As one of Kenya’s leading private universities, Riara University has built a reputation for delivering quality education across diverse disciplines. With the 2025 academic year approaching, prospective students, parents, and guardians are keen to understand the Riara University 2025 fees structure, admission requirements, and program offerings. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the tuition costs, additional charges, payment options, and key details about the university’s schools and programs. Whether you’re eyeing a degree in law, business, or computer science, this article provides all the information you need to plan your academic journey.
Why Choose Riara University?
Located along Mbagathi Way in Nairobi, Riara University stands out for its holistic approach to education, modern facilities, and industry-aligned programs. Established in 2012, it has quickly risen to prominence, offering accredited courses that cater to both local and international students. With a student population representing over 24 nationalities, Riara fosters a vibrant, cosmopolitan learning environment. Its commitment to excellence is reflected in its accreditation by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and specialized bodies like the Council of Legal Education and ACCA for specific programs.
For 2025, Riara University continues to offer competitive tuition fees, making it an attractive option for students seeking quality education without breaking the bank. Let’s break down the fees structure by school and explore what you’ll need to budget for.
Riara University 2025 Fees Structure: School-by-School Breakdown
Riara University organizes its academic offerings into six specialized schools, each with unique programs and fee structures. Below, we detail the tuition fees per semester (exclusive of statutory charges) for 2025, based on the latest available data.
1. Riara Law School (RLS)
The Riara Law School is fully accredited by the Council of Legal Education, making it a top choice for aspiring lawyers in Kenya.
- Bachelor of Laws
- Tuition Fees: Kshs 136,300 per semester
- Duration: 8 semesters (4 years)
- Admission Requirements: Mean grade of C+ (plus) at KCSE with a B (plain) in English or Kiswahili, or GCE with 3 principal passes.
- Pre-Kenya School of Law Compliance Programme
- Tuition Fees: Kshs 20,400 per course unit
- Ideal for graduates preparing for the Kenya School of Law entry.
Additional Costs: Statutory charges (e.g., registration, library, and examination fees) apply and vary by program.
2. School of International Relations & Diplomacy (RSIRD)
This school prepares students for careers in diplomacy, global affairs, and corporate leadership.
- Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy
- Tuition Fees: Kshs 108,000 per semester (East African students)
- Duration: 6 semesters
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Honours Upper Division in social sciences or humanities.
- Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy
- Tuition Fees: Kshs 97,300 per semester
- Duration: 8 semesters
- Admission Requirements: C+ (plus) in KCSE with C+ in English or Kiswahili.
- Diploma in International Relations and Diplomacy
- Tuition Fees: Kshs 57,000 per semester
- Duration: 4 semesters
- Admission Requirements: C- (minus) at KCSE with C (plain) in English.
- Certificate in Corporate Diplomacy
- Tuition Fees: Kshs 105,000 per semester
- Duration: 1 semester
Note: Fees for non-East African students may differ; contact the admissions office for details.
3. School of Education (RSE)
Focused on competency-based education, this school trains educators for modern pedagogical challenges.
- Certificate in Teaching International Curricula (CTIC) – Module I: Modern Pedagogical Approaches
- Tuition Fees: Kshs 39,000 per semester
- Duration: 1 semester (online evening classes)
- Certificate in Teaching International Curricula (CTIC) – Module II: Redesigning Learning
- Tuition Fees: Kshs 39,000 per semester
- Duration: 1 semester (online evening classes)
Key Feature: Affordable and flexible online options for working professionals.
4. School of Business (RSB)
The School of Business offers ACCA-accredited programs in finance and accounting, alongside other specializations.
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Specializations: Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Logistics Management
- Tuition Fees: Kshs 97,300 per semester
- Duration: 8 semesters
- Admission Requirements: C+ (plus) at KCSE with C (plain) in English and Mathematics.
- Diploma Programmes (Business Management, Procurement and Supply Chain Management)
- Tuition Fees: Kshs 57,000 per semester
- Duration: 4 semesters
- Admission Requirements: C- (minus) at KCSE with D (plain) in Mathematics.
- Certificate in Business Management
- Tuition Fees: Kshs 49,500 per semester
- Duration: 2 semesters
Highlight: Flexible scheduling with day, evening, and weekend classes.
5. School of Communication and Multimedia Journalism (RSCMJ)
This school equips students with skills in media, journalism, and communication.
- Bachelor of Communication and Multimedia Journalism
- Tuition Fees: Kshs 97,300 per semester
- Duration: 8 semesters
- Admission Requirements: C+ (plus) at KCSE with C+ in English or Kiswahili and D+ in Mathematics.
- Diploma in Communication and Multimedia Journalism
- Tuition Fees: Kshs 57,000 per semester
- Duration: 4A semesters
- Admission Requirements: C- (minus) with C (plain) in English or any language.
- Certificate in Communication
- Tuition Fees: Kshs 49,500 per semester
- Duration: 2 semesters
6. School of Computing Sciences (RSCS)
A hub for tech enthusiasts, offering cutting-edge programs in IT and data science.
- Master of Science in Data Science and Computational Intelligence
- Tuition Fees: Kshs 95,000 per semester
- Duration: 6 semesters
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Tuition Fees: Kshs 103,600 per semester
- Duration: 8 semesters
- Admission Requirements: C+ (plus) in KCSE with C+ in Mathematics or Physics.
- Bachelor of Business Information Technology (BBIT)
- Tuition Fees: Kshs 102,550 per semester
- Duration: 8 semesters
- Diploma Programmes (Computer Science, Business IT, Information and Cyber Security, Robotics, IT)
- Tuition Fees: Kshs 72,500 – 75,000 per semester
- Duration: 4 semesters
- Certificate in Information Technology
- Tuition Fees: Kshs 8,700 per unit (core); Kshs 8,250 per unit (foundation)
Professional Programmes:
- Ethical Hacking: Kshs 12,500 per unit
- CCNA: Kshs 44,000 (all modules)
- Digital Marketing: Kshs 53,600
Additional Costs: Statutory Charges and Other Fees
Beyond tuition, students must account for statutory charges, which cover administrative and academic services. These typically include:
- Registration Fee: Paid once upon admission (e.g., Kshs 9,000 for some programs).
- Library Fee: Access to digital and physical resources.
- Examination Fee: Per semester or unit.
- Student Activity Fee: Supports extracurriculars and campus events.
Exact amounts vary by program and are subject to change. Riara University reserves the right to adjust fees, with updates approved by the Governing Council. For a detailed breakdown, contact admissions@riarauniversity.ac.ke.
Payment Options and Financial Planning
Riara University offers flexible payment methods to ease the financial burden:
- Bank Deposits:
- Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB): Account No. 1132688035, Prestige Branch.
- NCBA: Account No. 6960380019, Upperhill Branch.
- MPESA:
- Paybill No. 805702; Account Name: Student’s Name.
- Banker’s Cheques: Accepted; cash and personal cheques are not.
Tips for Financial Planning:
- Budget for tuition and statutory fees per semester.
- Factor in living expenses (e.g., accommodation, transport) if studying on-campus.
- Explore scholarships or financial aid options through the university’s website.
Admission Requirements for 2025
Riara University tailors its entry criteria to each program level:
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Minimum KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) with subject-specific requirements (e.g., B in English for Law).
- Master’s Degrees: Second Class Honours Upper Division or equivalent.
- Diplomas: C- (minus) at KCSE with program-specific grades.
- Certificates: D+ (plus) at KCSE or equivalent.
- Foreign Applicants: Certificates must be equated by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) at www.knqa.go.ke.
Application Process:
- Pay a non-refundable fee of Kshs 2,000 via MPESA.
- Submit forms, academic certificates, and a passport-size photo to admissions@riarauniversity.ac.ke.
- Await an admission letter with further instructions.
Comparing Riara University Fees to Other Kenyan Institutions
How does Riara stack up against competitors like Strathmore or USIU-Africa?
- Strathmore University: Known for higher fees (e.g., Law at ~Kshs 150,000+ per semester).
- USIU-Africa: Tuition ranges from Kshs 120,000–150,000 per semester, depending on the program.
- Riara University: Offers competitive rates (e.g., Kshs 97,300–136,300 for undergraduate degrees), balancing quality and affordability.
Riara’s focus on pocket-friendly education, combined with its modern facilities, makes it a strong contender in Kenya’s higher education landscape.
Why Riara University Fees Are Worth It
Investing in Riara University means access to:
- Accredited Programs: Recognized by CUE and global bodies like ACCA.
- Industry Partnerships: Practical training and internships.
- Flexible Learning: Day, evening, and weekend classes.
- Global Exposure: Diverse student body and international curricula.
A tracer study shows many Riara graduates are productively engaged, reflecting the university’s career-oriented approach.
