What Is the UK Student Visa?
The UK Student Visa (previously known as the Tier 4 visa) allows you to study in the United Kingdom at an approved educational institution for a programme lasting more than six months. If you have been offered a place at a UK university and have received your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), you are eligible to apply.
Step 1: Receive Your Unconditional Offer and CAS
Before anything else, you need an unconditional offer of admission from a UK Higher Education Provider (HEP) that holds a Student sponsor licence. Once all your conditions are met — typically academic results and English language requirements — the university will issue your CAS number. This unique reference number is required to complete your visa application.
Step 2: Check Your Financial Requirements
The UK Home Office requires you to demonstrate that you have enough money to pay your tuition fees and support yourself during your studies. As of 2025, you must show at least £1,334 per month for studies in London (£1,023 per month outside London), held in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days prior to your application. If your institution is a higher education provider with a track record of compliance, you may only need to show funds covering the first nine months of your course.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
A complete UK Student Visa application from Kenya typically requires the following documents:
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months' validity beyond your intended stay)
- CAS number from your university
- Proof of funds (bank statements — 28 consecutive days)
- IELTS / TOEFL / PTE certificate (if English language was a condition of your offer)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from an approved clinic in Kenya
- UKVI approved English language test results (where applicable)
- Passport-sized photographs meeting UKVI specifications
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Apply online at the UK Visas and Immigration portal (UKVI). You will fill in your personal details, study plans, financial information, and immigration history. You will also pay the visa fee (currently £363 for student visas as at 2025) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which gives you access to the NHS during your studies.
Step 5: Book Your Biometric Appointment
Once you have submitted your online application and paid your fees, you must book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nairobi. The main VAC is operated by TLScontact. At your appointment, your fingerprints and photograph will be taken. Attend in person — you cannot send someone on your behalf.
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
Standard processing times from Kenya are typically 3–5 weeks. You can pay for a priority service (currently £500 extra) to receive a decision within 5 business days. You will receive your passport back with a vignette (sticker) if approved, or a letter explaining the decision if refused.
How BridgeWay Consult Can Help
Navigating the UK visa process from Kenya involves multiple agencies, tight deadlines, and precise documentation. At BridgeWay Consult, our visa consultants review every document before submission, prepare you for your biometric appointment, and advise on common pitfalls that lead to refusals. Book a free eligibility assessment today and let us guide you through the process with confidence.