Diploma in Marine Engineering
The Diploma in Marine Engineering is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in marine propulsion systems, ship machinery, marine electrical systems, maintenance and repair of marine equipment and maritime safety. Offered at the Technical University of Mombasa and the National Defence University of Kenya, the programme prepares students for technical roles in the maritime industry, shipping companies and naval operations.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 85,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 255,000 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C- or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 3 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 3 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 marine engineering fundamentals, marine propulsion systems, diesel engines and boilers, marine auxiliary machinery, ship construction, marine electrical systems, refrigeration and air conditioning, maritime safety, marine pollution prevention, welding and fabrication, engineering mathematics, control systems and industrial attachment. Students develop both technical and practical marine engineering skills.
Kenya's maritime sector is growing with the expansion of the Port of Mombasa, offshore exploration and the blue economy agenda. The programme responds to the need for trained marine engineering personnel who can operate and maintain ships, offshore platforms and port machinery, supporting Kenya's maritime economy.
The programme is delivered through lectures, laboratory practicals, workshop sessions, simulator training, field visits to ports and ships, research projects, group discussions and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience in marine engine operation, maintenance and repair through practical sessions and attachment at shipping companies, shipyards or port facilities.
Graduates pursue careers as marine engineering technicians, ship maintenance assistants, port machinery technicians and marine fitters in shipping companies, port authorities, shipyards and the Kenya Navy. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Technology in Marine Engineering at TUM or related degree programmes.
Prospective students should have interest in mechanics, engines and maritime operations. The programme is suitable for students seeking technical careers in the maritime and marine engineering sector.
What you study
8 subjects- Marine Engineering Fundamentals and Ship Construction
- Marine Propulsion Systems, Diesel Engines and Boilers
- Marine Auxiliary Machinery and Electrical Systems
- Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Control Systems
- Maritime Safety and Marine Pollution Prevention
- Welding, Fabrication and Engineering Mathematics
- Marine Maintenance and Repair
- Industrial Attachment and Marine Engineering Project
Modules
8 in the programmeMarine Engineering Fundamentals and Ship Construction
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers marine engineering principles, ship types, ship construction, ship stability, hull structure, bulkheads and ship systems layout.
Marine Propulsion Systems, Diesel Engines and Boilers
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers marine propulsion systems, marine diesel engines, steam boilers, turbines, propellers, thrust bearings and propulsion shafting.
Marine Auxiliary Machinery and Electrical Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers marine auxiliary machinery, pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, fresh water generators, marine electrical systems, generators and distribution.
Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Control Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers marine refrigeration, air conditioning, cargo refrigeration, control systems, automation, instrumentation and alarm systems.
Maritime Safety and Marine Pollution Prevention
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers maritime safety, SOLAS, fire fighting, life-saving appliances, marine pollution prevention, MARPOL, oil spill response and environmental compliance.
Welding, Fabrication and Engineering Mathematics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers welding processes, fabrication, metalwork, engineering mathematics, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics for marine applications.
Marine Maintenance and Repair
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers marine maintenance strategies, preventive maintenance, engine overhaul, machinery repair, dry dock maintenance and spare parts management.
Industrial Attachment and Marine Engineering Project
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
A three-month industrial attachment at a shipping company, shipyard or port facility, plus a marine engineering project assessed through a report and presentation.
Specialisations
Marine Propulsion
Focuses on marine engines and propulsion systems for careers as marine engineering technicians.
Ship Maintenance
Specialises in ship maintenance and repair for careers as ship maintenance assistants.
Port Machinery
Focuses on port machinery maintenance for careers at port facilities.
Marine Electrical Systems
Specialises in marine electrical and control systems for careers in marine electrical maintenance.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a morning lecture on marine propulsion or auxiliary machinery, followed by a workshop practical on diesel engine maintenance or welding. Afternoon sessions may include simulator training on marine systems, a laboratory on marine electrical systems, or a field visit to the port. Students also work on marine engineering projects and prepare for industrial attachment.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Kenya's blue economy agenda and port expansion have created demand for marine engineering personnel. | The programme is offered at only two universities, both in specific locations (Mombasa and Nairobi). |
| Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Technology in Marine Engineering at TUM. | Marine engineering careers may involve working away from home or in challenging maritime environments. |
| The programme combines mechanical engineering with specialised maritime knowledge, providing unique skills. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 332 engineering 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
TUM 85,000/yr (newsblaze.co.ke, tum.ac.ke). Private: unverified.
Students can access HELB loans. NDU/DEFTEC students may receive military sponsorships. TUM may offer internal bursaries for deserving students.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions
Scholarships you could apply for
7 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- Mombasa Cement Scholarship
Closes 31 May 2027PartialMombasa Cement Ltd
KES 100,000 per year
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- 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
Certificate in Mechanical Engineering or Marine Engineering from a recognised institution, or equivalent qualification.
When it next starts
Taught at 3 institutionsIncluding National Defence University - Kenya, Technical University of Mombasa, Bandari Maritime Academy.
Including Technical University of Mombasa, Bandari Maritime Academy.
Including National Defence University - Kenya, Technical University of Mombasa, Bandari Maritime Academy.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering marine engineering, propulsion systems and auxiliary machinery.
Workshop and Laboratory Practical Assessment
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of practical skills in engine maintenance, welding, electrical systems and simulator exercises.
Marine Engineering Project
Project30% of the mark
A project on a marine engineering topic, assessed through a written report and oral presentation.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at a shipping company, shipyard or port facility.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at the Technical University of Mombasa and the National Defence University of Kenya.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesMarine Engineering Technician
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 200,000
Operates and maintains marine engines, auxiliary machinery and ship systems, supporting vessel operations in shipping companies and the Kenya Navy.
Ship Maintenance Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 180,000
Assists with ship maintenance and repair, performs engine overhauls and supports dry dock operations in shipyards and shipping companies.
Port Machinery Technician
Low demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 170,000
Maintains and repairs port machinery and equipment, supports crane operations and machinery maintenance at port facilities.
Marine Fitter
Moderate demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 160,000
Performs fitting, welding and fabrication work on marine equipment and structures in shipyards and marine workshops.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as marine engineering technicians, ship maintenance assistants and port machinery technicians in shipping companies, port authorities and shipyards.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Overhead Transmission TechnicianEngineering10Low exposure
- Desalination Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- District Cooling EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- HighVoltage Substation EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Hydrogen Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Microgrid Control EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Subsea Cable EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Traction Power EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Marine engineering is the same as mechanical engineering.
Marine engineering focuses specifically on ship propulsion, marine auxiliary systems, maritime safety and marine environment, with specialised knowledge not covered in general mechanical engineering.
There are no jobs in marine engineering in Kenya.
Kenya's blue economy agenda, port expansion and offshore exploration have created demand for marine engineering technicians in shipping, ports and offshore operations.
Marine engineering is only for those who want to work at sea.
Marine engineering graduates work in ports, shipyards, offshore platforms and shore-based maintenance facilities, not only on ships.
A diploma in marine engineering is not sufficient for a career.
The diploma provides the technical foundation for entry-level marine engineering roles, with opportunities to progress to a Bachelor of Technology in Marine Engineering.