So, what grades do you
need to study medicine in Kenya and how easy is it to join medical schools
locally?
Well, the truth is
that it’s extremely competitive and exceedingly unlikely for you to get
admission into medicine courses in Kenya if you missed out on the required
grades.
That’s because only a
few seats exist to study prestigious medical courses like the bachelor of
medicine and surgery in Kenya.
To find out if you
qualify, let’s look at the stringent requirements to study medicine in Kenya.
Requirements to study medicine in Kenya
We look at the
requirements for medicine and surgery (bachelor’s degree level) first.
Requirements for the bachelor of medicine
and surgery in Kenya
The Bachelor of
Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree programme (MBCHB) remains one of the
most marketable medical courses in Kenya making it attractive to hordes of
young Kenyans.
Now, the entry grades
are uniform across the institutions offering the course.
Here are the minimum
indexing requirements for medicine and surgery in MKU and other universities:
KCSE holders
For KCSE holders, the
minimum university admission grade is C+.
Besides, you must have
scored an average of B in each of these cluster subjects:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics/Mathematics
- English/Kiswahili
KACE holders
For KACE (Kenya
Advanced Certificate of Education) holders, a minimum of two (2) principal
passes in Chemistry and Biology, along with a subsidiary pass in
Mathematics/Physics are required.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
For IB holders, grade
5 or above is required in Chemistry, Biology, Physics/Mathematics, and
English/Kiswahili.
Diploma holders (medical related)
If you hold a Diploma
in Medical Sciences, you must satisfy the following entry requirements:
- A C+ mean grade (or a minimum of Division II pass
at O level) together with a credit pass (C+) in the previously stated
cluster subjects in your K.C.S.E.
- A credit pass in your 3-year diploma (or above)
is needed. Note that your Diploma must have been awarded by a recognized
medical training institution.
Holders of degrees in Biological
Sciences
You could still take
the course if you hold a degree in Biological Sciences or any equivalent
qualification from a recognized institution as long as you have passed the
Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Other requirements to pursue MBCHB
- Proficiency in English (for International
students).
Medicine and surgery universities in
Kenya
Here now are the universities approved
to admit students in the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery program by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and
Dentists Council.
- JKUAT School of medicine.
- Moi University School of medicine.
- MKU School of medicine.
- Egerton University School of medicine.
- Uzima University School of medicine.
- Methodist University School of medicine.
- Maseno University School of medicine.
- University of Nairobi School of medicine
Entry requirements for clinical medicine
Another alternative
for those who want to build a career in medicine is clinical medicine.
For this course,
you’re required to meet the following minimum grades in the respective
institutions (the qualifications vary a bit here):
Jomo Kenyatta
University (JKUAT)
- Mean grade of C plus and a C+ in (Chemistry,
Biology, Mathematics/Physics, and English/Kiswahili).
- Have a Diploma in clinical medicine (with a
Credit pass) or higher national diploma (HND) in clinical medicine
Egerton University
- KCSE mean grade of B- (minus) and
- At least a B- (Minus) grade in Biology,
Chemistry, and English/Kiswahili and
- Have a mean grade of B plain (minimum) in
Mathematics/Physics.
Uzima University
- Regular program- a mean grade of C+ plus
(KCSE) and C+ (plus) in the English/Kiswahili, Chemistry, Biology, and
Math/Physics.
- Upgrading course- Hold at least a Diploma
in Clinical Medicine and Surgery (from an accredited institution) and be
registered with the Clinical Officers Council (COC).
MKU
- A mean grade of C+ plus (KCSE) and C+ (plus) in
the English/Kiswahili, Chemistry, Biology, and Math/Physics.
- You may qualify with a C plain mean grade
(minimum) in your KCSE plus an HND in Clinical Medicine & Surgery from
an accredited institution.
- Be registered with the COC (Clinical Officers
Council).
Kenya Methodist University
- A mean grade of C+ plus (KCSE) and C+ (plus) in the English/Kiswahili, Chemistry, Biology, and Math/Physics.
Next, we look at the
requirements to study nursing in Kenya
Requirements to study nursing in Kenya
Nursing is not pure
medicine: nurses are more involved in patient’s health care rather than
diagnosis and cure like it is for doctors and clinical officers.
Here is what it takes
to be admitted into an accredited nursing course in Kenya (degree level).
Bachelor of Science (BSc.N) in Nursing
requirements
Direct entry: The entry requirements
(minimum) are a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in each of English,
Chemistry, Biology/Biological Sciences, and Mathematics/Physics.
Registered Nurse to BScN Upgrading: KCSE mean grade
of C plain and a Diploma in Nursing OR KCE/EACE Div. 2 plus a Diploma in
Nursing (Kenya Registered Nursing).
The following diplomas
are also accepted by some institutions for the upgrading program:
- Nursing and Midwifery Diploma
- Public Health Diploma
- KRCHN -Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing
Diploma
Those considering
upgrading must additionally have practiced for a minimum of 2 years as nurses
after attaining their Diploma in Nursing.
Besides, you must be a
bonafide member of the NCK (Nursing Council of Kenya) or any other institution
recognized by the NCK.
And where can you study a Bsc.N in Kenya?
You can check out the
following schools:
- Kenyatta university school of nursing
- JKUAT School of medicine
- Dedan Kimathi University etc.
Question: Are you
extremely passionate about dentistry?
Good….
You’ll learn what you
need to study a dental surgery course and related programs in local
Universities next.
Requirements to study dentistry in Kenya
The requirements are
as follows:
1.
Bachelor of dental surgery in Kenya
The most popular
destinations for dental surgery students are the University of Nairobi and Moi
University.
Now, all students
intending to enroll for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (B.D.S) program have to
meet the following indexing requirements:
KCSE Holders
- C+ (plus) mean grade.
- Additionally, a B plain grade is needed in each
of:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics/Mathematics
- English/Kiswahili
Lastly, KCSE holders must meet the set
dental surgery cluster points (check the KUCCPS portal).
KACE holders
For KACE (Kenya
Advanced Certificate of Education) holders, a minimum of two (2) principal
passes in Chemistry and Biology along with a subsidiary pass in either
Mathematics/Physics will be required.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
For IB holders, grade
5 or above in Chemistry, Biology, Physics/Mathematics, and English/Kiswahili
subject is required.
Diploma holders (medical related)
If you hold a Diploma
in Medical Sciences, you must satisfy the following entry requirements:
- A minimum of Division II pass at O level or a C+
mean grade together with a credit pass (C+) in the previously stated
cluster subjects in your K.C.S.E.
- Besides, a credit pass in your 3-year diploma (or
above) is needed. Note that your Diploma must have been awarded by a
recognized medical training institution.
Here are some of the
eligible 3-year Diplomas:
1.
Dental
technology
2.
Dental
hygiene
3.
Dental
surgery assistant
4.
Community
oral health
5.
Laboratory
technology
6.
Clinical
medicine
7.
Radiography
8.
Pharmaceutical
technology
9.
Nursing
Holders of degrees in Biological
Sciences
You could still take
the course if you hold a degree in Biological Sciences or any equivalent qualification from a recognized institution, as long as you have passed the
Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Other requirements to pursue BDS
- Proficiency in English (for International
students), a TOEFL certificate may be required.
- Other qualifications judged to be equal to those
highlighted in the paragraphs above by the various institutions’ Senates.
2. Bachelor of Science in Dental
Technology
Mount Kenya University
was the 1st private University to receive the nod to offer dental courses
in Kenya.
You will be asked for
the following grades to join the Bsc. in Dental Technology course:
- KCSE mean grade of C+
- A C+ (or above) in each of Mathematics/Physics,
Biology/Biological Science, Chemistry/Physical sciences, and
English/Kiswahili.
Some colleges
accept any BSc. (Bachelors of Science) Degree in a health-related course
or a health-related Diploma from an institution recognized by the senate.
Requirements to study medicine in Kenya:
Diploma Courses in Medicine
Below we explain the
requirements to study various Diploma courses in Medicine.
Of course, some of the
recognized medical diploma courses in Kenya have tougher requirements than
others.
Read on to discover
where your grade can take you:
Diploma in clinical medicine
qualification
This is one of the
medical courses you can pursue with a C plain.
Specifically, you must
have:
- A KCSE mean grade of C plain.
- You will also have a C (minimum) in
English/Kiswahili and Biology/Biological Sciences. At the same time, a C-
grade is required in Chemistry/Physical Sciences and Mathematics (or
Physics/Physical sciences) for anyone willing to pursue a diploma in
medicine.
Diploma in dental surgery
You can as well
qualify for a dental surgery diploma with a C plain.
To be granted
entrance, you must fulfill the following:
- KCSE mean grade C plain.
- You will also have a C plain (minimum) in
English, Mathematics/Physical sciences/Physics, and a C- grade in one of
Biology/Metal Work/Mathematics/Chemistry/General Science.
This applies for
courses like the Diploma in dental surgery in MKU.
Requirements to study medicine in Kenya:
Certificate Courses in Medicine
Very few certificates
courses in medicine are recognized in Kenya and it would be unwise to pursue
the following programs (Does anyone really offer them in Kenya?)
- Certificate in clinical medicine in Kenya
- Certificate in dental technology
- Certificate in dentistry
- Certificate in Clinical Medicine
& Surgery
Our advice? Don’t
throw away your hard-earned resources taking such programs.
Fields that are related to medicine or
alternative include:
Here are other courses
you could consider pursuing if you haven’t met the grades for the leading
medical courses:
1.
Biological
sciences.
2.
Public
Health.
3.
Medical
Research.
4.
Nutrition
and dietetics.
5.
Pharmacy
(we recommend the Kenyatta University School Of Pharmacy for this program).
6.
Biomedical
engineering.
7.
Optical
Sciences.
8.
Diagnostic
Imaging.
Again available
enrollments in these disciplines could still be limited depending on the
institution.
You might also need
licensure and additional training to be allowed to work in most of these
professions.
Please check with the
institution you have in mind directly to learn more.
Requirements to study medicine in Kenya
[frequently asked questions]
Where can I study medicine in Kenya?
You can go for studies
in various public and private universities. There’s also a significant number
of colleges (private and public) licensed to teach medical students in Kenya
including KMTC.
The most important
thing is to ensure that the institution you choose is approved to teach your
course by the relevant boards.
How long does it take to study medicine
in Kenya?
Duration varies from
one course to the next.
But on average,
courses such as Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree can take
6-7 years while the dental surgery degree can take 5-8 years to complete.
Most of the Diplomas
take about 3 years.
What is the best medical course to
study?
Well, that’s a tough
one.
However, we must say
that there are plenty of opportunities for holders of a medicine and surgery
degree and graduates of clinical medicine too.
On the converse, you
could tarmac a bit if you take courses such as biomedical engineering and
Nutrition and Dietetics (this is a bit flooded).
Do your research well
before settling on a course.
What grades do you need to study
medicine?
Overall, a C plain
grade will suffice for Diplomas and C+ (and above) for a degree in medicine and
surgery or clinical medicine.
Refer to the in-depth
explanation above to know the specific requirements to study medicine in Kenya
for every available course.
Is it hard to study medicine?
Well, we hate to use
the word hard- nothing is impossible in this World if you’re determined and
ready to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve your goals.
Nevertheless, medicine
is involving and you must be ready to put in the hours to graduate.
After all, you’re
studying how to diagnose and handle the extraordinarily complicated human
biological system!
Can I study medicine without chemistry?
Yes!
For courses like dental
technology, physics and physical sciences is accepted in place of chemistry.
But for the pure
medicine courses (think of clinical medicine and surgery programs), you must
have studied chemistry in high school and passed with at least a credit.
Final thoughts
We have just looked at
the requirements to study medicine in Kenya and I hope that you now know where
you stand.
Make sure you make the
right decision- consider your passions, career goals, and abilities before
going for a course.
With respect to the
institution to attend, it’s crucial that you check if the institution has
gotten the approval to teach your preferred course.
You don’t want to spend years studying for a worthless paper.