The UK Student Route visa is a document-heavy process, but every requirement is predictable and can be prepared for well in advance. This guide walks Kenyan nationals through the full process step by step, with the current fees, financial thresholds, and timelines you need to plan around.
Overview: The 7 Steps
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sit IELTS UKVI Academic |
| 2 | Accept your offer and receive your CAS |
| 3 | Complete the TB test |
| 4 | Complete the online visa application |
| 5 | Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) |
| 6 | Prepare financial evidence (28-day rule) |
| 7 | Attend biometrics at VFS Global Nairobi |
Step 1: IELTS UKVI Academic
The UK Student visa requires proof of English proficiency through a Secure English Language Test (SELT). IELTS UKVI Academic is the standard choice — its content, format, and scoring are identical to standard IELTS Academic, so one test satisfies both your university's admission requirement and the visa's SELT requirement.
Where to take it in Kenya: British Council Kenya (Nairobi, Mombasa) and IDP Kenya (Nairobi). When booking online, select "IELTS for UKVI," not the standard IELTS Academic option — booking the wrong version means your result won't be accepted for the visa.
| UK Study Level | Visa Minimum (CEFR) | Typical University Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | B2 = IELTS 5.5 | 6.0–6.5 |
| Postgraduate | B2 = IELTS 5.5 | 6.5–7.0 |
Step 2: Receive Your CAS
Once you accept a formal offer from a UK university, the institution issues a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) — a unique 14-digit reference number that anchors your entire visa application (course details, tuition, and dates all come from your CAS). You cannot submit your visa application without it. Universities typically issue the CAS 6–8 weeks before your course start date, so don't expect it too early.
Step 3: TB (Tuberculosis) Test
Kenya is on the UK's current list of countries where residents must complete a TB test for a UK visa application of 6 months or longer — which covers every student visa. This is based on your country of residence, not nationality, and the list is reviewed periodically, so it's worth a quick check at gov.uk/tb-test-visa before booking.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Who must do it | Applicants resident in Kenya applying for a UK visa of 6+ months |
| Approved provider | IOM (International Organization for Migration) operates UK-approved TB testing in Kenya |
| Procedure | Chest X-ray plus clinical review; further tests only if the X-ray shows anything of concern |
| Processing | Typically a few business days |
| Certificate validity | 6 months from issue — book close to your intended application date, not too early |
Book your TB test before starting the online visa application — the certificate is a required upload, and delays here are one of the most common causes of a rushed or incomplete application.
Step 4: Complete the Online Visa Application
Apply at gov.uk/student-visa (officially the "Student" visa, formerly Tier 4):
- Create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account
- Complete the application form — course details, personal details, and immigration history
- Upload supporting documents (CAS, passport, financial evidence, TB certificate)
- Pay the visa application fee and IHS
- Book your biometrics appointment at VFS Global
You can apply up to 6 months before your course start date.
Step 5: Visa Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Student visa application fee | £558 |
| IHS, per year of visa | £776 |
The IHS gives you full access to NHS services for the duration of your visa and is paid upfront as part of the online application, calculated across your entire visa length.
| Course Length | Approximate IHS Total |
|---|---|
| One-year master's | Roughly £800–£1,000 (covers the visa period, including a buffer beyond exactly 12 months) |
| Three-year undergraduate/PhD | Roughly £2,300–£2,500 |
Confirm the exact calculation for your specific visa length on gov.uk at the time of application, since it is charged per exact day of visa validity, not a flat annual rate.
Step 6: Financial Evidence — The 28-Day Rule
You must show you can cover your first year's tuition fee (as stated on your CAS, minus any amount already paid) plus a fixed living-cost allowance, depending on where you'll study:
| Location | Monthly Rate | Up to 9 Months |
|---|---|---|
| London | £1,529 | £13,761 |
| Outside London | £1,171 | £10,539 |
The 28-day rule: the required funds must sit in your (or your parent's/guardian's, if they're your financial sponsor) bank account continuously for at least 28 days, with the 28-day period ending no more than 31 days before you submit your application. A sudden large deposit shortly before applying does not satisfy this rule — UKVI is checking for a stable balance, not just a snapshot on the day you apply.
| Financial Evidence Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Personal bank statements | Must show the 28-day balance clearly; UKVI-accepted formats vary by bank |
| Parent/guardian sponsor statements | Must include a letter confirming the relationship and consent to sponsor |
| Scholarship or sponsor letter | A Chevening, Commonwealth, or university scholarship letter covering tuition and living costs replaces the need for separate bank evidence |
Step 7: Biometrics at VFS Global Kenya
Book your biometrics appointment at the VFS Global UK Visa Application Centre in Nairobi. At your appointment, you'll give fingerprints and a photograph, and submit your documents.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport (original) | Must remain valid for your intended stay; submitted to VFS and returned with your visa decision |
| IELTS UKVI Test Report Form | Original — photocopies are not accepted |
| CAS reference number | 14-digit number from your university |
| TB certificate | Original |
| Financial evidence | Bank statements or scholarship/sponsor letter |
| IHS payment confirmation | From your online application |
| Passport-style photographs | Per VFS specification |
Processing time: typically 3–8 weeks from your biometrics appointment, though priority (faster) services may be available at VFS for an additional fee if you need a quicker decision.
Full Cost Summary (Approximate, One-Year Master's)
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| IELTS UKVI Academic test fee | Check current British Council/IDP Kenya pricing |
| Visa application fee | £558 |
| IHS (for a ~1-year visa) | ~£800–£1,000 |
| TB test | Check current IOM Kenya pricing |
| Financial evidence required (living costs, London example) | £13,761 (held, not spent — this demonstrates capacity, it isn't a fee) |
| VFS Global biometrics/service fee | Check current VFS Kenya pricing |
Graduate Route — What Happens After Your Degree
| Qualification Completed | Graduate Route Duration |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 2 years |
| Master's degree | 2 years |
| PhD | 3 years |
Important upcoming change: from 1 January 2027, the standard Graduate Route duration reduces from 2 years to 18 months for bachelor's and master's graduates. PhD holders keep the full 3 years. If your course completes before this date, you still receive the current 2-year route — the shorter duration applies going forward from that date, not retroactively.
The Graduate Route lets you live and work in the UK in any role, at any skill level, without needing a job offer first. Many Kenyan graduates use this period to secure a role that leads to a Skilled Worker visa sponsorship before their Graduate Route expires.
Common Mistakes That Delay or Refuse Kenyan Applications
| Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Booking standard IELTS Academic instead of IELTS UKVI Academic | Always select "IELTS for UKVI" specifically when booking, if you need it for the visa |
| Letting the TB certificate expire before applying | Book the TB test close to your visa application date, not months in advance |
| A sudden large deposit right before applying | Ensure the required balance has been in your account continuously for at least 28 days |
| Applying with an incomplete or unclear sponsor relationship | If a parent or guardian is sponsoring you, include a clear letter of consent and proof of relationship |
| Applying too early or too late relative to the CAS | You can apply up to 6 months before your course start date — but not before your CAS is issued |
Prepare for IELTS UKVI Academic with Gabble — the exact test format required for both your UK university admission and your Student Route visa application. AI-powered Speaking and Writing practice with instant band scores helps Kenyan students meet the 6.5–7.0 requirement most UK universities set for admission.