Garissa University

Garissa, Kenya

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: Garissa University
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public

Based in Garissa, Kenya, Garissa University is a public institution that functions as a higher-education provider within Kenya.

The academic catalogue at Garissa University runs across bachelor's through doctoral programmes, with multiple faculties hosting a catalogue of active programmes. Each unit administers its own admissions and curriculum framework.

Location & Contact

Looking to reach Garissa University? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.

Address: P.O. Box 1801 – 70100 University Way , off Kismayu Road

Academic Details

The numbers below cover the academic side of Garissa University. Academic calendar conventions vary — semester, trimester, or quarter systems each carry different teaching rhythms.

Accrediting Agency: Commission for University Education (CUE)

Degrees

Below: Garissa University's degree portfolio by level. Honours versus general degrees differ in academic depth and graduate-school recognition — read entry requirements carefully.

Bachelor's 23 programs

Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.

  • Actuarial Science
  • Arabic
  • Botany
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Development Studies
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Environmental Studies
  • Human Resources
  • Information Sciences
  • Islamic Studies
  • Management
  • Mathematics
  • Natural Resources
  • Physics
  • Political Sciences
  • Preschool Education
  • Primary Education
  • Public Administration
  • Social and Community Services
  • Zoology
Master's 4 programs

Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.

  • Arid Land Studies
  • Business Administration
  • Educational Administration
  • Natural Resources
Doctoral 1 program

Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.

  • Educational Administration

Faculties & Divisions

Browse Garissa University's departmental structure. Field placement and internship programmes are managed at the faculty level and vary widely in availability and quality.

Peace & Security Studies (Institute) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Business & Economics (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business Administration
  • Economics

Common Career Paths

  • Business Analyst
  • Operations Manager
  • Strategy Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Education & Social Sciences (School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Education
  • Information Sciences
  • Social Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Pure & Applied Sciences (School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Science
  • Information Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Natural Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

Garissa University's teaching programmes are listed below — search or scan by level. International student eligibility varies by programme — some require additional language or visa-pathway checks.

32 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Kenya

Bachelor's Degree 16 programmes

Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Economics
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration
Public Administration
Bachelor of Business Management
Business & Management
Bachelor of Education (Arts)
Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Primary Education
Early Childhood Education
Bachelor of Education (Science)
Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Science
Natural Sciences
Bachelor of Science (Mathematics)
Mathematics
Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science
Natural Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistics with Computing
Information Systems & Technology

Showing 10 of 16.

Master's Degree 8 programmes

Master of Arts in Community Development
Development Studies
Master of Arts in Geography
Geography
Master of Arts in Kiswahili
Liberal Arts
Master of Arts in Peace, Security and Conflict Management
Business & Management
Master of Business Administration
Business Administration
Master of Education (Curriculum Studies)
Education & Teaching
Master of Education (Educational Administration)
Education & Teaching
Master of Science in Geospatial Science
Aerospace & Automotive Engineering

Doctorate 6 programmes

Doctor of Philosophy (Educational Management)
Business & Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management
Business & Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Dryland Environment & Natural Resources Management
Business & Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Curriculum Studies)
Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Geospatial Science
Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy in Peace, Security and Conflict Management
Business & Management

Postgraduate Diploma 2 programmes

Postgraduate Diploma in Geospatial Science
Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
Postgraduate Diploma in Peace, Security and Conflict Management
Business & Management

How to apply to Garissa University

How to apply to Garissa University — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Garissa University

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Garissa University runs 32 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Before applying to Garissa University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Kenya.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Garissa University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Lodge your application through the official website (gau.ac.ke). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Garissa University

Frequently asked questions about Garissa University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.

Where can I find Garissa University?

The institution is located in Garissa, Kenya.

Is Garissa University a public or private institution?

It is a public higher-education institution.

What qualification levels does Garissa University offer?

Garissa University delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.

Who recognises Garissa University?

The institution holds recognition from Commission for University Education (CUE).

What is Garissa University's official website?

Garissa University's official website is gau.ac.ke.

Top-Ranked Universities in Kenya

Below: Kenya's top-ranked universities, providing benchmarks for Garissa University's academic standing. National rankings reflect a mix of research output, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes.

Where Else to Study Business & Management

Programme-led research opportunities for Business & Management students differ. Research-active programmes give undergraduates access to active labs; teaching-only programmes do not.

Universities Compared with Garissa University

Rankings methodologies differ across peer institutions to Garissa University. National, subject-specific, and international rankings can all tell different stories about the same set of universities.

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