Kenya

Study visa

To study at Kenyan higher education institutions, an acceptance letter and financial proof are required.

About Study visa

The Kenyan Student Visa (Pupil's Pass) is intended for Georgian citizens who wish to study in Kenya at an accredited educational institution. This visa allows students to remain in the country for the duration of their study program. It is important to note that in order to enter Kenya, Georgian citizens first need an appropriate entry visa, such as a tourist e-visa , after which they can apply for a Pupil's Pass either while in Kenya or online prior to arrival.

This visa category is intended for those who have received an official invitation from a Kenyan university, college or other educational institution. It is not intended for short-term courses, tourism purposes or work. If your purpose is short-term courses, business visit or tourism, you should consider a different type of visa. GetVisa.ge recommends that you carefully read the requirements and select the correct visa category to avoid rejection of your application.

The validity of a Kenyan study visa is usually based on the length of the study program and can be renewed from within the country. Holders of a student pass are only allowed to engage in educational activities. Unlike Canadian or Australian study visas, a Kenyan study visa does not usually allow for work without a separate work permit, which is rarely issued to students. Therefore, applicants must prove that they have sufficient financial resources to cover their study and living expenses.

The application process involves using the online platform eCitizen, where you must upload all the required documents. When assessing the application, the Kenya Immigration Service checks the applicant’s academic achievements, financial stability, and sincere intention to return to Kenya. Similar to countries such as Japan or Singapore , it is important in Kenya that all documents are complete and accurate. The main reasons for rejection of an application are incomplete documentation, insufficient financial resources, or lack of convincing purpose of study. GetVisa.ge services will help you prepare the documentation and complete the application to maximize your chances of success in obtaining a Kenyan visa .

2-4 weeks

About $40 USD

Required Documents

📄Basic Documents

Valid passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your intended stay in Kenya and have at least two blank pages.

Valid passport

Recent passport-sized photos: colored, biometric, on a white background, taken within the last 6 months.

Acceptance letter from Kenyan institution

Proof of funds

Yellow fever vaccination

💰Financial Documents

Proof of financial means: bank statements, sponsorship letter (if someone is sponsoring you), or other documents proving that you have enough money to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and a return ticket.

🛡️Civil and Security Documents

Police Clearance Certificate: A certificate certifying that you have no criminal record (required in some cases).

optional

🏥Medical and Technical Requirements

Travel insurance: Insurance that covers medical expenses and unexpected events during your stay in Kenya.

📋Other Documents

Acceptance letter from an accredited educational institution: An official letter confirming your acceptance to a specific program, indicating its duration and tuition fees.

Academic documents: Diplomas, transcripts, and other academic certificates from previous educational institutions.

Cover Letter: A letter explaining your purpose of studying in Kenya, your motivation for your chosen program, and your plans to return to your home country.

Proof of accommodation: Hotel reservation or residential address in Kenya.

Return or onward travel ticket: Proof that you intend to leave Kenya after completing your studies.

Application Process

Receive an acceptance letter

First, you must obtain an official acceptance letter from an accredited educational institution in Kenya. This letter is the cornerstone of your Kenyan student visa (Pupil's Pass) application.

Prepare the necessary documentation

Gather all necessary documents, including a valid passport, passport-sized photos, proof of financial resources, academic certificates, and a letter of intent. Make sure all documents are accurate and complete.

Complete the online application on the eCitizen portal

Visit the Kenya eCitizen portal (ecitizen.go.ke) and create an account. Select the 'Pupil's Pass' category and fill in the online application form with the required information. Upload all the prepared documents as scanned copies.

Pay the fee.

After completing the application, pay the Pupil's Pass fee online through the eCitizen portal. Please note that the entry visa fee will be paid separately.

Submit an application

After filling in all the fields and uploading the documents, verify the information and submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email.

Wait for approval.

Your application will be forwarded to the Kenya Immigration Service for processing. Processing times may vary, but are typically 2 to 4 weeks. You can check your status on the eCitizen portal.

Get a student pass

If approved, you will receive an email notification and will be able to download your Pupil's Pass from the eCitizen portal. You should print this document and carry it with you when traveling to Kenya.

Important Tips & Advice

Detailed and accurate documentation: Make sure all your documents (passport, acceptance letter, financial documents) are complete, accurate, and up-to-date. Incomplete applications are a common reason for denial of a Kenyan study visa.

Get yellow fever vaccination before applying

Demonstrate financial stability: Provide clear evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your studies, living expenses, and other expenses for the entire period of your stay in Kenya. This is crucial for visa approval.

Demonstrate sincere intent: In your cover letter, clearly state your study goals, why you chose Kenya, and what your plans are after graduation. Showcase your ties to your home country.

Timely application: Start the application process several months before your planned departure to allow enough time to prepare all documents and avoid possible delays. Contact us for additional assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Kenyan Student Visa (Pupil's Pass)?

A Kenyan study visa, or Pupil's Pass, is a permit that allows Georgian citizens to study in Kenya at an accredited educational institution. It is issued for the duration of the study program and is renewable.

Can I work while studying in Kenya?

Check specific visa conditions—limitations may apply.

Where should I apply for a Kenyan study visa?

Georgian citizens must apply for a Kenyan Student Visa (Pupil's Pass) online through the official Kenya Immigration Service portal, eCitizen. It is important that you have a valid entry visa in advance to enter Kenya.

Can I work with a Kenyan study visa?

A Kenyan student visa (Pupil's Pass) does not usually allow you to work. Students are generally not allowed to work without a separate work permit, which is difficult for students to obtain. You will need to prove that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your tuition and living expenses.

What are the main reasons for refusal of a Kenyan study visa?

Common reasons for refusal of a Kenyan study visa include: incomplete or inaccurate documentation, insufficient proof of financial means, lack of acceptance letter from an educational institution, or lack of convincing reasons for studying in Kenya. It is also important to demonstrate close ties to the homeland.

How long does it take to process a Kenyan study visa?

Processing a Kenyan Student Visa (Pupil's Pass) usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, although in some cases it may take longer. It is recommended to apply well in advance of your planned travel date to avoid delays. You can check visa requirements for other countries on GetVisa.ge.

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