Northeastern University for Kenyan Students

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Boston, Massachusetts, United States ยท R1 Research University
Direct Entry Available 3 Scholarships โœ“ Verified 2026-04
World Ranking #384
Founded 1898
Students 23,000+
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 $40,000 โ€“ $60,000/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 Common Application. Northeastern's co-op programme is one of the best in the US โ€” students alternate semesters of study with paid work terms at top employers. KCSE accepted.

English Language

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

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: $40,000โ€“$60,000. 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 in CS, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Business. Co-op is available for select MS programmes. STEM OPT eligible for most technical degrees.

English Language

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

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: $40,000โ€“$60,000. 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 in STEM and humanities fields. Many are fully funded via research assistantships.

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

Northeastern Co-op Program

Earn $15,000โ€“$25,000 per term in paid co-op work placements during study โ€” not a scholarship but significantly reduces net cost Deadline: Integrated into study plan โ€” no separate application

by Employer Partners (via Northeastern University) ยท Undergraduate, 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 Northeastern University accept KCSE for undergraduate admission?

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

What GPA is required for a Masters degree at Northeastern University?

The minimum GPA for Masters admission at Northeastern 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 Northeastern University?

The main scholarships for Kenyan students at Northeastern University are: the Northeastern Co-op Program (earn $15,000โ€“$25,000/term in paid work placements during study), the Fulbright Foreign Student Program (US government, full funding for Masters/PhD โ€” apply through the US Embassy in Kenya), and departmental Graduate Assistantships (tuition waiver + $15,000โ€“$34,000/year stipend).

Tips for Applying to Northeastern

Northeastern University is one of the most practically-oriented universities in the US, with its famous co-op programme integrating paid work placements of $15,000โ€“$25,000 per term directly into the degree. For Kenyan students seeking US work experience alongside their studies, this model is particularly advantageous. Boston's strong tech and biotech job market, combined with 36-month STEM OPT eligibility, makes Northeastern an excellent investment.

Official source: Northeastern 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 Boston, MA

Accommodation $1,800 โ€“ $3,000/month

Boston is one of the most expensive US cities. On-campus housing recommended for first year.

Food & Groceries $400 โ€“ $600/month

Cook at home for savings. Campus meal plans available.

Transport $90/month

MBTA monthly pass covers subway and bus. Many students walk or cycle.

Estimated Total Monthly Cost $2,290 โ€“ $3,690/month