The UK is a fantastic place to go to university. It’s known for having some of the best schools in the world, offering a great education, and giving you a chance to experience a different culture.
We are Atlas Apply, and we help students just like you from Kenya make their dream of studying in the UK come true. We know it can seem like a lot to figure out, but we are here to guide you every step of the way. From picking the right school to getting your visa, we make it easy.
Contents
- 1 Why Study in the UK from Kenya?
- 2 Best UK Universities to Study at for Kenyans
- 3 Best Courses to Study in the UK for Kenyan Students
- 4 How Much Does it Cost to Study in the UK for Kenyans?
- 5 Can You Study in the UK for Free from Kenya?
- 6 How Scholarships Help Kenyan Students
- 7 How to Apply to Study in the UK from Kenya
- 8 Entry Requirements to Study in the UK for Kenyans
- 9 UK Student Visa for Kenyan Students
- 10 Work Conditions for Kenyans Studying in the UK
- 11 Can You Stay in the UK After Your Studies as a Kenyan Student?
- 12 Conclusion
- 13 FAQs
Why Study in the UK from Kenya?
Thinking about where to study after school is a big decision. The UK offers many great reasons for students from Kenya to choose it.
Top-Quality Education in the United Kingdom
UK universities are famous all over the world. They are known for teaching really well and for doing important research. Getting a degree from a UK university is something that employers everywhere respect. It can open up many doors for your future job.
Better Job Chances After Studying in the UK
With a UK degree, you have a great chance to get a good job, both back home in Kenya or even in other countries. The skills and knowledge you get in the UK are highly valued. Plus, the UK offers ways for students to stay and work after they finish their studies, which is a big plus. After a few years of working in the UK, you can get UK citizenship.
Best UK Universities to Study at for Kenyans
The UK has many great universities, each with its own strengths. Choosing the “best” one depends on what you want to study and what kind of place you want to live in.
Famous Universities for Kenyan Students
Universities like Oxford and Cambridge are known worldwide, but they are very competitive. There are many other excellent universities, too. Places like University College London (UCL), the University of Manchester, and the University of Edinburgh are also highly rated and welcome many international students, including those from Kenya.
Best Courses to Study in the UK for Kenyan Students
Students from Kenya study many different things in the UK. Some subjects are very popular because they lead to good jobs or are areas where the UK has special expertise.
Popular Courses for Kenyan Students
Many Kenyan students choose to study subjects like Business, IT and Computer Science, Engineering, and Health Sciences in the UK. These areas often have a high demand for skilled people.
How Much Does it Cost to Study in the UK for Kenyans?
Studying in the UK costs money for tuition fees and living expenses. It’s important to know how much you will need.
Tuition Fees for Kenyan Students
The cost of studying in the UK depends on the university and what you study. It can range from about £10,000 to over £30,000 or more each year for international students. Some courses, like medicine, can cost even more.
Living Costs for Kenyan Students in the United Kingdom
Besides school fees, you need money for living. This includes rent, food, transport, books, and fun. The UK government says you need about £1,483 per month for living costs if you study in London and £1,136 per month if you study outside London. This is money you need to show you have for your visa.
Can You Study in the UK for Free from Kenya?
Getting a free education in the UK is very rare for international students, including Kenyans. Most students have to pay tuition fees and cover their living costs.
No Completely Free Options
There aren’t generally free university places for students from Kenya. You will need to pay for your studies.
How Scholarships Help Kenyan Students
While it’s not free, you can get help with costs through scholarships. Scholarships are like gifts of money that you don’t have to pay back. They can cover part or even all of your tuition fees, and sometimes help with living costs too. This is the closest you can get to studying for free.
How to Get Scholarships to Study in the UK as a Kenyan
Scholarships are a good way to make studying in the UK more affordable. Finding and getting one takes effort, but it’s possible.
Types of Scholarships for Kenyan Students
There are different kinds of scholarships. Some are offered by UK universities themselves, some by the UK government (like Chevening Scholarships) or Commonwealth scholarships, and some by other organisations. Some are for specific subjects, or for students from certain countries like Kenya.
How to Apply to Study in the UK from Kenya
Applying to a UK university involves several steps. It takes time and careful work.
The Application Process for Kenyan Students
Usually, you apply online directly to the universities you choose, or sometimes through a central system called UCAS for undergraduate courses. You’ll need to fill in forms, write a personal statement about why you want to study the course, and provide copies of your school results and other documents.
Entry Requirements to Study in the UK for Kenyans
UK universities need to know that you can do well in your studies. They look at your past school results and your English language skills.
Academic Requirements for Kenyan Students
What grades you need depend on the level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate) and the university. For undergraduates, they will look at your secondary school results, like the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), or other qualifications you have. For postgraduates, they look at your university degree results. Universities will have specific grade requirements.
English Language Requirements for Kenyan Students
You need to show you can understand, speak, read, and write English well. This is usually done by taking an approved English test like IELTS or TOEFL. The score you need depends on the university and your course, but you will definitely need to pass one of these tests. Some universities might accept other proof if you studied in English before.
UK Student Visa for Kenyan Students
To get a UK Student visa in Kenya, you need a few key things. First, you need an offer from a UK university that is approved by the government (they call this a licensed sponsor). The university will give you a special number called a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), which shows you have a place.
Showing You Have Enough Money to Study in the UK
You must prove you have enough money to pay for your first year’s tuition fees (or the whole course if it’s less than a year) and enough for your living costs. We talked about living costs earlier – remember the amounts for London and outside London. You usually need to show that this money has been in your bank account for 28 consecutive days. Your bank statement can be from a bank in Kenya or overseas, in your bank account, or from your parents.
Other Documents for Your UK Student Visa
You will also need your passport, your English test results, your academic certificates, and possibly a tuberculosis (TB) test result, depending on where you are applying from in Kenya. You apply for the visa online and will need to give your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre.
Work Conditions for Kenyans Studying in the UK
As a Kenyan student studying in the UK, you can work up to 20 hours per week during the term time and full-time during bank holidays or summers.
Can You Stay in the UK After Your Studies as a Kenyan Student?
Yes, Kenyan students can stay in the UK after they finish their degree. This is thanks to something called the Graduate route visa.
The Graduate Route Visa for Kenyan Students
The Graduate route allows eligible students who have completed a degree in the UK to stay for two years to work or look for work. If you complete a PhD, you can stay for three years.
Conclusion
Studying in the UK is a fantastic opportunity for students from Kenya. It offers a world-class education, amazing life experiences, and great chances for your future career.
Yes, there are things to figure out – like choosing the right course and university, understanding the costs, and getting your visa. But you don’t have to do it alone.
We at Atlas Apply are experts in helping students from Kenya navigate the path to studying in the UK. We are here to provide clear information, support your applications, and answer all your questions. We know what’s needed and how to help you succeed.
Ready to take the first step? Contact us today! You can reach us easily on WhatsApp at +447498782831. Let’s start planning your exciting study adventure in the UK!
FAQs
It can take a few weeks to get your UK student visa after you apply online and attend your appointment. Apply early to give yourself plenty of time before your course starts.
This depends on the level of your course. If you are studying a postgraduate research degree course (like a research Master’s or PhD) that lasts for at least 12 months, you may be able to bring dependents (husband, wife, and children). For undergraduate courses, it’s usually not allowed unless there are special circumstances.
As part of your visa application, you have to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This lets you use the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), which is their public healthcare system, just like a UK resident. So, you don’t need separate health insurance because the IHS covers you for medically necessary treatment.
The weather in the UK can change a lot! It has four seasons. Summers can be warm, but winters are generally cold, with rain common throughout the year. It’s different from Kenya, so be ready for cooler temperatures and to pack layers!
While our main focus is on university applications and visas, we can give you general advice on finding accommodation. Universities often have student halls, and there are private options too. We can point you to resources that can help you search.
