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Kenya

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At a glance

Living index rating
Very affordable
Monthly rent
KES 8,000 – KES 20,000 in a hostel or shared room; Nairobi flats KES 25,000+
Monthly food
KES 10,000 – KES 18,000
Other monthly expenses
KES 5,000 – KES 10,000 (transport, phone, internet, personal)
Visa processing time
About 2 – 4 weeks
Family allowed for students
Limited

Visa requirements

  • Student Pass, applied for online through eCitizen, ideally 3 months before your course starts
  • Form 30 signed and stamped by your institution, plus a cover letter to the Director of Immigration Services
  • Passport, photos, academic certificates, and a sponsor's commitment letter or proof of funds
  • Fee about US$100 a year for non-East African Community students (waived for EAC students)
  • Renewed every 1 – 2 years; a Student Pass doesn't allow any employment, paid or unpaid

Work permit after studies

  • No post-study work visa
  • Working needs a job offer and a work permit (e.g. Class D for employment), which requires showing the skills aren't available locally

Citizenship route

  • Permanent residence (Class R) is possible after 7 years on work permits, among other routes
  • Citizenship by registration after 7 years of lawful residence, with Kiswahili or English knowledge

Family details

  • A Dependant's Pass can be issued to a spouse or children of someone with a valid permit or pass, if you can show you support them
  • Dependants can't work without their own permit

Universities in Kenya

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (79), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.