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Australia Student Visa from Kenya (Subclass 500): Requirements and Costs (2027)

Writer: Eliud Njosh
Eliud Njosh
3 hours ago
3 min read

Kenyan students going to Australia need a Student visa (subclass 500). You apply online through ImmiAccount after your university issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). The visa charge rose sharply in July 2026, so plan your budget early.

Quick answer

  • Visa charge: AUD 2,500 for the main applicant from 1 July 2026, about KES 212,000.

  • Living costs: AUD 29,710 for 12 months, about KES 2.5 million, plus tuition and travel.

  • You also need: a CoE, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and an accepted English test result.

  • Genuine Student test: you must show you are a genuine student with a clear reason for the course.

Step 1: Get your CoE

Apply to a CRICOS-registered course. Accept your offer, pay the deposit and buy OSHC, often through the university, to receive your CoE.

Step 2: Prepare your financial evidence

You may be asked to show funds for 12 months of tuition, living costs of AUD 29,710 and travel. Even if the online checklist doesn't list financial documents, prepare them anyway, because many Kenyan applicants are asked for them.

  • Bank statements showing genuine, stable savings

  • Your sponsor's income evidence: payslips, business records and KRA returns

  • Education loan or scholarship letters

Step 3: The Genuine Student requirement

In your application you answer questions about your circumstances, why you chose this course and university, and how it will help your future. Be specific: name the course units that matter to you, the career options in Kenya and why Australia rather than studying at home. Generic answers copied from the internet weaken your application.

Step 4: English, health and character

  • An English test such as IELTS, PTE or TOEFL iBT, with the score your visa and university require

  • A health examination at a panel clinic in Nairobi if you are asked

  • A police clearance certificate if requested

Step 5: Lodge your application online

  1. Create an ImmiAccount and complete the subclass 500 application.

  2. Upload your passport, CoE, OSHC, English results, Genuine Student answers and financial evidence.

  3. Pay the AUD 2,500 charge and give biometrics in Nairobi if you are asked to.

Work rights and life after study

Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. After graduating, many students apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), whose fee also rose in July 2026.

Get help with your Australian application

MultiWorld helps Kenyan students choose Australian universities and pathway colleges, write strong Genuine Student answers and prepare financial evidence. Start with a free eligibility check or read our guide to studying in Australia from Kenya.

Fees and rules checked in November 2026. KES amounts use about KES 85 to the Australian dollar. Always confirm current requirements on the Department of Home Affairs student visa page before you apply.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Australian student visa fee?

AUD 2,500 for the main applicant for applications lodged from 1 July 2026, about KES 212,000.

How much money do I need to show for an Australian student visa?

If you are asked to show financial capacity: AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living costs, plus tuition and travel.

Can I work on an Australian student visa?

Yes. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.

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