Maasai Mara University (MMARAU), a leading public institution in Narok County, Kenya, has announced critical updates for the 2025/2026 academic year, particularly regarding course registration deadlines. The Office of the Registrar – Academic Affairs issued a memo on September 16, 2025, outlining the deadline for course registration and fee clearance for Semester 1, set for Friday, September 19, 2025. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the registration process, deadlines, admission requirements, fee structures, and other essential details for both new and continuing students. Whether you’re a prospective student, a current scholar, or a guardian seeking clarity, this guide covers everything you need to know to navigate the registration process at Maasai Mara University.
Overview of Maasai Mara University
Located 150 km southwest of Nairobi, en route to the iconic Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Maasai Mara University is a public institution established in 2008 under the Commission for University Education of Kenya. Renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, MMARAU’s vision is to be a world-class university committed to academic excellence for development. The university offers a diverse range of programs across certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels, catering to both local and international students. With its main campus in Narok County and additional campuses in Bomet, Kipipiri, Nairobi, Kajiado, Kilgoris, Kisii Town, and Nyandarua, MMARAU is a hub for innovative teaching, research, and consultancy services.
The university is organized into five key schools:
- School of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Creative Industries
- School of Business and Economics
- School of Education
- School of Natural Resources, Environmental Studies, and Agriculture
- School of Science
These schools offer programs in fields such as business, ICT, education, psychology, tourism, environmental sciences, and health sciences, ensuring students are equipped with market-driven skills. Additionally, MMARAU’s e-Academy provides open-distance and e-learning (ODEL) opportunities, making education accessible to a broader audience.
Key Announcement: Semester 1 Registration Deadline for 2025/2026
On September 16, 2025, the Registrar of Academic Affairs, Dr. Otieno Fredrick Onyango, issued a memo (Ref: MMU/AA031/006/2025/VOL.8(17)) reminding students of the course registration deadline for Semester 1 of the 2025/2026 academic year. According to the memo, all students must complete their course registration by Friday, September 19, 2025. This deadline applies to both new students (reporting from August 25, 2025) and continuing students (reporting from August 28, 2025).
The memo also emphasizes the importance of fee clearance, stating that students must pay at least 60% of their household fees by the deadline to be eligible for registration. Failure to meet this requirement may lead to deferment of studies, as outlined in Section 10 of the Admissions Policy, accessible on the university’s website. This policy underscores MMARAU’s commitment to ensuring a smooth academic process while maintaining financial accountability.
Why the Deadline Matters
The registration deadline is critical for several reasons:
- Course Enrollment: Registering for courses ensures students are officially enrolled in their desired programs for the semester.
- Fee Clearance: Paying at least 60% of fees is a prerequisite for registration, aligning with the university’s financial policies.
- Academic Progression: Timely registration prevents disruptions in academic schedules, allowing students to commence lectures on September 1, 2025, as outlined in the academic calendar.
- Avoiding Deferment: Non-compliance with the deadline may result in students being required to defer their studies, delaying their academic progress.
How to Register for Courses at Maasai Mara University
The registration process at MMARAU is streamlined to accommodate both online and offline methods, ensuring accessibility for all students. Below is a step-by-step guide to completing course registration for Semester 1 of the 2025/2026 academic year.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Access the MMARAU Student Portal:
- Visit the official student portal at students.mmarau.ac.ke. Ensure JavaScript is enabled, as the portal requires it for functionality.
- Log in using your student credentials (e.g., registration number and password). New students receive login details upon admission.
- Download Admission Letter (New Students):
- For government-sponsored students (via KUCCPS), navigate to the “GSSP Admission Letter” section on the portal.
- Enter your KCSE index number and submit to view and download your admission letter.
- Print the admission letter for reference during registration and clearance.
- Complete Fee Payment:
- Pay at least 60% of the household fees as required by the deadline (September 19, 2025).
- Payments can be made via:
- M-Pesa: Use the university’s paybill number (details available on the website).
- Bankers Cheque: Payable to Maasai Mara University at Co-operative Bank, Narok Branch (A/C No. provided on the website).
- E-Citizen Platform: Follow instructions on the Jiunge app for seamless payment of fees and university services.
- Retain payment receipts for clearance.
- Clear Fees with the Finance Office:
- Submit proof of payment to the university’s Finance Office for clearance.
- New students must present a copy of their National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) card during clearance.
- Register for Courses:
- Log into the student portal and select your courses for Semester 1 based on your program requirements.
- Ensure you meet the specific subject requirements for your chosen courses, as outlined in the admission criteria.
- Submit Registration Details:
- Submit your course selections through the portal or at the Registrar’s office (P.O. Box 861-20500, Narok, Kenya).
- For offline registration, download the registration form from www.mmarau.ac.ke, complete it, and submit it with the required non-refundable application fee:
- Certificate and Diploma: Ksh 500
- Undergraduate: Ksh 1,000
- Postgraduate: Ksh 2,000
- Attend Orientation (New Students):
- Orientation for first-year students is scheduled from August 26 to August 31, 2025, to familiarize them with the university’s systems, policies, and academic expectations.
Important Notes
- Online Application Portal: The MMARAU admission portal (portal.mmarau.ac.ke) is the primary platform for course registration and admission-related activities. Once the portal closes on September 19, 2025, no new registrations will be accepted.
- Deferment Policy: Students unable to meet the 60% fee requirement by the deadline should refer to Section 10 of the Admissions Policy for deferment procedures. Deferment allows students to postpone their studies without losing their admission status.
- HELB Loan Assistance: The university provides support for Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) applications to help students meet fee requirements. Contact the Dean of Students for assistance.
Admission Requirements for 2025/2026 Academic Year
To register for courses, students must first meet MMARAU’s admission criteria, which vary by program level. Below are the general and specific requirements for each category.
Certificate Programs
- Minimum Entry Requirement: Mean grade of C- in KCSE or its equivalent.
- Additional Requirements: Specific subject requirements may apply depending on the course (e.g., Mathematics for technical programs).
- Duration: Typically 1–2 years, depending on the program.
Diploma Programs
- Minimum Entry Requirement: Mean grade of C plain in KCSE or its equivalent.
- Additional Requirements: Relevant subject passes as specified by the program (e.g., Biology for health-related diplomas).
- Duration: 2–3 years, with options for progression to degree programs.
Undergraduate Programs
- Minimum Entry Requirement:
- Mean grade of C+ in KCSE or its equivalent, or
- Two principal passes and one subsidiary pass at A-level, or
- A diploma in a relevant field from a recognized institution.
- Specific Subject Requirements: Each program has subject-specific requirements (e.g., a pass in English for journalism programs).
- Duration: 4 years for most bachelor’s degrees.
Postgraduate Programs
- Master’s Programs:
- A minimum of an Upper Second Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline, or
- A Second Class Honours (Lower Division) with at least two years of relevant work experience, or
- A bachelor’s degree with a pass and a postgraduate diploma in a relevant field.
- Duration: 1–2 years.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD):
- A master’s degree from MMARAU or a recognized institution.
- Duration: Typically 3 years.
Bridging Courses
- MMARAU offers bridging courses in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics for students who do not meet specific subject requirements. Note that bridging grades do not guarantee admission but enhance eligibility.
International Students
- MMARAU welcomes students from all nationalities. Tuition fees for non-East African Community citizens are 30% higher than for local students. Applicants must meet the same academic requirements as Kenyan students.
Fee Structure for 2025/2026 Academic Year
The cost of studying at MMARAU varies by program and is subject to periodic revisions. Below is an overview of the fee structure for select undergraduate programs based on the 2023/2024 academic year, which provides a reference point for 2025/2026 (students should verify current fees on the university website).
Undergraduate Fee Structure (Per Semester)
- Bachelor of Arts (e.g., Kiswahili and Journalism, Community Development, Social Work, Political Science, Public Administration, Geography): Ksh 76,500
- Bachelor of Education (Arts): Ksh 91,800
- Bachelor of Commerce, Human Resource Management, Economics, Financial Economics, Entrepreneurship, Project Planning, Hospitality Management, Information Science, Communication & Public Relations, Literature, Arts Geography: Ksh 102,000
- Bachelor of Science (e.g., Mathematics, Physics, Botany, Chemistry, Zoology, Microbiology): Ksh 112,200
Additional Fees
- Accommodation (Optional): Ksh 4,500 per semester (for on-campus residents).
- Teaching Practice (Education Students): Ksh 12,000 (payable in the third year).
- Industrial Attachment (Non-Education Programs): Ksh 8,000 (payable in the third year).
- Bushmanship/Field Courses: Ksh 13,000 (for applicable courses like tourism and environmental sciences).
Payment Options
- M-Pesa: Convenient for mobile payments.
- Bankers Cheque: Payable to Maasai Mara University at Co-operative Bank, Narok Branch.
- E-Citizen Platform: Accessible via the Jiunge app for secure transactions.
Students are encouraged to apply for HELB loans or scholarships to offset costs. The university’s Financial Aid Office provides guidance on these options.
Academic Calendar for 2025/2026: Key Dates
The academic calendar for the 2025/2026 academic year, as outlined in the Registrar’s memo and supporting sources, provides a clear timeline for students. Below are key dates for Semester 1 (September–December 2025):
- August 25, 2025: Reporting and registration of new students.
- August 26–31, 2025: Orientation for new students.
- August 28, 2025: Reporting and registration for continuing students.
- September 1, 2025: Lectures commence.
- September 19, 2025: Deadline for course registration and 60% fee payment.
- September 23–27, 2025: Submission of draft question papers for Semester 1 exams.
- September 23–October 11, 2025: First Continuous Assessment Test (CAT).
- December 19, 2025: End of Semester 1.
The calendar also includes regular administrative meetings, such as the Deans Committee (first Wednesday of the month) and Senate Meetings (third Wednesday of the month), ensuring smooth academic operations.
Support Services for Students
MMARAU is committed to providing a supportive learning environment through various services:
- HELB Loan and Scholarship Assistance: The Dean of Students’ office guides students through the application process for financial aid.
- E-Learning Platform: The Centre for ICT & e-Learning supports open-distance learning, making education accessible to students unable to attend on-campus classes.
- Student Portal: The portal (students.mmarau.ac.ke) is a one-stop platform for course registration, fee payments, and accessing admission letters.
- On-Campus and Off-Campus Housing: While on-campus housing is limited, MMARAU provides information on off-campus housing options in Narok and surrounding areas.
- Academic Advising: Each school has dedicated advisors to help students select courses and plan their academic journey.
Tips for Successful Registration
To ensure a smooth registration process, students should:
- Plan Ahead: Review program requirements and select courses early to avoid last-minute issues.
- Secure Funding: Apply for HELB loans or scholarships well in advance to meet the 60% fee requirement.
- Use the Student Portal: Familiarize yourself with the online portal for seamless registration and access to resources.
- Contact Support: Reach out to the Registrar’s office (reg.aa@mmarau.ac.ke or +254 20 5131400) or the Admissions Office for clarification on any issues.
- Check Deadlines: Mark September 19, 2025, on your calendar to avoid missing the registration deadline.
Why Choose Maasai Mara University?
MMARAU stands out as a premier institution due to its:
- Diverse Programs: From certificate to PhD levels, the university offers market-driven courses in business, education, sciences, and more.
- Innovative Learning: The e-Academy and advanced ICT infrastructure support flexible learning options.
- Strategic Location: Situated near the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, the university offers a serene environment conducive to learning.
- Research and Collaboration: Partnerships with institutions like the University of Tsukuba, Japan, enhance academic and research opportunities.
- Commitment to Excellence: Under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Peninah Aloo Obudho, MMARAU continues to prioritize quality education and student success.
The course registration deadline of September 19, 2025, for Semester 1 of the 2025/2026 academic year at Maasai Mara University is a critical milestone for students. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in the Registrar’s memo, completing fee payments, and utilizing the university’s online portal, students can ensure a seamless registration process. MMARAU’s commitment to academic excellence, supported by its diverse programs, robust support services, and strategic academic calendar, makes it an ideal choice for students seeking quality education in Kenya.
For further inquiries, visit www.mmarau.ac.ke or contact the Registrar’s office at reg.aa@mmarau.ac.ke or +254 20 5131400. Stay proactive, meet the deadlines, and embark on your academic journey with confidence at Maasai Mara University!
