Kenyans planning to study in the United Kingdom will face additional scrutiny when applying for student visas, with applicants required to explain large or unexplained deposits in their bank accounts and gaps in their education history.
The UK government announced the requirement on Friday, September 11, saying some student visa applicants may now be asked to provide a cover letter explaining their financial situation and any period they have been away from education.
“Applying for a student visa? You may need to provide a cover letter explaining your situation if there are large deposits or unexplained funds in your bank account and there are gaps since you last studied,” the UK government stated.
Applicants may also be required to provide documents supporting the source of the money in their accounts or explaining why they have not been in school for a period of time.
More Scrutiny for Kenyan Applicants
The new requirement comes as more Kenyans continue to seek opportunities to study in UK universities.
Data from the British Council Kenya showed that 7,525 Kenyan students had enrolled in UK universities over a recent four-year period as of November 2025.
UK study visa approvals for Kenyan applicants also increased from 1,156 in 2021 to 2,210 in 2024.
The increase has been linked to growing interest in courses such as computing, business and management, engineering and technology, social sciences and allied health programmes.
The latest requirement means applicants with significant amounts of money deposited into their accounts may need to show where the funds came from rather than simply presenting a bank statement.
Those who have taken several years away from education may also have to account for the gap as part of their visa application.
Requirements for UK Student Visa
The UK government reminded prospective students that they must first have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor before applying for a student visa.
Applicants must also meet the required financial conditions.
A UK student visa currently costs about Ksh97,700 for applications made from outside or inside the UK. Applicants are also required to pay an immigration healthcare surcharge, depending on how long they intend to stay in Britain.
The length of a student visa depends on the course and its level. Students aged 18 and above can stay for up to five years when undertaking degree-level courses, while those taking courses below degree level can stay for up to two years.
Students may also be permitted to work, depending on their course and whether the work is undertaken during term time.
However, student visa holders cannot claim public funds, work as professional sportspersons or coaches, or operate as self-employed workers.