The Commission for University Education (CUE) has announced new guidelines outlining the requirements for the recognition and evaluation of academic qualifications, including diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees obtained both locally and internationally.
The updated standards aim to protect the credibility of academic qualifications in Kenya and ensure that certificates presented for employment, further studies, or professional advancement meet national education benchmarks.
Requirement for Recognised Institutions
According to CUE, any academic qualification submitted for recognition must come from a fully accredited and recognised university or institution.
The institution must also be authorised by the relevant regulatory authorities in the country where it operates.
Applicants must also demonstrate that they met the minimum entry requirements for the programme they studied.
To complete the recognition process, candidates are required to submit certified copies of their academic certificates and transcripts.
Kenyan applicants must have their documents certified by an Advocate and Commissioner for Oaths.
Foreign applicants must have documents certified by an Advocate and Notary Public or by the issuing institution.
Diploma Qualification Requirements
For diploma recognition, the commission stated that applicants must have attained at least a C- (minus) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or an equivalent qualification.
However, individuals with a D+ in KCSE may still qualify if they possess a recognised post-secondary certificate in a related field.
CUE also recognises other qualifications such as the Kenya Certificate of Education (KCE) or the East African Certificate of Education (EACE) with Division I or II, or other recognised equivalents.
Bachelor’s Degree Recognition
For bachelor’s degree recognition, applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements in Kenya, which generally include:
A KCSE mean grade of C+ or higher
Meeting specific subject requirements depending on the course studied
The commission also noted that the awarding institution must operate under a recognised academic calendar structure such as semester, trimester, or quarter systems. Students must also complete the required academic duration and coursework.
Master’s Degree Requirements
For master’s degree recognition, applicants must hold a recognised bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
In some cases, candidates with a second-class lower division degree may still qualify if they have at least two years of relevant work experience.
CUE further explained that postgraduate programmes must include structured coursework and a research component, with research accounting for at least one-third of the programme.
Protecting Kenya’s Education Standards
The commission emphasised that the updated guidelines are meant to maintain academic quality, ensure international comparability of qualifications, and protect the integrity of Kenya’s higher education system.
CUE has urged graduates seeking recognition of their academic qualifications to carefully review the requirements before submitting their applications to avoid delays during the evaluation process.
Tags
Education