Special announcement for Kenyans who want to study in the UK

Stating that the rules had been relaxed since Brexit, High Commissioner Marriott relayed that Kenyan students would now enjoy the same privileges as their counterparts from European Union countries.

One such accommodation will be having the students extend their stay in the UK post completion of their studies.

"Since leaving the European Union, the UK has set a number of new visa routes for Kenyans and other ambitious young people across the world. So from July 1, 2021, applications open for our new graduation route.

"The graduate route will allow international students who have completed undergraduate and Master’s degrees to stay 2-3 years after completing their studies, this is because we want to give Kenyans a chance to study and work in the UK," Marriott clarified.

She added that the PhD students would enjoy a longer stay (3 years) after concluding their studies clarifying that red listing would not apply to the visas.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott with Chief Justice Martha Koome Pulse Live Kenya

The red list was developed as a containment measure against the spread of Covid-19 in the UK. It contains a number of countries against which the UK has instituted a travel ban.

"Red listing does not impact on these Visas, students can still go and study in the UK although there are concessions for those who are unable or prefer not to travel," the High Commissioner stated.

How to Apply

Any person wishing to study in the UK is invited to apply for the study Visa, which should be at least six months before the start of the course you are seeking to pursue.

The UK also offers scholarships to those who would wish to study in the country. One such scholarship for Kenyan students is the Chevening Scholarship.

To qualify for this scholarship, one has to have completed all components of an undergraduate degree that will enable them gain entry onto a postgraduate programme at a UK university by the time they submit the application.

Ordinarily to have attained an equivalent of an upper second-class 2:1 honours degree in the UK but may be different depending on the course and university choice.

"Because we would like to give Kenyans a chance to study and work in the UK, in addition to our Chevening Scholarship, for which there are now 500 alumni, and in addition to our Student Visa Route launched last October individuals applying to the Graduate Route will not need a sponsor.

"Graduates will be able to apply to the Skilled Worker Route from within the UK once they have found a suitable job," she added.