Kenya Student Visa (Student Pass)
The Kenya Student Visa, officially called the Student Pass, is separate from the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) used for tourism, business, and short visits. It is issued under Section 30(1) of the Citizenship and Immigration Regulations 2012 to foreign nationals accepted for study at a recognised Kenyan educational or training institution. Applications are submitted online through the eFNS (Electronic Foreign Nationals Service) portal, accessed via the Government of Kenya’s single sign-on system at ecitizen.go.ke. Studying in Kenya on a Tourist eTA is not permitted and can result in deportation — the Student Pass is the only lawful route for international students. As with every Kenya Visa category, the final decision on approval rests solely with Kenya’s Directorate of Immigration Services.
Eligibility
You may apply for a Kenya Student Pass if:
- You have been accepted or admitted by a recognised Kenyan educational or training institution.
- You hold a valid passport with at least 6 months’ remaining validity.
- You can demonstrate proof of financial capability to cover tuition fees and living expenses, through sponsorship letters, scholarship certificates, or bank statements.
- You provide evidence of your academic qualifications supporting your admission.
Note that you will also separately need a valid entry visa or eTA to travel to Kenya in the first place, in addition to the Student Pass itself.
Government Visa Fees
| Category | Fee |
| Student Pass (non-EAC nationals, per year) | USD 100 |
| Student Pass (East African Community member states: Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DR Congo) | Gratis (fee-free) |
| Intern & Research Pass | KES 15,000 |
| Entry eTA (separate requirement, most nationalities) | Approximately USD 30–34 |
Fees are payable online via M-Pesa, banker’s cheque, or the eFNS/eCitizen payment system. All fees are non-refundable, whatever the decision on the application.
Kenya Visa Processing Time
Processing times for the Student Pass vary depending on the completeness of the application and the institution’s own internal processing, though it is generally recommended that students apply approximately 3 months before their course start date to allow sufficient time. The Student Pass is typically issued for one to two years, depending on the length and accreditation of the study programme, and must be renewed before expiry — usually annually — through the eFNS portal.
Required Documents Checklist
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Applying for a Kenya Student Visa requires accurate documentation, a valid admission from a recognized educational institution, and compliance with the visa requirements prescribed by the Kenyan authorities. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with student visa application forms, passport documentation, admission letters, academic records, proof of accommodation, financial documents, travel insurance (where applicable), and all required supporting paperwork. Our experienced consultants carefully review every application to help minimize errors, reduce delays, and ensure your documentation meets the applicable student visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and client-focused assistance throughout your Kenya Student Visa application process. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with the Kenyan immigration authorities, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared Kenya Student Visa application with confidence.