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Study In The UK

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Embarking on a journey of higher education is a
significant decision, and choosing the right destination is paramount to shaping a future of success. When considering where to pursue your academic dreams, the United Kingdom emerges as a compelling choice that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, offering a rich tapestry of opportunities for growth and exploration.
 

At the heart of the decision to study in the UK lies a commitment to academic excellence. Renowned for its
world-class universities, the UK boasts a centuries-old
tradition of providing top-notch education.

From the hallowed halls of Oxford and Cambridge to the dynamic campuses of leading institutions in London,

you'll find a diverse range of programs designed to
nurture and challenge your intellectual capabilities.

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Some of our partner schools and universities

University of Glasgow logo
University Of Greenwich logo
University Of Portsmouth logo
Heriot Watt University Logo
University Of York logo
KEELE University logo
SURREY logo
University of Liverpool logo
ESSEX logo
Durham University logo
NEWCASTLE logo
University of Central Lancashire logo
Durham logo
CITY UNI OF LONDON logo
TEESIDE logo
Bournemouth University logo
STRATHCLYDE logo
DeMontfort University logo
University of Greenwich logo
BRUNEL logo
SHEFFIELD logo
UNI OF MANCHESTER logo
LEICESTER logo
LANCASHORE logo
Nottingham Trent University logo
University of Brighton logo
University of Birmingham logo
University of Westminster logo

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Embark on your academic journey to the United Kingdom with confidence and guidance. Begin your path to studying in the UK today

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2027 guide for Kenyan students

Studying in the UK: entry, visa, costs and work

Short answer

Yes. Kenyan students can study in the UK after KCSE, IGCSE, A Levels, the IB, a diploma or a bachelor's degree. After KCSE most students take a one-year foundation; A Levels and the IB usually give direct first-year entry; graduates apply for master's degrees. You need an offer and CAS from a licensed university, proof of funds, a TB test and a Student visa.

Most Kenyan students reach a UK degree either directly with strong A Levels or IB, or through a one-year foundation after KCSE. Plan for £558 in visa fees, the health surcharge and £1,203 a month in living funds outside London.

Last reviewed: October 2026 · Reviewed by the MultiWorld International Admissions Team against the official sources below. How we review our guides.

Visa fee£558Student visa, applying from Kenya
Health surcharge£776 / yearPaid with the visa application
Living funds£1,203 / month£1,570 in London; up to 9 months (≈ KES 1.9M–2.4M) from 30 Nov 2026
Work in term20 hours / weekDegree-level students; full time in breaks
After graduating18 monthsGraduate Route from 1 Jan 2027 (PhD: 3 years)
IntakesSeptember · JanuarySome courses also start in May

Tuition in the UK (per year)

LevelTuitionIn Kenyan shillings
UndergraduateGBP 11,400 – 38,000KSh 2.0M – 6.7M
PostgraduateGBP 9,000 – 38,000KSh 1.6M – 6.7M
Foundation yearGBP 6,000 – 12,000KSh 1.1M – 2.1M

Indicative yearly tuition; exact fees for 1,100+ courses are in our course finder.

Entry routes by qualification

Your qualificationTypical route
KCSEUsually a one-year foundation first. A few universities accept strong KCSE results (typically B+ and above, with good English and maths) for direct first-year entry.
IGCSE onlyFoundation year, then the degree.
A LevelsDirect entry. Typical offers range from CCC to AAA depending on the university and course.
IB DiplomaDirect entry, usually 24 to 38 points.
Diploma or degreeTop-up final year, or a master's after a bachelor's degree.
EnglishIELTS for UKVI or equivalent, typically 5.5 to 6.5. Some universities accept a strong KCSE English grade instead; get that confirmed in writing.

Student visa: step by step

  1. Accept your offer and receive a CAS. Your university issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies once conditions and the deposit are met.
  2. Hold your funds for 28 days. Unpaid first-year tuition plus living funds, in your or your parent's account, for 28 consecutive days.
  3. Get a TB test. Applicants from Kenya need a tuberculosis test certificate from an approved clinic.
  4. Apply online and book biometrics. Pay the £558 fee and the health surcharge, then attend the visa centre in Nairobi. You can apply up to 6 months before the course starts.
  5. Decision. Usually about 3 weeks after your appointment.

Visa decisions are made by the immigration authority. We help you prepare a complete, accurate application.

Working while you study and after graduating

You can usually work up to 20 hours a week during term at degree level and full time in official breaks. After a bachelor's or master's, the Graduate Route lets you stay and work for 18 months (applications from 1 January 2027), or 3 years after a PhD.

Scholarships and discounts

Chevening

Fully funded UK master's for future leaders with work experience.

Commonwealth Scholarships

Master's and PhD funding for Commonwealth citizens, including Kenyans.

University awards

Many partner universities give international merit discounts on tuition; we check which you qualify for.

Documents you will usually need

DocumentNotes
PassportValid for your whole course.
Academic documentsKCSE certificate or results slip, or IGCSE, A Level or IB certificates, plus transcripts. Degree certificate and transcripts for a master's.
English testIELTS for UKVI or another test your university accepts, unless it confirms a waiver in writing.
CASConfirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your university.
Proof of fundsBank statements showing unpaid tuition plus living costs held for 28 days. A parent's account also needs your birth certificate and a consent letter.
TB test certificateFrom an approved clinic in Kenya.
Personal statement and referenceFor your university application.

How early should you apply?

Start 9 to 12 months before your course. For September 2027 entry, apply between October and January; the UCAS deadline for equal consideration is 13 January 2027 at 18:00 UK time. You can apply for the visa up to 6 months before the course starts, but the money must sit in the account for 28 days first, so move it early.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go to a UK university straight after KCSE?

Yes, but usually through a one-year foundation programme. Some universities accept strong KCSE results for direct entry; we check your grades against each one.

How much money do I need to show for a UK student visa?

Unpaid first-year tuition plus £1,203 a month outside London or £1,570 in London, for up to 9 months, held for 28 days. That is £10,827 or £14,130 for living costs.

How long can I stay in the UK after graduating?

The Graduate Route gives 18 months after a bachelor's or master's for applications from 1 January 2027, and 3 years after a PhD.

Do I need IELTS for the UK?

Usually yes, typically 5.5 to 6.5. Some universities accept your KCSE English grade instead; always get that confirmed in writing.

What KCSE grade do I need to study in the UK?

For a foundation year many UK universities ask for a KCSE mean of about C+ to B-, with good grades in English and maths. Direct first-year entry usually needs B+ or above with strong subject grades. Every university sets its own rules, so we check your results slip against each one.

Is IGCSE accepted in the UK?

Yes. IGCSE alone usually leads to a foundation year. With A Levels or the IB Diploma after IGCSE, you can apply directly to the first year of a degree.

What do I need for a master's in the UK?

A recognised bachelor's degree, usually a Second Class Upper or Lower depending on the university, plus transcripts, a personal statement, references and an English test or waiver. A pre-master's programme can help if your grades or English are below the requirement.

How much does it cost to study in the UK in Kenyan shillings?

Undergraduate tuition is about £11,400 to £38,000 a year (roughly KSh 2.0M to 6.7M). For the visa you also show £10,827 (outside London) or £14,130 (London) for living costs, about KSh 1.9M to 2.4M.

Sources

Last reviewed October 2026 by the MultiWorld International Admissions Team. Read our editorial and review policy.

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