UK tightens Student visa rules for Kenyans, other foreign applicants

News
UK tightens Student visa rules for Kenyans, other foreign applicants
Saturday 12th September, 2026 12:55 PM|

UK student visa. Image used for representation.

The United Kingdom has introduced additional scrutiny for people applying for student visas, requiring some applicants to explain their financial circumstances and education history before their applications can be approved

Under the updated guidance by the UK government released on its X handle on Saturday, September 12, 2026, applicants may be asked to provide a cover letter explaining their circumstances where there are large deposits or unexplained funds in their bank accounts

“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 or gaps since you last studied. You might also be asked to provide supporting evidence where possible. You can apply for a student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over,” the UK government statement read in part

<img src="https://ji<a href="https://jiuniversity.com/graft-scandals-expose-flaws-in-university-admissions-politics-the-jakarta-post/” title=”Graft scandals expose flaws in university admissions – Politics – The Jakarta Post”>university.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Statement-by-UK-government-500×385-1.png” alt=”Statement by UK government. PHOTO/A screengrab by PD Digital posted by @GOVUK/X.”>

Statement by UK government. PHOTO/A screengrab by PD Digital posted by @GOVUK/X.

Applicants could also be required to explain gaps between their previous studies and the course they intend to pursue in the UK. Supporting evidence may also be requested where it is available

The UK student visa is available to people aged 16 and above who have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor

Applicants must demonstrate that they have enough money to pay for their course and support themselves during their stay in the UK. They must also meet the English-language requirement

Applicants aged 16 or 17 must provide evidence of parental consent

The student visa replaced the former Tier 4 (General) student visa

The requirement for explanations over large or unexplained deposits means applicants may need to provide additional context about the

Where necessary, applicants can be asked to provide supporting evidence to substantiate the explanation given in their cover letter

The additional scrutiny is particularly relevant to applicants who rely on bank statements to demonstrate that they can meet the UK’s financial requirements

Applicants who have spent a significant period away from formal education may also be asked to explain the gap

The UK guidance allows applicants to provide a cover letter setting out their circumstances and, where possible, supporting documentation

Applicants should therefore ensure that their academic and financial histories are consistent with the information provided in their visa applications

Applicants applying from outside the UK, including Kenyans, can submit their student visa applications up to six months before their course begins

Those already in the UK can apply up to three months before the start of their new course, provided they apply before their existing visa expires

For applicants switching from another visa, the new course must normally begin within 28 days of the current visa expiring

The UK government says applicants normally receive a decision within three weeks when applying from outside the UK

For applications made from inside the UK, the usual processing time is up to eight weeks

Applicants may also be offered the option of paying for a faster decision when submitting their application

The length of stay depends on the course and the applicant’s previous study in the UK

Students aged 18 or over studying at degree level can usually remain in the UK for up to five years, while those studying below degree level can generally stay for up to two years

Students may be able to extend their student visa if they qualify to continue their studies

International students who complete their studies may also qualify for a graduate visa

Those who apply on or before December 31, 2026, can stay for two years under the Graduate route

However, applications made from January 1, 2027, will generally allow graduates to remain for 18 months

The three-year period will continue to apply to graduates who have completed a PhD or another doctoral qualification

The current student visa application fee is £558 forapplications made either from outside or inside the UK

Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, with the amount depending on the length of their visa

Students who qualify may be allowed to bring their partners and children as dependants

Student visa holders can study in the UK and may be permitted to work, depending on their course and whether they are working during term time

They can also work as a student union sabbatical officer

University students in the UK. Image used for representation. PHOTO/AI.

However, student visa holders cannot claim public funds and are prohibited from undertaking certain types of employment, including working as professional sportspersons or sports coaches

They are also generally not permitted to be self-employed or study at an academy or local authority-funded school

Students can travel to the UK before their course begins, depending on the length of their programme

Those taking courses lasting six months or less can arrive up to one week before the course starts, while students on courses lasting more than six months can arrive up to one month before the start date

However, applicants must not travel before the start date shown on their visa

The new financial and academic history checks mean prospective Kenyan students should ensure their bank records, academic history and supporting documents clearly explain their circumstances before submitting a student visa application