Savanna Hoffman
Foreign students seeking to enter Kenya for study purposes must apply for a student visa or pass. This is a mandatory requirement for all foreign nationals intending to enter Kenya for any purpose, including work, tourism, or any other accepted activity. The student visa/pass allows foreign students to immigrate to Kenya on a temporary basis to pursue their chosen course of study. To obtain this, students must provide various documents, including academic transcripts, letters of acceptance, and proof of funds. However, it is unclear whether an international student card is sufficient to fulfil the requirements for entry and residence in Kenya. Therefore, it is essential for prospective international students to carefully review the specific entry and residency requirements outlined by the Kenyan government.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs a student pass? | Foreign students wishing to study in Kenya |
| How to apply for a student pass | Through the Government of Kenya single sign-in portal (www.ecitizen.go.ke) |
| Requirements for a student pass application | Copy of academic transcripts/certificates, commitment letter from parent/guardian, copy of parents/guardians ID or passport, cover letter from institution, duly filled, signed and stamped application Form 30 |
| Requirements for an alien card application | Duly filled, signed online application Form 50, copy of a valid passport, two recent colored passport-size photographs |
| Visa requirements | Each person visiting Kenya from another country needs to obtain a Kenya eTA |
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What You'll Learn
Student passes and visas
International students wishing to study in Kenya must obtain a student pass and a student visa. A student pass is a document issued to applicants who are foreign students wishing to pursue their education in Kenya. The applicant must first be accepted by an approved educational or training establishment.
To obtain a student pass, applicants must submit a duly filled, signed, and stamped application Form 30 by the institution's authorised personnel. This can be accessed via the Government of Kenya single sign-in portal (www.ecitizen.go.ke). The form must be printed out at the end of the application for a Student Visa. Applicants must also submit a detailed and signed cover letter addressed to the Director of Immigration Services from the institution, indicating the course to be pursued and the duration.
The following additional documents are required for a student pass:
- Copy of a valid national passport, showing the current immigration status if in the country
- Certified copies of basic academic certificates. Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by an official body
- Clearance letter from the Department of Refugee Affairs (for refugees)
- Police Clearance Certificate from the country of origin, or if a resident, from the Kenya Police Service
- Payment of Kenya Shillings 5,000/$100 USD (pupil pass) & 15,000 (Intern & research pass). Students from East Africa are exempt from paying this fee
A student visa is required for people who want to study or receive training at an educational or vocational establishment in Kenya. The visa is valid for a year or for the duration of the study period, and students must renew their visas in Kenya without having to return to their home country. The exact requirements and fees for a student visa should be confirmed with a Kenyan immigration specialist, but the following documents are generally required:
- Certified copies of your passport, which must be valid for at least six more months
- Relevant certified copies of degrees/academic certificates obtained
- Two current passport photos in colour
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Requirements for international students
International students in Kenya are required to obtain a student pass, which is a document issued to foreign students who wish to pursue their education in the country. Here are the detailed requirements for international students seeking to study in Kenya:
Student Pass
To obtain a student pass, international students must follow these steps:
- Create an account on the Government of Kenya single sign-on portal (www.ecitizen.go.ke).
- Log in to the portal and access the eFNS portal.
- Select the "Apply Now" link and click on the "Submit Applications" tab, followed by the "Student Pass" tab.
- After submitting your application, you will receive an invoice for the student pass fees.
- Make the payment online or, if unable to pay online, print the invoice and present it along with a banker's cheque at the Immigration Counter in Nairobi.
- Once your application is approved, you will receive a notification about the amount to be paid and the deadline for payment.
- Print out Form 30 and attach it with the required documents, including a cover letter from the institution and a copy of your passport.
- Submit your student pass application and obtain notification of approval.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the student pass application process, international students in Kenya may also need to provide the following:
- A signed commitment letter from the sponsor or sponsoring institution, or proof of funds for self-sponsored students.
- Duly certified copies of basic academic certificates. Documents in foreign languages must be translated into English by an authorized institution.
- Clearance certificates from the Department of Refugee Affairs and the Police.
- Payment of Kenya Shillings 5,000/$100 USD (pupil pass) and 15,000 (intern and research pass).
- Nigerian nationals must provide an original National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Clearance Certificate.
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Alien card applications
International students in Kenya are required to obtain a student pass or visa if they plan to study in the country for more than 90 days. This is a document issued to applicants who are foreign students wishing to pursue their education in Kenya, where they have been admitted or accepted. The student pass allows non-resident foreign nationals to legally reside in Kenya for the duration of their studies.
To apply for a student pass, international students must create an account on the Government of Kenya single sign-in portal (www.ecitizen.go.ke). Through this portal, students can access and fill out Form 30, which is the application form for the student pass. Along with the completed and signed Form 30, students must submit several supporting documents, including:
- A detailed and signed cover letter addressed to the Director of Immigration Services from the institution, indicating the course to be pursued and its duration.
- A copy of a valid national passport, showing the current immigration status.
- Proof of funds or a signed commitment letter from the sponsor/sponsoring institution.
- Duly certified copies of basic academic certificates.
- Clearance certificates from the relevant authorities, such as the police or the Department of Refugee Affairs.
Once the application and supporting documents are submitted, the student pass will be processed. In addition to the student pass, international students in Kenya may also need to register for an alien card if they plan to reside in the country for more than 90 days. The alien card is a mandatory registration for all foreigners residing in Kenya for an extended period. The application process for an alien card involves the following steps:
- Complete the online application form (Form 50) on the website https://fns.immigration.go.ke.
- Provide the required documents, including a copy of a valid passport biodata page, proof of residence (such as a student pass), two current passport photographs, and the previous alien card (for renewal cases).
- Pay the applicable fee of Ksh 1000 per year or part thereof.
- Book an appointment for the submission of the application and verification of documents.
- Provide biometric attributes, including facial features and fingerprints, which will be used to produce the alien card.
- Wait for several weeks for the card to be ready. The applicant will be notified via their account when they can collect their card.
It is important to note that there are certain exemptions from the requirement to obtain an alien card, including for serving members of foreign armed forces, embassy staff posted in Kenya, registered refugees, and individuals staying in Kenya for less than three months with a valid visitor's pass or special pass.
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Entry/work permits
International students who wish to study in Kenya must apply for a Student's Pass to reside in the country legally during their studies. This is a mandatory document for all foreign students and is issued by the Kenyan government. The process of acquiring a Student's Pass involves creating an account on the Government of Kenya single sign-in portal (www.ecitizen.go.ke).
In addition to the Student's Pass, international students seeking part-time employment in Kenya need to obtain a work permit. Work permits are legal documents that authorise foreign nationals to work within Kenya's borders, ensuring their rights as workers and the needs of employers are met.
Work permits are classified into different categories in Kenya, each with its own specific requirements and procedures. Here is an overview of the various types of work permits available:
- Class A: Issued to foreign workers employed in the mining or mineral industry.
- Class B: Designated for individuals working in agriculture or animal husbandry, requiring a lease on land in Kenya and authorisation from relevant government bodies.
- Class C: Intended for foreign professionals, entrepreneurs, or artisans with specialised skills who will practise their profession alone or in partnership.
- Class D: Designed for individuals with specific employment offers from the Kenyan government, any of its authorities, the United Nations, or another approved agency. Applicants for this type of permit must possess skills and qualifications not readily available in Kenya.
- Class F: This permit is for those seeking to engage in specific manufacturing activities.
- Class G: Issued to foreign students (Class G – Student Permit) enrolled in educational institutions in Kenya who wish to work part-time. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine need for their expertise, relevant qualifications and experience, and compliance with health and security requirements.
- Class I: Intended for individuals undertaking religious or charitable activities.
- Class K: This permit is for ordinary residents aged 35 or above, with an annual income above a certain threshold from sources other than employment.
- Class M: Issued to individuals granted refugee status in the country.
It is important to note that the work permit categories can change without notice, and applicants should be aware of the specific requirements for their chosen visa type. The process of obtaining a work permit in Kenya is complex and typically involves applying at the Department of Immigration with all the required documentation. International workers planning to stay in Kenya for more than three months must obtain a Foreign Nationals Certificate (Alien Card), which functions similarly to a residence permit.
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Immigration laws
International students intending to study in Kenya are required to obtain a student visa. This is a mandatory requirement for foreign nationals seeking to enter Kenya for study purposes. The student visa process involves several steps and supporting documents to ensure compliance with Kenyan immigration laws.
Firstly, applicants must provide proof of acceptance from an approved educational institution in Kenya. This confirmation must indicate that the applicant has been offered a place on a full-time course of study. The institution will then issue a detailed and signed cover letter addressed to the Director of Immigration Services, outlining the course details and duration. This letter is a crucial component of the application process.
Secondly, applicants need to compile and submit various documents. These include a duly filled, signed, and stamped application form, which can be accessed through the Government of Kenya's single sign-in portal (eCitizen). Additionally, applicants must provide copies of their academic transcripts and certificates, and proof of funds or sponsorship. For self-sponsored students, certified copies of bank statements are necessary.
It is important to note that international students are also required to register as aliens if they plan to reside in Kenya for more than 90 days. This registration process involves submitting an online application, providing a valid passport, and furnishing two recent passport-sized photographs. The office of international student affairs at the respective educational institution can provide assistance with alien card applications.
Moreover, students from specific countries, such as Nigeria, may have additional requirements. For instance, Nigerian nationals must obtain an original National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Clearance Certificate. It is always advisable to consult the relevant Kenyan government websites or the international offices of the respective educational institutions for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information regarding immigration laws and requirements.
In summary, Kenya's immigration laws for international students are designed to facilitate the entry and residence of foreign nationals pursuing educational opportunities within the country. By obtaining the necessary visas, permits, and registrations, international students can legally reside and study in Kenya for the duration of their academic pursuits.
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Frequently asked questions
A student pass is a document issued to foreign students who wish to study in Kenya. The applicant must be accepted by an approved educational institution.
You can apply for a student pass through the Government of Kenya single sign-in portal (www.ecitizen.go.ke). You will need a duly filled, signed, and stamped application Form 30, which can be accessed here: https://fns.immigration.go.ke/.
A student visa allows foreign nationals to immigrate to Kenya on a temporary basis to undertake a course of study. It allows holders to live and work in a restricted manner for as long as they need to complete their course.
You will need a letter of acceptance from a recognised educational institution, proof of funds, and a valid passport. Applications should be submitted at least two weeks before travel but no more than three months.
No, international students in Kenya must apply for a student pass or student visa and register as aliens if they are staying for more than 90 days.
