Help Centre
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to the most common questions about CIU, our programmes, admissions, and student life.
About CIU
Consolata International University (CIU) is a private Catholic university in Kenya, rooted in the charism and mission of the Consolata Missionaries. It provides a transformative educational experience that prepares graduates who are academically proficient, compassionate, ethical, and socially responsible.
CIU received its Letter of Interim Authority (LIA) from the Kenya Commission for University Education (CUE) on 20th August 2025, officially recognising it as a university.
CIU currently has three schools and a Language Centre: the School of Philosophy, the School of Theology, the School of Counselling Psychology, and the Language Centre. Additional schools will be set up as the university grows.
The CIP is an affiliate institute to the Faculty of Philosophy of the Pontifical Urbaniana University (PUU). It operates within CIU's premises but has its own administrative and academic autonomy. Its graduates receive the Baccalaureate in Philosophy, a pontifical degree recognised throughout the Catholic Church.
The CIT opened to its first students in August 2024 and has applied for affiliation to the Faculty of Theology of the Pontifical Urbaniana University. It operates within CIU's premises with its own administrative and academic autonomy, preparing students for the Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (STB).
CIU is located in Nairobi, Kenya. The campus grew from a seminary established near St. Thomas Aquinas National Diocesan Seminary in Langata, with the main buildings developed progressively from the 1970s onwards. Contact the admissions office for exact directions.
Admissions
For a Bachelor's degree you need KCSE C+ (plus) or equivalent. A Diploma requires KCSE C- (minus), and a Certificate programme requires KCSE D (plain). Equivalent qualifications such as A-Level, IGCSE, or international certificates are also accepted.
CIU runs three intakes every year: January, May, and September. Submit your completed application and documents before the end of June for the first intake, or early August for the second intake.
Download or collect the official application form from the Office of the Registrar, or apply online through our portal. Return your completed form with all required documents before the applicable intake deadline. The Registrar's office will review your application and contact you with the outcome and next steps.
You will need: your KCSE results slip or certificate (or equivalent), a birth certificate, a national ID or passport, certified copies of any other academic certificates, and a letter of recommendation from a recognised spiritual authority or community leader. Ensure your name is consistent across all documents, as it will appear on your academic certificate.
Yes. All applicants must be formally presented or recommended by a recognised spiritual authority or community leader. This reflects CIU's commitment to forming graduates of strong moral character and faith.
Yes. CIU welcomes students from Kenya, across Africa, and the world. International qualifications equivalent to KCSE are accepted. Contact the admissions office at admissions@ciu.ac.ke for guidance on equivalence and visa requirements.
Programmes
CIU offers programmes across three schools and a Language Centre:
School of Philosophy: Certificate in Philosophical Studies, Diploma in Philosophy, Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil), and Baccalaureate in Philosophy (Pontifical degree through CIP).
School of Theology: Certificate in Theology, Diploma in Theology, and Bachelor of Arts in Theology (BATh). The CIT also prepares students for the Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (STB).
School of Counselling Psychology: Certificate, Diploma, and Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology.
Language Centre: Eight languages across six proficiency levels.
Certificate programmes run for one year. Diploma programmes take two years. Bachelor's degree programmes are four years. The Baccalaureate in Philosophy and Sacred Theology (Pontifical degrees) are also four-year programmes.
Yes. Select programmes are offered face-to-face, blended, or fully online. Once enrolled, access course materials, assignments, and online sessions through the Moodle e-learning platform at elearning.ciu.ac.ke.
Yes. The Baccalaureate in Philosophy is awarded through the Consolata Institute of Philosophy's affiliation with the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome. It is recognised throughout the Catholic Church and opens pathways to pontifical universities worldwide.
The Language Centre teaches eight languages across six proficiency levels. Courses are designed to open doors to scholarship, mission, and intercultural understanding. Contact the Language Centre or visit the Language Centre page for the current list of languages.
Graduates are equipped to work in schools, hospitals, churches, and communities across Kenya and beyond. The programme blends academic rigour with supervised clinical practice, preparing graduates for professional counselling, community support, parish ministry, and further postgraduate study.
Fees & Finance
Tuition fees vary by programme and level of study. Contact the Admissions or Finance office directly for the current fee structure: call +254 733 777 307 or email info@ciu.ac.ke.
CIU is committed to making quality education accessible. For information on available scholarships, bursaries, or financial assistance, contact the Admissions Office at admissions@ciu.ac.ke.
For details on accepted payment methods and instalment arrangements, contact the Finance office directly. The admissions team can also direct you to the right department during the application process.
Campus Life
Yes. The CIU library provides physical book collections, an Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) for searching holdings, internet-enabled computers for accessing e-books, e-journals, and databases, and guidance from library staff. Silence must be maintained at all times. Visit the Library page for more.
Campus spiritual life includes daily Mass, weekly Rosary, adoration, confession, spiritual retreats, and pastoral care through the campus chaplaincy. CIU is rooted in the charism and spirituality of the Consolata Missionaries, so faith formation is woven into daily campus life.
Yes. Students can take part in football, volleyball, basketball, athletics, and table tennis. There are also clubs for choir and music, drama, debate, and cultural activities. The Student Council represents enrolled students in university governance.
All borrowed materials must be returned on time to avoid fines. Eating, drinking, sleeping, and smoking are prohibited inside the library. Silence must be maintained at all times so that every library user can study without disturbance.
For information on on-campus and off-campus housing options, contact the Dean of Students office at the Administration Block, Ground Floor, or call +254 733 777 307.
Support & Contact
Log in through the Student Portal using the credentials issued to you at registration. The portal gives access to your results, timetables, and personal academic records. If you have trouble logging in, contact the Registrar's office.
Visit elearning.ciu.ac.ke and log in with your Moodle credentials. For step-by-step guidance, refer to the Moodle Student Guide.
The Dean of Students office is your first point of contact for any welfare concerns. CIU also provides a confidential counselling service and on-campus nursing support. Reach the Dean of Students at the Administration Block, Ground Floor, or email info@ciu.ac.ke.
The Admissions Office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome during office hours. You can also call +254 733 777 307 or email admissions@ciu.ac.ke.
Visit the Events page to see all upcoming university events, seminars, and activities. You can also check the Students page for notices from the Dean of Students office.
Still have a question?
Our admissions team is happy to help. Reach us by phone or email and we will get back to you as soon as possible.