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Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering is a specialised programme that provides comprehensive training in aircraft and spacecraft design, propulsion systems and aerodynamics. Offered at Technical University of Kenya and other select institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in aerospace, aviation and related engineering fields.

Duration
5 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 336,600
Ksh 1,683,000 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 336,600 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,683,000 for the whole course.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 5 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 4 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Overhead Transmission Technician, at 10 out of 100.The detail

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Overview

The curriculum covers engineering mathematics, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, aircraft structures, flight mechanics, aerospace materials, avionics, aircraft design, space dynamics, control systems, computational fluid dynamics, aerospace manufacturing, aerospace safety, research methods and a final year project. Students develop analytical and practical engineering skills specific to aerospace.

Kenya's aviation sector, the growth of the aerospace industry and the country's space programme create demand for aerospace engineering graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, laboratory sessions, computational projects, industrial attachment and design projects.

Graduates are prepared for careers as aerospace engineers, aircraft design engineers, propulsion engineers, avionics engineers, flight test engineers, aerospace researchers, satellite engineers and aviation consultants. They work in airlines, aviation authorities, aerospace companies, research institutions, military and the Kenya Space Agency.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK). Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. KUCCPS Cluster 3.

Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and an interest in contributing to Kenya's socio-economic development. The programme provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate study and professional advancement in related fields.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Aerodynamics
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Aircraft Structures
  • Flight Mechanics
  • Aerospace Materials
  • Avionics
  • Aircraft Design
  • Space Dynamics
  • Control Systems
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Aerodynamics

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Air flow and lift generation. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-sem...

  • Propulsion Systems

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Engine and propulsion design. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-sem...

  • Aircraft Structures

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Structural design and analysis. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-s...

  • Flight Mechanics

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Aircraft dynamics and control. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-se...

  • Aerospace Materials

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Advanced materials for aerospace. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of...

  • Avionics

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Aircraft electronic systems. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-seme...

  • Aircraft Design

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Aircraft design process. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester...

  • Space Dynamics

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Orbital mechanics and space flight. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-...

  • Control Systems

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Flight control systems. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ...

  • Final Year Project

    Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore

    Capstone design project. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester...

  • Aerospace Design Project

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Integrated aircraft or spacecraft design project. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, cours...

  • Aerospace Research Project

    Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore

    Aerospace Research Project: Independent research or design project in aerospace engineering Involves independent research, data analysis, and scholarly writing under supervision.

Specialisations

  • Avionics

    Aircraft electronics. 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.

  • Propulsion

    Engine and propulsion systems. 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.

  • Aircraft Design

    Aircraft structure and design. 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.

  • Space Systems

    Satellite and space systems. 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.

  • Flight Dynamics

    Specialization in Flight Dynamics, preparing graduates for careers such as aerospace-engineer. 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.

  • Aerodynamics

    Specialization in Aerodynamics, preparing graduates for careers such as aerospace-engineer. 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.

  • Aircraft Structures

    Specialization in Aircraft Structures, preparing graduates for careers such as aerospace-engineer. 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 involves attending aerospace engineering lectures, solving aerodynamics problems, working in engineering laboratories, using computational fluid dynamics software, designing aircraft components, studying flight mechanics, and working on aerospace design projects.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Prestigious and high-impact engineering fieldRequires strong mathematics and physics background
Opportunities in aviation, space and defenceAerospace jobs in Kenya are still developing
High earning potential in specialised rolesFive-year programme is demanding
Research and innovation opportunitiesMay require further training or international mobility

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 332 engineering courses
Public300k to 337k
300k at Technical University of Kenya337k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Annual 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

TUK Aeronautical ~300K/yr (kenyaeducationguide). JKUAT ~337K/yr (KUCCPS). Private: none.

HELB loans and government scholarships under the new funding model are available for eligible students.

Funding options

  • HELB Loan

  • County Bursaries

  • Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)

Scholarships

5 recorded

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKenyan

    Residents of respective counties

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan

    KUCCPS-placed students

  • Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) Student Scholarships

    ScholarshipKenyan

    Student members of IEK pursuing accredited engineering programmes

  • KCDF More Girls for Engineering Opportunities

    ScholarshipKenyan

    Young women from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing engineering

Scholarships you could apply for

11 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+minimum entry
Alternative entry

KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Diploma in aerospace, mechanical, aeronautical engineering or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 3.

Subject requirements
MathematicsB-
PhysicsB-
ChemistryB-
English or KiswahiliC+

When it next starts

Taught at 4 institutions
January 20274 institutions

Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenyatta University, Technical University of Kenya.

May 20274 institutions

Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenyatta University, Technical University of Kenya.

September 20274 institutions

Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenyatta University, Technical University of Kenya.

How you are assessed

5 components

  • Laboratory and Design Projects

    Coursework40% of the mark

  • Industrial Attachment Report

    Coursework10% of the mark

  • Final Examination and Research Project

    Coursework30% of the mark

  • Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)

    Coursework20% of the mark

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Cat20% of the mark

    Regular tests and assignments

Accreditation

  • Engineers Board of Kenya

    ProfessionalRequired

    Statutory body responsible for registration and regulation of engineers in Kenya

  • Commission for University Education

    AcademicRequired

    Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    InstitutionalRequired

  • Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK)

    InstitutionalRequired

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK). Offered at select institutions. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. KUCCPS Cluster 3.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

7 roles

  • Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

    Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000

    Maintains and certifies aircraft systems

  • Research Engineer

    Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000

    Conducts aerospace and aviation research

  • Avionics Engineer

    Moderate demandKsh 170,000 to Ksh 420,000

    Aircraft electronics

  • Aerospace Engineer

    Moderate demandKsh 180,000 to Ksh 500,000

    Aerospace engineering practice

  • Aircraft Design Engineer

    Moderate demandKsh 180,000 to Ksh 450,000

    Aircraft design

  • Flight Test Engineer

    Low demandKsh 180,000 to Ksh 450,000

    Flight testing

  • Satellite Engineer

    Low demandKsh 200,000 to Ksh 500,000

    Space systems engineering

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as aerospace engineers, aircraft design engineers and avionics engineers in airlines, aviation authorities and the Kenya Space Agency.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • MATLAB

    Simulation

  • AutoCAD

    DesignPrimary

  • Microsoft Project

    Project management

  • ANSYS

    Simulation

  • AutoCAD MEP

    Design

  • SolidWorks

    Design

  • FreeCAD

    Design

  • Microsoft Excel

    SpreadsheetPrimary

  • Atoll

    Network planning

    Radio network planning and optimisation.

  • Wireshark

    Network analysis

    Network protocol analysis.

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Aerospace engineering is not relevant in Kenya.

    Kenya has a growing aviation sector and an active space programme.

  • Aerospace engineers only work on aircraft.

    Graduates work on satellites, propulsion, structures, control systems and space vehicles.

  • There are no aerospace jobs in Kenya.

    Airlines, KCAA, KSA and aerospace companies create demand for graduates.

  • Aerospace engineering is too specialised.

    The engineering fundamentals are transferable to mechanical, automotive and other fields.

Further reading

Read next