Bachelor of International Business
The Bachelor of International Business is a four-year programme that prepares students for international trade, global business management and cross-border commerce. Students study international business, trade, finance, marketing and cross-cultural management. The programme focuses on business operations in the global marketplace.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 259,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,036,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 226,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Forensic Audit Investigator, at 17 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students develop competencies in international trade, global marketing, cross-cultural management, international finance, trade logistics and international business strategy. They learn to manage international trade, develop global market strategies, manage cross-cultural teams and navigate international business regulations. The programme covers international business, trade, finance, marketing and management.
In Kenya, international business is critical for trade through Mombasa Port, JKIA and regional integration. Kenya's EAC membership, AfCFTA and global trade partnerships create opportunities. Kenya's position as a regional hub creates demand. Graduates find roles in export-import companies, multinational corporations, trade organisations, banks and consulting firms.
Teaching is delivered through lectures, case studies, industry visits, industrial attachment and research projects. Students analyse international business cases, develop trade strategies and undertake industrial attachment. The programme includes a final-year research project.
Graduates pursue careers as international trade officers, export managers, global marketing managers, international business consultants and trade analysts. Some work for multinational companies or export-import firms. Others join banks, trade organisations or consulting firms.
This programme is ideal for individuals with global perspective, business acumen and interest in international trade.
What you study
10 subjects- International Business and Trade
- International Marketing
- International Finance and Trade Finance
- Cross-Cultural Management
- International Trade Law
- Global Supply Chain Management
- Export and Import Management
- International Business Strategy
- International Economics
- Research Methods
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to International Business
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to International Business: Fundamentals of international business, globalisation and trade Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Principles of Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Management theory and business fundamentals. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework...
International Economics
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
International Economics: International trade theory, balance of payments and economic integration Covers economic theory, market analysis, and policy evaluation.
International Marketing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
International Marketing: Global marketing strategies, market entry and international marketing mix Covers market analysis, consumer behaviour, branding, and promotional strategies.
International Finance and Trade Finance
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
International Finance and Trade Finance: International finance, exchange rates, trade finance and payment methods Covers financial reporting, budgeting, investment analysis, and regulatory frameworks.
International Trade Law
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
International Trade Law: Trade law, WTO, trade agreements and international commercial law Examines statutory frameworks, case law, and regulatory compliance in the Kenyan context.
Cross-Cultural Management
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Cross-Cultural Management: Cultural dimensions, cross-cultural communication and managing diversity Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
Export and Import Management
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Export and Import Management: Export-import procedures, documentation, logistics and compliance Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
Global Supply Chain Management
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Global Supply Chain Management: Global supply chains, international logistics and trade corridors Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
International Business Strategy
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
International Business Strategy: Global strategy, market entry modes and competitive advantage Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Regional Trade and Integration
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
EAC, AfCFTA, regional trade blocs and integration. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, cour...
Final Year Research Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Independent research on international business. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursew...
Specialisations
Export Management
Specialization in Export Management, preparing graduates for careers such as business-manager. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Regional Integration
Specialization in Regional Integration, preparing graduates for careers such as business-manager. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Cross-Cultural Management
Specialization in Cross-Cultural Management, preparing graduates for careers such as business-manager.
Trade Finance
Specialization in Trade Finance, preparing graduates for careers such as financial-analyst. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Global Marketing
Specialization in Global Marketing, preparing graduates for careers such as marketing-manager. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
International Trade
Specialization in International Trade, preparing graduates for careers such as business-manager. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on international business or trade with afternoon case studies, industry visits or project work. Students may analyse international business cases, develop export strategies, study trade regulations or work on global market projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Relevant to Kenya's position as a regional trade hub | International trade can be affected by policy changes |
| Diverse career paths in trade, marketing and consulting | Some roles may require foreign language skills |
| Opportunity to work with multinational companies | Understanding trade regulations requires continuous learning |
| Competitive salaries in international business | Some positions may require international travel |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 331 business coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
KU B.Com 141K, UoN 259K/yr (victormatara, topnews.ke). MUA 186K, Daystar 226K/yr (eafinder, daystar.ac.ke).
Students may access HELB loans and county bursaries. Some trade organisations and multinational companies offer internship stipends.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
LoanKsh 60,000
National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)
Bursary
County Government Bursaries
Bursary
Scholarships
3 recordedHigher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties
Scholarships you could apply for
3 usable where it is taught- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Relevant diploma or equivalent qualification
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding KCA University, Mount Kenya University.
Including KCA University, Mount Kenya University.
Including KCA University, Mount Kenya University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsFinal Examination
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)
Coursework30% of the mark
Case Studies and Project Work
Coursework30% of the mark
Industrial Attachment Report
Coursework10% of the mark
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
InstitutionalRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesExport Manager
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 250,000
Manages export operations and market development
Trade Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 220,000
Analyses trade data and market trends
Global Marketing Manager
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000
Develops and implements global marketing strategies
International Business Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000
Provides consulting on international business and trade
International Trade Officer
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 220,000
Manages international trade operations and compliance
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as international trade officers, export managers, global marketing managers, international business consultants and trade analysts in export-import companies, multinational corporations, trade organisations, banks and consulting firms.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Forensic Audit InvestigatorBusiness17Low exposure
- Franchise Operations ManagerBusiness18Low exposure
- Infrastructure Finance SpecialistBusiness18Low exposure
- Intermodal Reefer TechnicianBusiness18Low exposure
- Climate Risk UnderwriterBusiness19Low exposure
- Coldchain Logistics ManagerBusiness19Low exposure
- Municipal Finance SpecialistBusiness19Low exposure
- Islamic Banking SpecialistBusiness20Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet software for financial modelling, data analysis, accounting worksheets, and business reporting — essential for business graduates.
QuickBooks
SoftwarePrimary
Accounting software widely used by SMEs in Kenya for bookkeeping, invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting.
SAP ERP
Software
Enterprise resource planning software used by large organisations for integrated business management including finance, procurement, and HR modules.
Power BI
Software
Business analytics tool for data visualisation, dashboard creation, and business intelligence reporting.
Microsoft Office Suite
Software
Word processing, presentations, and communication tools essential for business documentation and reporting.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
International business is just about import-export
International business covers global strategy, finance, marketing, law and cross-cultural management.
You need to travel to work in international business
Many international business roles can be managed from Kenya's trade hub position.
International business has limited jobs in Kenya
Kenya's regional hub status and trade agreements create demand.
International business is the same as general business
International business focuses on cross-border operations, trade regulations and global markets.