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Kenya's first chartered Islamic university invites applications for its 2025 intake, offering a unique blend of faith-based values and market-driven courses. This guide details the programmes, admission criteria, and financial requirements for prospective students.

Umma University, Kenya's pioneering Islamic institution of higher learning, has officially opened its application window for the 2025 academic year. This provides a crucial opportunity for students seeking education grounded in Islamic principles combined with contemporary academic disciplines. Fully accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the institution stands as a significant pillar in Kenya's diverse higher education landscape.
Established initially as the Thika College for Sharia and Islamic Studies in 1998, the institution's journey reflects a steady growth in Kenya's educational sector. It was awarded a presidential charter on October 18, 2019, by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, cementing its status as a fully-fledged university. The university's main campus is strategically located in Kajiado County, with additional learning centres in Thika, Garissa, and Mombasa.
For the 2025 intake, Umma University requires a minimum KCSE mean grade of C+ for all undergraduate degree programmes, with specific subject clusters required for certain courses. The university offers a range of CUE-accredited degrees across several schools:
For students who do not meet the direct degree entry requirements, Umma University provides alternative pathways through its diploma and certificate programmes.
The university is expanding its postgraduate offerings. Currently, it provides a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies. Admission generally requires an undergraduate degree with at least an upper second-class honours or a lower second-class degree with relevant work experience. The Master's in Islamic Studies costs KSh 55,000 per semester.
Prospective students are required to apply online through the university's official admissions portal. The application process involves filling out a form and submitting scanned copies of required documents, including academic certificates and a National ID or passport. A non-refundable application fee is required: KSh 500 for certificate and diploma courses, and KSh 1,000 for degree and postgraduate programmes.
For further inquiries, the university can be reached through the following contacts:
Umma University positions itself as an institution focused on producing holistic graduates by integrating moral values with professional training, contributing a unique and valuable dimension to higher education in Kenya and the East Africa region.