Recognition and Equation of Foreign Qualifications in Kenya

🌍 Recognition and Equation of Foreign Qualifications in Kenya

Commission for University Education (CUE) Process Guide

Hold a diploma, degree, postgraduate diploma, or certificate from a university outside Kenya and plan to use it locally. This can be for work, professional licensing, or further studies. You must have it officially recognized and equated by the Commission for University Education (CUE).

CUE is the designated regulatory authority responsible for assessing foreign academic qualifications and determining their equivalence to Kenyan standards, as provided for under:

• Section 5(1)(g) and Section 5A(2) of the Universities Act No. 42 of 2012 (Revised Edition 2016)

• Part XI of the Universities Regulations, 2014

• The Universities Standards and Guidelines, 2014

✅ Who Needs Qualification Recognition in Kenya?

You need CUE recognition if you:

• Studied abroad and want to apply for a job in Kenya

• Are seeking admission into a Kenyan university

• Need your qualification approved by a professional body (e.g., LSK, EACC, EBK)

📋 General Requirements for Recognition and Equation

To begin the CUE recognition and equation process, the following four key requirements must be met:

1. Your Qualification Must Be from an Accredited Institution

The diploma or degree must be awarded by a recognized and accredited institution in the country where you studied. CUE does not accept qualifications from unregistered or unaccredited universities or colleges.

2. The Institution Must Be Legally Recognized

The awarding university must be listed by its national regulator (e.g., Ministry of Higher Education, Council for Higher Education, etc.). If the institution has no official status, its awards cannot be equated in Kenya.

3. You Must Have Met the Entry Requirements

You must demonstrate that you met the minimum entry qualifications for the academic program you pursued. For example:

• A Bachelor’s degree requires completion of high school with university-level admission grades.

• A Master’s degree requires a recognized undergraduate degree.

• A Postgraduate diploma requires a prior degree in a relevant field.

If your entry qualifications do not meet Kenyan standards, your application will not be approved, even if you successfully completed the program.

4. You Must Submit Certified Academic Documents

All academic certificates and transcripts must be properly certified as follows:

• Kenyan Citizens: By an Advocate and Commissioner for Oaths in Kenya

• Foreign Nationals: By an Advocate and Notary Public in your country

• Alternative: Certification by the issuing university or institution is also acceptable

Ensure your copies are clear, complete, and certified in line with CUE’s requirements.

🎓 Why CUE Recognition Is Important

Recognition and equation confirm the academic value of your foreign qualification in Kenya. Without it, you may not be eligible to:

• Get hired for formal employment

• Pursue higher education locally

• Register with professional bodies

• Qualify for immigration or licensing processes

📝 Need Help With the Process?

We assist clients in:

• Certifying academic documents (for both locals and foreigners)

• Reviewing qualifications before submission

• Guiding you through the CUE application process