top of page

Study In USA

Studying in the USA offers an unparalleled academic experience enriched by its renowned universities, diverse academic programs, and vibrant cultural landscape. Renowned globally for their excellence, American universities consistently rank among the top institutions worldwide, attracting students seeking world-class education and research opportunities.

​

The USA boasts a vast array of academic programs spanning various disciplines, from traditional fields like business, engineering, and medicine to emerging areas such as data science, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. This diversity allows students to pursue their passions and tailor their education to their career goals, fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

​

Beyond academics, studying in the USA offers an immersive cultural experience like no other. With its melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, and perspectives, students have the opportunity to engage with people from around the world, broaden their horizons, and develop a global mindset. From bustling metropolises to picturesque college towns, each corner of the USA offers its own unique blend of history, art, cuisine, and entertainment, ensuring that students' academic journey is as enriching outside the classroom as it is within.
 

In essence, studying in the USA is not just about acquiring knowledge; it's about embarking on a transformative journey of personal and intellectual growth, expanding horizons, and forging connections that last a lifetime. Whether pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or professional studies, students find themselves immersed in a dynamic and inclusive community that celebrates diversity, fosters innovation, and empowers them to shape the future.

Study In USA flag

Some of our partner schools and universities

Eureka College logo
Auburn University logo
Baylor University logo
Colorado State University logo
Arizona State University logo
Drew University logo
DePaul University logo
Austin College logo
Cleveland State University logo
Adelphi University logo
American University logo
University of Illinois Chicago logo
Louisiana State University logo
Lipscomb University logo
Oregon State University logo
James Maddison University logo
Long Island University logo
Saint Louis University logo
Florida International University logo
St Thomas Aquinas College logo
Texas A & M University logo
Suffolk University logo
Richard Bland College logo
University of Connecticut logo
The University of Arizona logo
Western Washington University logo
The University of Alabama at Birmingham logo

Start your journey
to study in the US

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

bottom of page
2027 guide for Kenyan students

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

Short answer

Yes. Many US universities accept KCSE for first-year entry, and A Levels and the IB are widely accepted, often with credit. Diploma holders can transfer credit and graduates apply for master's degrees. After admission your university issues an I-20; you pay the SEVIS fee and attend an F-1 visa interview at the US Embassy in Nairobi.

US universities accept KCSE for first-year entry and offer flexible majors, merit scholarships and up to 3 years of work after a STEM degree. Budget about US$785 for visa-related fees and prepare well for the interview in Nairobi.

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

Visa feesUS$785US$185 application + US$350 SEVIS + US$250 integrity fee (≈ KES 101K)
InterviewUS Embassy NairobiRequired for most F-1 applicants
Work in term20 hours / weekOn campus only during the first year
After graduating12 months OPTPlus 24 months for STEM degrees
IntakesAugust · JanuaryFall (August) has the most places
EnglishTOEFL 79–80 / IELTS 6.0–6.5Duolingo accepted by many

Tuition in the USA (per year)

LevelTuitionIn Kenyan shillings
Undergraduate (public)USD 25,000 – 45,000KSh 3.2M – 5.8M
Undergraduate (private)USD 35,000 – 65,000KSh 4.5M – 8.4M
PostgraduateUSD 25,000 – 60,000KSh 3.2M – 7.8M
Community collegeUSD 8,000 – 15,000KSh 1.0M – 1.9M

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

Entry routes by qualification

Your qualificationTypical route
KCSEAccepted by many US universities for first-year entry; competitive universities look for B+ and above. SAT or ACT is often optional.
IGCSE / A LevelsDirect entry; A Levels can earn up to a year of credit at some universities.
IB DiplomaDirect entry with possible credit for higher-level subjects.
Community college routeTwo years at a community college, then transfer to a university to finish a bachelor's at lower total cost.
EnglishTOEFL iBT around 79 to 80, IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 or Duolingo, depending on the university.

Student visa: step by step

  1. Get your I-20. Your university issues it after admission and proof that you can cover the first year's costs.
  2. Pay the SEVIS fee. US$350, before the interview.
  3. Complete the DS-160 and pay US$185. Then book your interview at the US Embassy in Nairobi.
  4. Prepare for the interview. Explain your study plan, funding and ties to home clearly. We run mock interviews.
  5. Visa issued. A US$250 visa integrity fee is collected when the visa is issued.

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

Working while you study and after graduating

F-1 students can work on campus up to 20 hours a week during term. After graduating you can work for up to 12 months on Optional Practical Training (OPT), plus a further 24 months if your degree is in a STEM field.

Scholarships and discounts

Merit scholarships

Many private universities reduce tuition substantially for strong applicants.

Need-based aid

A smaller number of universities meet financial need for international students.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars

Full scholarships for African students at selected US universities.

Documents you will usually need

DocumentNotes
PassportValid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay.
Academic documentsKCSE certificate and Form 1–4 transcripts, or IGCSE, A Level, IB, diploma or degree records.
English testTOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo, unless the university waives it.
Form I-20Issued by your university after admission and proof of funding.
Financial evidenceBank statements and sponsor letters covering the first-year costs shown on the I-20.
DS-160 and fee receiptsDS-160 confirmation, US$185 visa fee and US$350 SEVIS receipts.
Essays and recommendationsFor your university application; SAT or ACT only where required.

How early should you apply?

Start 12 to 15 months before you plan to enrol. For August (fall) entry, early deadlines are usually in November and regular deadlines between January and March; scholarship deadlines are often earlier. Book your visa interview as soon as you have your I-20. A student visa can be issued up to 365 days before your programme starts, but you can enter the US only in the 30 days before it begins.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in the USA with KCSE?

Yes. Many US universities accept KCSE for first-year entry, and SAT or ACT is often optional. Competitive universities look for strong grades.

How much are the US student visa fees?

US$185 visa application fee, US$350 SEVIS fee, and a US$250 visa integrity fee collected when the visa is issued.

Can I work after studying in the USA?

Yes, through Optional Practical Training: up to 12 months, plus 24 more months for STEM degrees.

Where is the US student visa interview?

At the US Embassy in Nairobi. We help you prepare with mock interviews.

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

There is no single cut-off. Many universities admit students with a C+ to B- mean, while competitive universities and large scholarships usually need B+ and above. Grades in maths and English, your essays and activities all count.

Is IGCSE or A Level accepted in the USA?

US universities usually expect 12 years of schooling, so IGCSE alone is often not enough. IGCSE plus AS or A Levels, the IB Diploma or a full high-school programme gives entry, and A Levels or the IB can earn up to a year of university credit, which can shorten your degree and lower the cost.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for the USA?

Most universities ask for TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo. Some waive the test if your school taught in English; we confirm each university's policy before you apply.

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

Undergraduate tuition is about US$25,000 to 45,000 a year at public universities (KSh 3.2M to 5.8M) and US$35,000 to 65,000 at private ones (KSh 4.5M to 8.4M). Community colleges cost about US$8,000 to 15,000 (KSh 1.0M to 1.9M).

Sources

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

Find out where your results qualify in the USA

Free eligibility check from a MultiWorld counsellor in Nairobi, Kampala or Kigali.

Check my eligibilityWhatsApp us

Explore other destinations