Master's in the UK from Kenya: Requirements, Costs and Visa (2027)
Short answer: a UK master's usually takes one year. You need a recognised bachelor's degree (most universities ask for a Second Class Upper, many accept a Second Class Lower), an English test or waiver, a personal statement and references. Tuition is about £9,000–£38,000 a year (≈ KSh 1.6M–6.7M), and for the Student visa you show £1,203 a month in living funds outside London (£1,570 in London). After graduating you can stay and work for 18 months on the Graduate Route (applications from 1 January 2027).
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Reviewed by the MultiWorld International Admissions Team · How we review our guides
Entry requirements
Requirement | What most UK universities ask for |
Degree | A recognised bachelor's degree. Second Class Upper (2:1) for competitive courses; many accept Second Class Lower (2:2). |
English | IELTS 6.0–7.0 overall or equivalent (PTE, TOEFL). Some universities waive it for degrees taught in English. |
Documents | Degree certificate and transcripts, personal statement, two references, CV, passport. |
Work experience | Needed for MBAs and some management courses, usually 2–3 years. |
Below the requirement? | A pre-master's programme can bridge grades or English. |
Not sure about your degree class? Read master's abroad with a Second Class Lower.
What it costs in Kenyan shillings
Cost | Amount | ≈ KES |
Tuition per year | £9,000–£38,000 | 1.6M–6.7M |
Living funds for the visa | £1,203/month outside London (£1,570 London), up to 9 months | 1.9M–2.4M |
Student visa fee | £558 | ≈ 97,000 |
Immigration Health Surcharge | £776 per year | ≈ 134,000 |
TB test | Approved clinic in Kenya | Varies |
Fees for individual courses are in our course finder.
Steps and timeline for September 2027
October–January: shortlist courses, take your English test and apply. Popular courses fill early.
January–April: receive offers, meet conditions and pay the deposit.
At least 28 days before the visa: hold tuition still owed plus living funds in your or a parent's account.
June–August: get your CAS, take the TB test and apply for the Student visa (up to 6 months before the course starts).
September: travel and enrol. Many universities also have a January intake.
Scholarships
Chevening: fully funded master's for future leaders with work experience.
Commonwealth Scholarships: master's and PhD funding for Kenyan citizens.
University awards: many universities give international merit discounts.
After graduating
The Graduate Route lets you stay and work for 18 months after a master's (for applications from 1 January 2027). Most taught master's students can no longer bring dependants; research degrees still can. Full details are in our Study in the UK guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do a master's in the UK with a Second Class Lower (2:2)?
Yes. Many UK universities accept a 2:2 for taught master's courses, sometimes with relevant work experience or a higher English score. Others offer a pre-master's programme first.
How long is a master's degree in the UK?
Most taught master's degrees take one year full time, usually September to September. Some courses add a placement year, and research master's can take longer.
How much does a UK master's cost from Kenya?
Tuition is about £9,000 to £38,000 a year (roughly KSh 1.6M to 6.7M). With living funds of £1,203 a month outside London for up to 9 months, most students budget about KSh 4.5M to 6.5M in total for the year, plus visa and health surcharge fees.
Can I bring my family to the UK during a master's?
Most students on taught master's courses can no longer bring dependants. Research degrees such as a PhD or research master's still allow dependants.
Do I need IELTS for a UK master's?
Usually yes, typically IELTS 6.0 to 7.0 overall. Some universities waive it for Kenyan graduates whose degree was taught in English; get any waiver confirmed in writing.
Sources
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