/= each

6. By a prospective employer or any other body:

• Within the Republic of Kenya: KES 12,000/= per Award
• Outside the jurisdiction of the Republic of Kenya: USD 300(approximately Ksh 38400) per Award

XIII. Modes of Payment

Payments for Recognition and Equation of Qualification services shall be made through the eCitizen platform, which is integrated with CUE’s portal for Recognition and Equation of Qualifications.

XIV. Procedure for Recognition and Equation of Qualifications

Apply for Recognition and Equation of Qualifications through an online system whose link is given at the bottom of this page.

Before making an application for Recognition and Equation of Qualifications, please familiarize yourself with the information below:

1. The following documents must be submitted to CUE:

• A duly filled application Form CUE/QAS/1 for Recognition of Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
• Original and certified copies of ALL required Certificates.
• Original and certified copies of Academic Transcripts to support the Certificates.
• Original and certified copy of National Identity Card (ID) or a valid Passport for Kenyan Citizens.
• Original and certified copy of a valid Passport, Work Permit/Visa and Letter of Provisional Admission/Intent into Kenyan Universities for foreigners intending to pursue further studies in Kenyan Universities.
• Original and certified copy of a valid Passport, Work Permit/Visa and Letter of invitation for interview or employment offer for foreigners intending to work in organizations based in Kenya.

Note: An applicant is required to upload on CUE’s portal for the Recognition and Equation of Qualifications, certified copies of all the documents stated above, and present the original documents when physically collecting the Letters of Recognition/Equation of Qualifications.

2. Certificates and certified Academic transcripts submitted by Kenyan citizens must be certified by:

• An Advocate and Commissioner of Oaths, OR
• The respectiveissuingUniversity/Institution.

3. Certificates submitted by Foreign Institutions must be certified by:

• An Advocate and Notary Public, OR
• The respective issuing University/Institution.

4. National Identity Cards or Passports submitted by Kenyan Citizens must be certified by An Advocate and Commissioner for Oaths.

5. Passports, Work Permits and Visas submitted by foreigners must be certified by an Advocate and Notary Public.

6. Where certificates and transcripts are in a foreign language, copies translated in English bearing the official stamp of the Foreign University/Institution or the local Embassy/Mission of the home country of the University issuing the Certificates and Academic transcripts must be submitted.

7. Submission of applications and collection of Letters of Recognition and Equation shall be done during the following CUE official working hours:

• Morning: 8.00 am – 1.00 pm
• Afternoon: 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm

8. Application for express service must reach CUE before 1.00p.m on the day of application.

9. Letters of Recognition and Equation of Qualifications will normally be collected within forty eight (48) hours unless the applicant has sought express service.

10. Letters of Recognition and Equation of Qualifications sought under express service will be collected within twelve (12) hours.

11. In the event that the timelines stipulated under numbers 6, 7, 8, and above cannot be adhered to, the underlying reasons and the new timelines will be given to the applicant and documented accordingly.

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Commission for University Education Chief Executive Officer Prof. Mike Kuria during an inspection visit by the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Education in Gigiri, Nairobi, on October 2, 2025. PHOTO/CUE