How to Apply for a Student Visa to Study in Kenya: International Students Guide

Kenya is one of Africa's top destinations for international students, hosting over 15,000 foreign students in its universities and colleges. With world-class institutions like the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Strathmore University, and the United States International University (USIU-Africa), Kenya offers quality education in English at significantly lower costs than Western universities. The country's strategic position as East Africa's economic hub also provides excellent internship and career opportunities. This guide covers everything international students need to know about obtaining a Student Pass, the application process through the eFNS immigration portal, required documents, fees, and practical tips for studying in Kenya.

Understanding Kenya's Student Pass System

International students studying in Kenya need a Student Pass (commonly called a student visa) issued by the Department of Immigration Services. The Student Pass is authorisation issued to a foreign national who has been accepted or admitted to an academic or training institution in Kenya. It is different from a tourist visa — studying on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation. The Student Pass is typically issued for one to two years and is renewable for the duration of your study programme.

Fees for the Student Pass are USD 100 per year for non-East African nationals. Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states — Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo — are exempt from Student Pass fees. Note that you also need a valid entry visa or electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter Kenya, which costs USD 34.09 for most nationalities.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1 — Secure admission. Before applying for a Student Pass, you must first obtain a formal admission letter from a recognised Kenyan educational institution. The institution must be registered with the relevant regulatory body — the Commission for University Education (CUE) for universities or the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) for colleges. Your admission letter is the foundation of your Student Pass application.

Step 2 — Create an eFNS account. Visit the electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) portal and create an account using your email address and passport details. The eFNS system is Kenya's online platform for all immigration applications including visas, passes, and permits.

Step 3 — Complete the application form. Log into eFNS and select "Student Pass" application. Fill in your personal details, passport information, institution details, programme of study, and duration. You will also need to complete Form 30, which must be signed and stamped by your admitting institution.

Step 4 — Upload required documents. The following documents are required: a duly completed Form 30 signed by the institution, a detailed cover letter from the institution addressed to the Director of Immigration Services, your original admission letter, a copy of your valid passport (with at least six months validity), passport-size photographs, academic certificates and transcripts, a signed commitment letter from your sponsor (parent, scholarship body, or self), proof of financial ability (bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses), and for minors (under 18), a consent letter from parents with documents proving the relationship.

Step 5 — Pay the fee and submit. Pay the USD 100 annual fee through the eFNS portal using a credit/debit card or mobile payment. Submit your application and note the reference number for tracking.

Step 6 — Endorsement at Nyayo House. After approval, you must visit Nyayo House, Nairobi (the Department of Immigration headquarters) to have the Student Pass endorsed in your passport. Bring your original passport, the eFNS approval notification, and all original supporting documents. Processing typically takes two to four weeks from submission.

Entry Requirements and eTA

Since January 2024, Kenya replaced its traditional visa system with the electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for most nationalities. Apply for your eTA through the eTA Kenya portal before travelling. The eTA costs USD 34.09 and allows a single entry valid for 90 days. Upon arrival, present your eTA approval, admission letter, and Student Pass application receipt at immigration. Some nationalities from referred countries may need a traditional visa — check the immigration website for your country's specific requirements.

Cost of Studying and Living in Kenya

Tuition fees at Kenyan universities vary widely. Public universities charge international students approximately USD 2,000 to USD 5,000 per year for undergraduate programmes, while private universities range from USD 3,000 to USD 15,000 depending on the programme. Postgraduate programmes may cost USD 3,000 to USD 20,000 annually. Professional programmes like medicine and engineering are at the higher end.

Living costs in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, average USD 400 to USD 800 per month for a student lifestyle, covering accommodation (USD 100–300 for shared housing or university hostels), food (USD 100–200), transport (USD 30–80), and personal expenses. Cities like Mombasa, Eldoret, and Nakuru are generally 20–30 percent cheaper than Nairobi. Immigration authorities typically expect proof of at least USD 6,000 to USD 10,000 in available funds per academic year when assessing financial ability.

Renewal and Compliance

Your Student Pass must be renewed before it expires — typically annually. Apply for renewal through the eFNS portal at least 30 days before expiry, submitting an updated enrolment letter from your institution confirming you are still an active student. Overstaying your Student Pass is a serious immigration offence that can result in fines of KES 10,000 per day of overstay, detention, and deportation with a re-entry ban. Student Pass holders are not permitted to work in Kenya without a separate work permit, although some institutions facilitate internship arrangements that may require additional immigration approval.

Scholarships and Funding Opportunities

Several scholarships are available for international students studying in Kenya. The Kenya Government Scholarship is offered to students from select African and developing countries through bilateral agreements. The African Union scholarships cover Pan-African programmes hosted at Kenyan universities. Individual universities also offer merit-based and need-based scholarships — check directly with your institution. Organisations like the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission fund students at Kenyan universities. Start your scholarship search at least 12 months before your intended start date.