Ohio State University for Kenyan Students

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Columbus, Ohio, United States ยท Big Ten Public Research University
Direct Entry Available 3 Scholarships โœ“ Verified 2026-04
World Ranking #190
Founded 1870
Students 60,000+
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 7 overall
Tuition Range $42,740 โ€“ $44,000/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. Fisher College of Business and College of Engineering are most popular for international students. KCSE accepted as secondary qualification.

English Language

IELTS: 7+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted โ€” contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: $42,740โ€“$44,000. 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 across Engineering, Business, Agriculture, and Public Policy. Graduate College University Fellowships are highly competitive. STEM OPT eligible.

English Language

IELTS: 7+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted โ€” contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: $42,740โ€“$44,000. 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. Most PhD programmes fully funded. University Fellowship and departmental GTA/GRA positions available. Stipends $18,000โ€“$30,000/year.

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

University Fellowship

Full tuition waiver + stipend โ€” highly competitive merit award for incoming graduate students Deadline: Considered with application โ€” December/January

by Ohio State University Graduate School ยท Masters, Phd

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 Ohio State University accept KCSE for undergraduate admission?

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

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

The minimum GPA for Masters admission at Ohio 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 Ohio State University?

The main scholarships for Kenyan students at Ohio State University are: the University Fellowship (full tuition + stipend, highly competitive), 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 Ohio State

Ohio State University is a flagship public research university offering strong programmes in Engineering, Business, and Agriculture โ€” all highly relevant to Kenyan career goals. Columbus is an increasingly important US tech hub, and OSU STEM graduates can access 36 months of OPT work authorization. The University Fellowship provides competitive full funding for top graduate applicants, and living costs in Columbus are among the most affordable of any major US university city.

Official source: Ohio 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 Columbus, OH

Accommodation $800 โ€“ $1,500/month

Columbus is one of the more affordable major US university cities. On-campus and off-campus options available.

Food & Groceries $300 โ€“ $500/month

Cook at home for savings. Campus meal plans available.

Transport $65/month

COTA bus system covers campus and city. Many students cycle or use university shuttles.

Estimated Total Monthly Cost $1,165 โ€“ $2,065/month