Purdue University for Kenyan Students

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ West Lafayette, Indiana, United States ยท AAU Research University / Top STEM
Direct Entry Available 3 Scholarships โœ“ Verified 2026-04
World Ranking #88
Founded 1869
Students 50,000+
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 $28,794 โ€“ $45,450/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. College of Engineering is the flagship. KCSE accepted as secondary qualification. Purdue has one of the largest international student populations in the US.

English Language

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

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: $28,794โ€“$45,450. 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. Purdue is world-renowned for Engineering, Computer Science, Agriculture, and Pharmacy. Research Assistantships (GRA) are widely available and provide tuition + stipend. STEM OPT eligible for nearly all technical degrees.

English Language

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

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: $28,794โ€“$45,450. 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 via GRA/GTA positions. Stipends $18,000โ€“$28,000/year. Purdue's graduate engineering programmes rank in the top 10 nationally.

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

Purdue Graduate Research Assistantship

Full tuition waiver + $18,000โ€“$24,000/year stipend for research work (~20 hours/week) Deadline: Considered with application โ€” December/January

by Purdue University Departments 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 Purdue University accept KCSE for undergraduate admission?

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

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

The minimum GPA for Masters admission at Purdue 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 Purdue University?

The main scholarships for Kenyan students at Purdue are: the Purdue Graduate Research Assistantship (full tuition waiver + $18,000โ€“$24,000/year stipend), 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 Purdue

Purdue University offers exceptional value for Kenyan students โ€” a top-90 global university with some of the lowest living costs of any major US research institution, at just $980โ€“$1,650/month total. Graduate Research Assistantships provide full tuition waivers and $18,000โ€“$24,000 stipends. Purdue's Engineering and Agriculture programmes are world-leading, and STEM graduates qualify for 36 months of US work authorization.

Official source: Purdue 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 West Lafayette, IN

Accommodation $700 โ€“ $1,200/month

West Lafayette is a small college town with very affordable housing. On-campus and off-campus options available.

Food & Groceries $280 โ€“ $450/month

Cook at home for savings. Campus dining available. Grocery costs are low in Indiana.

Transport $0/month

Campus is walkable and cyclable. Free campus bus system (CityBus) covers most areas. No car needed.

Estimated Total Monthly Cost $980 โ€“ $1,650/month