Arizona State University for Kenyan Students

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Tempe, Arizona, United States ยท R1 Research University โ€” #1 in US Innovation
Direct Entry Available 3 Scholarships โœ“ Verified 2026-04
World Ranking #173
Founded 1885
Students 80,000+
Last updated: 2026-04 ยท Always verify with the official university website
Quick Facts โ€” Kenyan Students
KCSE Accepted Not Accepted
Minimum GPA (Masters) 3 / 4
IELTS Required 6.5 overall
Tuition Range $30,348 โ€“ $37,202/yr
Scholarships Available Yes โ€“ 3 available
Application Deadline December 1 โ€“ February 1 (varies by programme)
Processing Time 8โ€“16 weeks

Entry Requirements by Level

Academic Requirements

Direct entry available. Apply via ASU application portal. Admission is accessible โ€” rolling admissions. KCSE accepted as secondary qualification. Strong STEM and Business programmes. Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering is highly regarded.

English Language

IELTS: 6.5+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted โ€” contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: $30,348โ€“$37,202. Application deadline: November 1โ€“15 (Early Action/Decision); January 1โ€“15 (Regular Decision).

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA: 3/4. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required. Strong graduate programmes across Engineering, Business (W. P. Carey), Education, and Sustainability. Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is the premier award for African graduate students. STEM OPT eligible.

English Language

IELTS: 6.5+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted โ€” contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: $30,348โ€“$37,202. Application deadline: December 1 โ€“ February 1 (varies by programme). Decision time: 8โ€“16 weeks.

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA: 3/4. Master's degree required (or Bachelor's with First Class Honours for some programmes). Fully funded positions available. PhD programmes available across disciplines. Many funded via research assistantships. Strong interdisciplinary research culture.

Specific Requirements

Research proposal required. Identify and contact a potential supervisor before applying. References from two academic supervisors.

Deadline

December 1 โ€“ January 15

Documents Required

Official academic transcript (translated & certified)
Motivation letter (500โ€“1,000 words)
Two academic references
Valid international passport
IELTS/TOEFL score report
Financial evidence (bank statement or sponsor letter)
Research proposal (PhD applicants)

Available Scholarships

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU

Full tuition + accommodation + living stipend โ€” 40 fully-funded graduate scholarships for African nationals annually Deadline: Typically Octoberโ€“November (check ASU Mastercard Foundation page annually)

by Mastercard Foundation ยท Masters

Learn more โ†’

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Full tuition + living allowance + flights + health insurance Deadline: Februaryโ€“May (via US Embassy in home country)

by US Government (Department of State) ยท Masters, Phd

Learn more โ†’

Graduate Assistantship (Teaching/Research)

Full tuition waiver + $15,000โ€“$34,000/year stipend Deadline: Januaryโ€“February (apply with graduate application)

by University Department ยท Masters, Phd

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arizona State University accept KCSE for undergraduate admission?

Yes โ€” KCSE is accepted as the secondary school qualification for undergraduate admission to Arizona State University. WES credential evaluation is recommended. No foundation year is required for direct entry.

What GPA is required for a Masters degree at Arizona State University?

The minimum GPA for Masters admission at Arizona State University is 3.0/4.0. Competitive programmes may require 3.5+. Your undergraduate transcript from a recognised Kenyan university is the primary academic credential.

What scholarships are available for Kenyan students at Arizona State University?

The most important scholarship for Kenyan students at ASU is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program โ€” 40 fully-funded graduate scholarships annually for African nationals, covering tuition, accommodation, and a living stipend. Additional options include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program and departmental Graduate Assistantships (tuition waiver + $15,000โ€“$34,000/year stipend).

Tips for Applying to ASU

Arizona State University hosts the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, offering 40 fully-funded graduate scholarships annually for African nationals โ€” the most significant dedicated scholarship for African students at any US university. ASU's accessible admission standards, strong STEM programmes, and 36-month STEM OPT eligibility make it particularly attractive for Kenyan students seeking a funded pathway to a US education and career.

Official source: Arizona State University โ†—

Plan Your United States Student Visa

Check visa requirements, documents and costs for Kenyan passport holders applying to United States.

Full Visa Guide โ†’

Cost of Living in Tempe, AZ

Accommodation $900 โ€“ $1,600/month

Tempe is more affordable than Phoenix city centre. On-campus housing available. Off-campus apartments are plentiful.

Food & Groceries $300 โ€“ $500/month

Cook at home for savings. Campus meal plans available. Tempe has many affordable dining options.

Transport $64/month

ASU students have access to Tempe bus routes. Light rail connects to Phoenix. Many students cycle on flat terrain.

Estimated Total Monthly Cost $1,264 โ€“ $2,164/month