Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) is set to officially launch a new German language and international careers program on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, marking a major step toward linking Kenyan students and professionals with job opportunities in German-speaking countries.
The launch event, to be held at Theatre One on the university’s main campus, brings together senior government officials and diplomatic representatives from Germany and Austria, underscoring the program’s international significance.
What the program is about
The initiative is built around a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding between MUST, Health TV Africa (HTV), and INLEGAS. Its core goal is to equip learners with certified German language skills while creating direct pathways to employment, training, and exchange opportunities in Europe.
At the centre of the program is a structured German language curriculum running from beginner to upper-intermediate levels (A1 to B2), open not only to university students but also to professionals and members of the public.
To support immersive learning, MUST has established a modern Language Lab and a “German Village” — a dedicated cultural space where learners engage with German media, news, literature, and films as part of daily instruction.
The university has also been designated an official regional learning and examination hub for German language certification, offering the internationally recognised Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD). This status positions MUST as the official training and examination centre for the wider Meru region, allowing learners to access global certification without travelling outside the county.
How the training is structured
The program targets up to 4,000 learners, with the first major intake scheduled for February 2026. Courses are offered across proficiency levels from A1 (Beginner) to B2 (Upper-Intermediate), with flexible study options to accommodate different learner needs.
For candidates targeting the European labour market, intensive six-month training tracks are available, enabling faster language acquisition aligned with overseas employment timelines.
Tuition fees are structured in a modular format, allowing learners to enrol level by level or benefit from bundled packages. A single level (A1, A2 or B1) costs Ksh 30,000, while a two-level bundle is priced at Ksh 50,000. Learners enrolling for the full A1–B1 programme pay Ksh 80,000, offering cost savings compared to individual enrolment.
The university notes that tuition fees typically exclude statutory charges and official ÖSD examination fees, which are paid separately at the time of certification.
Who can join the Program
The German language and global careers program is designed to be inclusive and is not restricted to MUST students alone. It is open to current university students across all faculties, working professionals, and members of the general public.
The program specifically targets nurses, physiotherapists, laboratory technicians and ECDE teachers who already hold relevant diplomas or degrees and are seeking structured migration pathways to Europe. Members of the public with a minimum of a KCSE certificate may also apply, with specific academic requirements varying depending on the learner’s intended pathway.
Career and migration pathways
Beyond language training, the program is directly linked to labour mobility arrangements between Kenya and Germany, creating structured routes into overseas employment and vocational training.
Healthcare professionals benefit from direct placement opportunities with German employers, while ECDE teachers can access education-sector roles aligned with German language requirements. The initiative also opens doors to Ausbildung apprenticeships, which combine vocational training with paid work while continuing language development in Germany.
Students can further benefit from existing international exchange arrangements, including paid internships facilitated through the IAESTE MUST program.
Strategic partnerships
Health TV Africa provides the certified curriculum and trained instructors, while the AG German Institute oversees recruitment and connects Kenyan professionals with employers in Germany’s medical and technical sectors. Together, the partners aim to ensure that language training aligns closely with real-world labour market needs.
Why it matters
The launch positions MUST as a regional gateway for international skills mobility at a time when global demand for trained professionals continues to grow. By combining certified language instruction, cultural immersion, and direct employer linkages, the program moves beyond traditional classroom learning to focus on employability and global exposure.
The official launch will be presided over by the Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Dr Roseline Njogu, with German and Austrian ambassadors in attendance, reflecting strong bilateral support for the initiative.
As Kenya increasingly taps into international labour markets, the MUST German program represents a structured, institution-led approach to preparing young people and professionals for global careers.
