University of Michigan for Kenyan Students
Entry Requirements by Level
Academic Requirements
Direct entry available. Apply via Common Application. Ross School of Business and College of Engineering are most selective. WAEC accepted as secondary qualification.
English Language
IELTS: 6.5+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: $57,000–$62,000. Application deadline: November 1–15 (Early Action/Decision); January 1–15 (Regular Decision).
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 3/4. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required. Rackham Graduate School is the central graduate admissions office. Engineering, CS, and Public Policy are top programmes. STEM OPT eligible for most technical masters.
English Language
IELTS: 6.5+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: $57,000–$62,000. Application deadline: December 1 – February 1 (varies by programme). Decision time: 8–16 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 are fully funded via Rackham fellowships and departmental assistantships. Stipends range $20,000–$34,000/year.
Specific Requirements
Research proposal required. Identify and contact a potential supervisor before applying. References from two academic supervisors.
Deadline
December 1 – January 15
Documents Required
Available Scholarships
Rackham Merit Fellowship
by University of Michigan (Rackham Graduate School) · Masters, Phd
Learn more →Fulbright Foreign Student Program
by US Government (Department of State) · Masters, Phd
Learn more →Graduate Assistantship (Teaching/Research)
by University Department · Masters, Phd
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Michigan accept KCSE for undergraduate admission?
Yes — KCSE is accepted as the secondary school qualification for undergraduate admission to University of Michigan. WES credential evaluation is recommended. No foundation year is required for direct entry.
What GPA is required for a Masters degree at University of Michigan?
The minimum GPA for Masters admission at University of Michigan 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 University of Michigan?
The main scholarships for Kenyan students at University of Michigan are: the Rackham Merit Fellowship (university-specific, full PhD funding or partial Masters), the Fulbright Foreign Student Program (US government, full funding for Masters/PhD — apply through the US Embassy in Kenya), and departmental Graduate Assistantships (tuition waiver + $15,000–$34,000/year stipend).
Tips for Applying to U of M
University of Michigan is a flagship public research university offering top-ranked programmes in Engineering, Computer Science, and Public Policy. Kenyan students with STEM degrees qualify for up to 36 months of OPT work authorization after graduation, giving strong US employment prospects. The Ann Arbor campus is welcoming to international students, with a large East African student community and active career support.
Official source: University of Michigan ↗Plan Your United States Student Visa
Check visa requirements, documents and costs for Kenyan passport holders applying to United States.
Cost of Living in Ann Arbor, MI
Varies by proximity to campus. On-campus housing available. Off-campus can be cheaper.
Cook at home for savings. Campus meal plans available.
Includes public transit or campus bus. Many universities have free campus shuttles.