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.
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