KUCCPS: 5 Ony Universities Offering Architecture Degree; Program Fees
In a bid to streamline the construction sector and ensure the production of fully-trained architects, the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has approved a limited number of institutions to offer the Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree.
This article explores the approved institutions, associated charges, career opportunities, and available financing options for aspiring architects in Kenya.
Approved Institutions
The KUCCPS has selected five institutions to offer the Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Kenyatta University (KU) are the primary institutions where students can pursue a Bachelor of Architecture.
Other approved institutions include the University of Nairobi (UoN), the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), and the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM).
The cost of the program varies among these institutions.
At JKUAT, the Bachelor of Architecture is the most expensive, with an annual fee of Ksh367,200.
UoN charges Ksh347,650 per year, while Kenyatta University charges Ksh306,000.
The Technical University of Kenya offers the Bachelor of Architectural Studies at a cost of Ksh288,000, and TUM charges Ksh275,400.
Selection Process and Career Opportunities
The selection process for students seeking admission into architectural programs considers their performance in Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, and Physics.
Additional subjects may also be considered based on the preferences of individual universities.
The selection criteria are determined by the cluster points system, with cut-off points ranging from 39 to 43 points in the previous year.
A career in architecture involves the art and science of designing buildings and other structures. Students pursuing architecture will learn various skills, including sketching, conceiving, planning, designing, and constructing buildings.
The selected universities aim to equip students with market-relevant skills, considering the evolving nature of the construction sector.
There are diverse career opportunities available for architectural graduates.
Some of the roles include Architect, Senior Architect, Project Architect, Design Architect, and Urban Planner. Additionally, graduates can pursue careers as Landscape Architects, Interior Designers, Construction Managers, Project Managers, and Quantity Surveyors.
Professionals in these fields can expect competitive salaries ranging from Ksh70,000 to Ksh120,000 per month.
Financing Options
To address the financing challenges faced by students, the government has introduced scholarships, loans, and bursaries.
President William Ruto has emphasized that government scholarships and loans will support students’ education.
The funding model provides up to 38% of the program’s cost through scholarships and 55% through loans for eligible students.
The remaining 7% will be covered by the students’ households.
For students joining Technical and Vocational Education and Training Schools (TVETS), the funding model is slightly different.
Government scholarships cover 32% of the costs, loans cover 48%, and the students’ households are responsible for 20% of the expenses.
Conclusion
The government’s efforts to streamline the construction sector in Kenya have led to the approval of five institutions to offer the Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree.
Aspiring architects can pursue this degree at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenyatta University, the University of Nairobi, the Technical University of Kenya, and the Technical University of Mombasa.
These institutions aim to equip students with the necessary skills for a successful career in architecture.
Furthermore, the government has introduced financing options, including scholarships and loans, to support students in pursuing their education in this field.
With a range of career opportunities and competitive salaries, architectural studies offer promising prospects for individuals passionate about designing and constructing buildings.
KUCCPS: 5 Ony Universities Offering Architecture Degree; Program Fees
