Kenya has a strong university system, offering a range of courses and degrees. The country attracts international students from East Africa as well as the world, drawn to Kenyas high-quality academic programmes and offerings. Below is an introduction to the Kenyan university system, the application process, and the student visa requirements.
University system
There are currently 49 universities in Kenya, with the most well-regarded being the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Egerton University, and the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. There are both public and private universities in Kenya, with several of the private schools having religious affiliations. As Kenyan schools attract a wide range of students, they generally have very diverse student bodies.
An undergraduate degree usually takes four years to complete, and students then have the option of undertaking a Masters or PhD program. Several universities also have study abroad programs in which international students can spend a semester (or longer) studying and living in Kenya. Study abroad students may receive housing on or off campus and will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of cultural activities and excursions. Most international students will live in Nairobi, as the city is home to most of the country's universities.
There are a large number of fields of study available in the country, with popular subjects including IT and technology, marketing, finance, public health, marketing, and communications.
Good to know: Education in Kenya is governed by both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology
Application process
Entry into Kenyan universities can be competitive, so it is essential to invest time in preparing your application to the best of your ability. Students will generally need to provide the following information as part of their application:
- Academic letters of reference
- Academic transcript and copies of any graduate certificates (such as the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, known as the KCSE, or an international equivalent)
- Passport sized photos and completed application fees, and payment of application fees
- Additional essays, recommendations, or letters of referral may be required. Contact your preferred university for more information.
Good to know: Kenyan universities teach courses in English, and students from a non-English speaking background may require proof of their language abilities as part of their application. However, many local students also speak Swahili.
Student visa
International students in Kenya will need to apply for a Kenya Student pass, which is essentially a visa for foreign students who have been accepted to study in a Kenyan university. Students who wish to undertake an academic internship or to do research will also require this visa type.
This visa can be applied for online, and your university should also be able to assist with the application process. Applicants will need to provide a wide range of information and documents when applying, including:
- Completed Application Form 30, along with a cover letter from your university indicating admission into a particular course of study
- Proof of funds to sustain the student while in the country
- Letters of support from the sponsor and student
- Copy of student's passport and passport photos.
- Copies of academic certificates
- Police clearance certificate from the student's home country
Good to know: Students from East Africa, who have been accepted into a Kenyan university, do not require a student visa. This is part of an initiative to boost education in the region.
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