Kenyan Student Guide to Studying in the UK

The UK is a popular study destination for Kenyan students, thanks to the UK's global reputation as a leader in higher education. Studying in the UK allows Kenyan students to gain knowledge and skills that employers worldwide value and, as many Kenyans are brought up speaking English, they can hit the ground running in terms of communication with peers and professors.

Studying in the UK allows Kenyan students to experience a new culture, meet people from different backgrounds, and broaden their perspectives. This exposure can be precious and help Kenyan students develop a global outlook essential in today's interconnected world.

If you want to join the many Kenyan students currently studying at a UK university or college, arrange a free consultation today.

Kenyan Student Information on Studying in the UK

UK Scholarships for Kenyan Students

All universities have a wide variety of UK scholarships for international students each year, and Kenyan students are no exception.

Among the well-known scholarships available to international students in the UK are Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and British Council Scholarships. Additionally, various universities provide bursaries and scholarships through their programmes to incentivise exceptional students to pursue higher education. Specific Kenyan student scholarships in the UK include:

• The Africa London Nagasaki (ALN) Scholarship Fund: This scholarship is open to African students, including those from Kenya, who wish to pursue a Master's degree in a subject related to public health. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare.
• The Charles Njonjo Scholarship: This scholarship is open to Kenyan students who wish to pursue a Master's degree in law at the University of Warwick. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare.

UK Student Visa for Kenyan Students

If Kenyan students intend to study in the UK, they will require a student visa to enter the country. The following are the general steps that Kenyan students must follow to obtain a UK student visa:

• Apply to the desired university and programme.
• Once an unconditional offer letter is received for the chosen course, pay the corresponding course fees.
• The university will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which is essential for applying for a student visa.
• Complete the visa application form, pay the visa application fees and gather all the required documents, including a passport, CAS, proof of English language proficiency, and bank statement.
• Schedule a visa appointment at Kenya's UK Visa application centre to provide biometric data and submit supporting documents.

- Is it difficult to get a student visa as a Kenyan student?

The process of obtaining a UK student visa can be intricate and time-consuming, regardless of your nationality. To qualify for a UK student visa as a Kenyan student, you must meet specific requirements, such as getting accepted into a course at a recognised UK educational institution, having adequate funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses, and meeting the English language proficiency standards.

Popular UK Universities with Kenyan Students

There are many popular universities in the UK for Kenyan students to consider. Here are a few options:

• University of Manchester: The University of Manchester is a top-ranked institution in the UK with a large international student population.
• University of Oxford: Oxford is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and attracts students from all over the world.
• University of Cambridge: Like Oxford, Cambridge is a world-renowned institution offering various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across many disciplines.
• Imperial College London: Imperial College is a science-focused institution that offers a range of courses in engineering, medicine, and business.
• University of Edinburgh: The University of Edinburgh is one of the oldest universities in the UK and is located in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Other popular universities for Kenyan students in the UK include the University of Warwick, University College London (UCL), and the University of Bristol.

Which UK universities have the most Kenyan students?

According to the latest data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the UK universities with the most Kenyan students are:

1. University of Manchester
2. University of Leeds
3. University of Nottingham
4. University of Edinburgh
5. University of Glasgow

Cities in the UK with large Kenyan communities

Kenyan people are scattered all over the UK, with several cities with significant Kenyan communities. Based on anecdotal evidence and observations, London is home to the largest Kenyan population in the UK, with Birmingham, Manchester, Leicester, and Nottingham also featuring big communities.

Cultural and religious celebrations for Kenyan students in the UK

There are several cultural and religious festivals organised by locals, universities, and the government in the UK. These celebrations attract many people of Kenyan descent as well as many Britishers. Some of the most popular Kenyan celebrations in the UK are:

1. Turkana dancing festival
2. Pokomo
3. Tharaka-Nithi Cultural Festival
4. Maulidi Cultural Festival
5. Jamhuri Day (Kenya Independence Day celebration)

Kenyan Student Societies at UK Universities

Kenyan student societies found in UK universities are usually run by students and serve as a source of solidarity and assistance for Kenyan students pursuing their studies in the UK. These societies frequently arrange cultural activities such as traditional music and dance exhibitions, culinary festivals, and commemorative events for Kenyan celebrations. 

In addition, many Kenyan student societies conduct charitable events to aid charitable causes in Kenya or to promote awareness and fundraising efforts for local charities in the UK.

UK University Entry Requirements for Kenyan Students

To be considered for an undergraduate course, Kenyan students typically need to provide a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with grades C and above for a foundation year and level 0 of a bachelor's degree. You might also need between 28 and 38 points in the International Baccalaureate (IB).

For postgraduate courses, the institution seeks qualifications equivalent to the British bachelor's degree, requiring a UK 2:1 or equivalent for entry, but some courses may consider 2:2 grades.

In general, Kenyan students must have completed their high school education and attained a minimum level of academic performance to be eligible for admission to undergraduate courses. They must have completed a bachelor's degree through a recognised university or college for graduate programmes.

- Foundation Courses for Kenyan Students

If Kenyan students aspire to study in the UK but need more than the entry requirements for their desired courses, they can consider enrolling in foundation courses. Kenyan students can choose from various foundation courses, such as the International Foundation programme, Pre-Sessional English courses, and other online foundation courses. These courses give students the necessary academic skills and knowledge for pursuing university-level studies.

To be eligible for a foundation course at a UK university, Kenyan students must possess a Secondary School Leaving Certificate, including English Language and Maths.

Study in the UK

If you want to join the many Kenyan students studying in the UK, don’t delay and arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today.