Republic of Kenya · study
Student's Pass
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Pass for a foreign national admitted to an academic or training institution in Kenya.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - confirm current timelines on the eFNS portal.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - a fee applies per the official schedule; confirm current amounts on the official Student's Pass page.
- Typical duration
- Aligned to the course of study; renewable while enrolled.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
The Student's Pass is issued to a foreign national admitted to an academic or training institution in Kenya. The institution completes Form 30 in support of the application, and the student evidences admission and means. Applications are filed online through the Directorate of Immigration Services eFNS portal.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Admission to an academic or training institution in Kenya.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ✓Form 30 completed by the institution in support of the application.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ✓Evidence of means to support study and stay.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ✓A valid passport.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
Common blockers
- !Institution not recognised, or no valid admission.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- !Form 30 not completed by the institution.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- !Insufficient evidence of means.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Admission letter from the institution.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ·Completed Form 30.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ·Proof of funds for study and living costs.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ·Passport bio-data and photographs.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Secure admission to a recognised Kenyan institution.
Build the evidence pack
Have the institution complete Form 30 and gather proof of means.
Submit through the official channel
File the Student's Pass application online through the eFNS portal.
After approval
On approval, study under the pass conditions and renew while enrolled.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Student's Pass route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Student's Pass.
Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) · verified
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Frequently asked questions
Who completes the application for a Kenya Student's Pass?+
The student applies, and the admitting institution completes Form 30 in support. Confirm the current forms and requirements on the official Directorate of Immigration Services page.
Does a Student's Pass allow work?+
The Student's Pass is for study. Any employment generally requires a separate work-permit class; confirm the current conditions on the official page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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