Amref International University (AMIU), located in Nairobi, Kenya, is a premier institution dedicated to advancing health sciences education across Africa. Established in 2017 by Amref Health Africa, a leading health development organization with over 60 years of experience, AMIU is renowned for its innovative, community-focused master’s programs. This article provides a detailed exploration of the best master’s courses offered at AMIU, including their admission requirements, fees, career prospects, and more. Designed for professionals seeking to drive lasting change in healthcare, these programs are tailored to address Africa’s most pressing health challenges. Whether you’re a healthcare practitioner, educator, or policy advocate, this guide will help you navigate AMIU’s top master’s courses and make an informed decision for your academic and professional journey.
Why Choose Amref International University for Your Master’s Degree?
AMIU stands out as a Pan-African university with a mission to inspire lasting change through health sciences education, research, and innovation. Fully accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) in Kenya, AMIU leverages Amref Health Africa’s extensive experience in community health practice and health systems strengthening. Here are key reasons to choose AMIU:
- Focus on Health Sciences: AMIU specializes in health-related programs, aligning with Africa’s need for skilled health professionals to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
- Practical and Innovative Training: Programs combine rigorous academics with hands-on training, ensuring graduates are equipped to address real-world challenges.
- Global and Regional Impact: AMIU’s alumni, trained over 40 years under its predecessor Amref International Training Centre (AITC), are leaders in public health across 30+ African countries.
- Flexible Learning Options: Part-time and evening classes, including e-learning, cater to working professionals.
- Scholarship Opportunities: Partnerships like the Mastercard Foundation provide fully funded scholarships, enhancing accessibility for deserving students.
With its new Northlands Campus along Thika Road, AMIU is poised to expand its impact, offering state-of-the-art facilities for its growing student population.
Overview of Amref International University Master’s Programs
AMIU’s master’s programs, offered through its School of Health Sciences, focus on critical areas such as public health, bioethics, health professions education, health systems management, and sexual and reproductive health. Approved by the CUE, these programs are designed to produce transformative leaders capable of addressing Africa’s health challenges. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of AMIU’s top master’s courses.
1. Master of Bioethics (2023)
- Overview: Approved in 2023, the Master of Bioethics equips professionals with the skills to navigate ethical dilemmas in healthcare, research, and public health policy. It addresses issues like clinical ethics, research ethics, and equitable healthcare delivery.
- Duration: 2 years, offered part-time with evening classes (5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m., Monday–Friday) to accommodate working professionals.
- Curriculum Highlights:
- Ethical frameworks in healthcare and research
- Public health ethics and policy development
- Bioethical issues in clinical practice
- Career Prospects: Graduates work as bioethics consultants, ethics committee members, or policy advisors in hospitals, research institutions, and NGOs.
- Why Choose This Program?: With growing ethical challenges in healthcare, such as resource allocation and clinical trials, this program prepares professionals to lead with integrity and fairness.
2. Master of Public Health (2021)
- Overview: Launched in 2021, the Master of Public Health (MPH) is one of AMIU’s flagship programs, designed to develop leaders in public health policy, research, and practice. It focuses on health systems strengthening and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
- Duration: 2 years, part-time with evening classes or e-learning options.
- Curriculum Highlights:
- Epidemiology and biostatistics
- Health policy and management
- Community health interventions
- Global health and disease control
- Career Prospects: Graduates become public health practitioners, policymakers, or researchers in organizations like WHO, Amref Health Africa, or government health ministries.
- Why Choose This Program?: AMIU’s MPH leverages Amref Health Africa’s 60+ years of experience in community health, making it ideal for those passionate about equitable healthcare access.
3. Master of Science in Health Professions Education (2023)
- Overview: Approved in 2023, this program trains educators to develop and deliver health sciences curricula, addressing the shortage of qualified health educators in Africa.
- Duration: 2 years, with flexible part-time and e-learning options.
- Curriculum Highlights:
- Curriculum design and assessment
- Teaching methodologies for health professionals
- Leadership in health education
- Career Prospects: Graduates work as faculty in medical and nursing schools, training coordinators, or education consultants in healthcare institutions.
- Why Choose This Program?: The program addresses the critical need for skilled educators to train Africa’s next generation of health professionals.
4. Master of Science in Health Systems Management (2024)
- Overview: Approved in 2024, this program focuses on improving healthcare delivery through effective management, leadership, and policy implementation.
- Duration: 2 years, offered part-time with evening classes or online learning.
- Curriculum Highlights:
- Health systems strengthening
- Healthcare financing and economics
- Leadership and governance in health
- Quality improvement in healthcare
- Career Prospects: Graduates work as health administrators, hospital managers, or policy advisors in public and private health sectors.
- Why Choose This Program?: With Kenya’s push toward UHC, this program equips professionals to enhance efficiency and patient care in health systems.
5. Master of Science in Sexual and Reproductive Health (2024)
- Overview: Launched in 2024, this program addresses critical issues in sexual and reproductive health, including maternal care, family planning, and gender-based violence.
- Duration: 2 years, with part-time and e-learning options for flexibility.
- Curriculum Highlights:
- Maternal and newborn health
- Reproductive health policy and advocacy
- Sexual health education and interventions
- Career Prospects: Graduates work in NGOs, government health programs, or reproductive health clinics, focusing on maternal and child health.
- Why Choose This Program?: The program aligns with Kenya’s efforts to reduce maternal mortality and improve reproductive health outcomes, making it highly relevant.
Admission Requirements for AMIU Master’s Programs
AMIU’s admission process is merit-based, emphasizing academic excellence, professional experience, and a commitment to health transformation. General requirements include:
- Academic Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., biological, social, or health sciences) with an Upper Second Class Honours or equivalent from a recognized university.
- Professional Experience: At least 2–3 years of relevant work experience for most programs, particularly for the MPH and Health Systems Management.
- English Proficiency: Non-native English speakers may need to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores.
- Application Documents:
- Certified academic transcripts and certificates
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter (maximum 500 words) detailing motivation
- Two recommendation letters from academic or professional referees
- A 1,000-word research concept note for research-focused programs
- Entrance Process: Some programs may require interviews or additional assessments to evaluate leadership potential and critical thinking.
Prospective students should visit AMIU’s admissions portal (https://admissions.amref.ac.ke) for program-specific requirements and deadlines, typically announced in January or September for May and September intakes.
Fees Structure and Financial Aid
AMIU’s tuition fees vary by program and are subject to annual adjustments. Based on available data for the 2024/2025 academic year, approximate fees are:
- Master of Public Health:
- Year 1: KES 292,000
- Year 2: KES 243,000
- Other Master’s Programs (Bioethics, Health Professions Education, Health Systems Management, Sexual and Reproductive Health): KES 250,000–350,000 per year, depending on the program and mode of delivery.
Additional costs include accommodation, books, and living expenses, which are not covered by scholarships.
Financial Aid Options
AMIU is committed to making education accessible through various financial aid programs:
- Mastercard Foundation Scholarships: Fully funded scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year, covering tuition and living expenses for eligible postgraduate students. Applications require a cover letter, academic transcripts, and a research concept note, with a deadline of April 4, 2025.
- Amref Health Africa Sponsorships: Partial scholarships for outstanding students, often tied to specific programs like the MPH.
- Government Funding: Eligible students can apply for funding through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
- External Partnerships: AMIU collaborates with organizations like the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria, to sponsor short courses and postgraduate programs.
For scholarship inquiries, contact amiuadmissions@amref.ac.ke or visit www.amref.ac.ke.
Career Opportunities and Industry Impact
AMIU’s master’s programs are designed to produce graduates who can lead transformative change in Africa’s health sector. Career paths include:
- Public Health: MPH graduates work as policymakers, program managers, or researchers in organizations like WHO, UNICEF, or Amref Health Africa, addressing issues like disease control and health equity.
- Bioethics: Graduates serve on ethics committees, advise on research protocols, or develop health policies, ensuring ethical healthcare delivery.
- Health Education: Health Professions Education graduates train the next generation of health workers, addressing Africa’s shortage of qualified educators.
- Health Systems Management: Graduates lead hospitals, health NGOs, or government programs, improving healthcare delivery and financing.
- Sexual and Reproductive Health: Graduates work in maternal health programs, family planning initiatives, or advocacy roles, reducing maternal and child mortality.
AMIU’s alumni, with over 40 years of legacy from the Amref International Training Centre, are recognized globally for their contributions to public health. The university’s focus on research and innovation ensures graduates are equipped to publish in peer-reviewed journals and influence health policy.
How to Apply to AMIU Master’s Programs
The application process is straightforward and can be completed online:
- Visit the Admissions Portal: Access https://admissions.amref.ac.ke to explore programs and requirements.
- Submit Application Documents: Upload certified academic certificates, transcripts, CV, cover letter, and recommendation letters as PDFs. Include a passport-style photo in JPG, PNG, or TIFF format.
- Pay Application Fee: Fees vary but are typically non-refundable (approximately KES 3,000).
- Complete Scholarship Application (if applicable): For Mastercard Foundation scholarships, submit additional documents at https://ee.datacollection.amref.org/x/oAwcIuSo.
- Track Application Status: Use the AMIU student portal or contact amiuadmissions@amref.ac.ke for updates.
Applications for the May 2025 intake are open, with deadlines typically in April. September intakes may also be available for some programs.
AMIU’s Role in Kenya’s Higher Education Landscape
AMIU’s ranking as Kenya’s third-best university in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings underscores its commitment to academic excellence and global impact. With a student population of 1,045 undergraduates, 480 master’s students, and 1,379 diploma and certificate students, AMIU is experiencing a 39% annual growth rate. The move to the Northlands Campus in March 2025 will enhance its capacity to train health professionals, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).
Unlike other Kenyan universities, AMIU’s exclusive focus on health sciences, combined with Amref Health Africa’s legacy, positions it as a leader in addressing Africa’s healthcare workforce shortage. Its partnerships with institutions like the University of Toronto and the Mastercard Foundation provide students with global exposure and networking opportunities.
Amref International University’s master’s programs offer a unique opportunity for professionals to advance their careers while addressing Africa’s critical health challenges. From the Master of Public Health to the Master of Science in Sexual and Reproductive Health, these programs combine academic rigor with practical training, preparing graduates to lead in public health, education, and policy. With flexible learning options, generous scholarships, and a new state-of-the-art campus, AMIU is an ideal choice for aspiring health leaders. Explore AMIU’s offerings today and take the first step toward inspiring lasting change in Africa’s health sector.
For more information, visit www.amref.ac.ke or contact AMIU at +254 112 352 343 or amiuadmissions@amref.ac.ke
