INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Important Information for International Students
Home / INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:

Immigration Documents

  • Passport – Before your travel, you need to make arrangements to obtain a passport from your government. This basic travel document serves as a formal permit to travel abroad, allows for re-entry into your home country, and serves as proof of identification.
  • Visa – Each person planning to visit Kenya from another country is required to obtain a Kenya eTA. An eTA offers permission to travel and is authorized by the Government of the Republic of Kenya. The possession of an eTA is not the final authority to enter the Republic of Kenya. Admissibility will be determined at the point of entry. The eTA application collects biographic information and answers eligibility questions from the traveler. eTA applications for Kenya should be submitted at least 2 weeks before travel to ensure adequate time for processing. Travelers can submit their applications up to 3 months before travel. It is highly recommended that travelers apply as soon as they have booked their accommodations and transport tickets. Kindly visit: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en
  •  
  •  

New Applicants

  • Detailed and Signed Cover letter addressed to the Director of Immigration Services from the institution indicating the course to be pursued and the duration.
  • Signed commitment letter from the sponsor or sponsoring institution or proof of funds for self-sponsored students.
  • National passport copy of the sponsor/parent or guardian.
  • Copy of a valid national passport (the bio-data page).
  • Current immigration status for the pupil/student (if in the country).
  • A recent passport-size color photo.
  • Duly certified Copies of basic academic certificates.
  • Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorized /recognized institution.
  • Clearance letter from the Department of Refugee Affairs for refugees.
  • Police Clearance Certificate from the country of origin, or if a resident, from the Kenya Police Service​.

In the case of renewal, applicants should in addition provide the following;

  • Copy of student’s pass previously held -for renewal cases
  • Certified copies of progress report/transcripts obtained (by the issuing institution)
  • Police Clearance Certificate from Kenya

It takes a while for the Student’s Pass to be issued and the process must begin at least three months before the student arrives in the country.

Please Note:

  • If the immigration office has not issued the student’s pass by the time you report to the University, you are advised to carry a copy of your passport and the university Identification Card with you at all times you travel off-campus. With a Student’s Pass, a student can easily get a re-entry pass and thus can visit the neighboring countries and get back to Kenya with no problems. However, an international student who decides to go out of the country without a valid re-entry pass has to apply for a new visa to get back into the country.
  • A student pass does not permit any international student to work in Kenya. The student can only seek employment in the country when a work permit is issued by the immigration office in Kenya. All foreigners (whether students or visitors) who remain in the country for over 90(ninety) days are required by law to register as Foreign Nationals. The University will assist in processing the application.
  • Registration with the ‘home’ Embassies in Kenya All International students are encouraged to register themselves with their ‘home’ Embassies immediately after they report at JKUAT. This is very important because most Embassies keep track of their citizens and their whereabouts. The International Office can provide the contacts for your Embassy.

2. Recognition and Equation of Academic Qualifications

Recognition and Equation for Qualification for International students is done by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA)/Commission for University Education

  1. Bachelor Students are required to get an equation of their certificates (diploma, certificates) through the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) https://www.knqa.go.ke/index.php/recognition-and-equation-of-qualifications/.  
  2. Post-Graduate Students: They are required to have their degrees recognized by the Commission for University Education (CUE). https://www.cue.or.ke  

3. Accomodation options

There are three accommodation options;

  • ALISO Guest houses: These are available for those students staying in JKUAT for a short time.
  • Hostels:
    Around the school, many hostels are up to standards and affordable
  • Rental houses:
    There are affordable rental houses in Nyeri town and environs that range from a single room, a bedsitter, one bedroom, two bedrooms, etc.

List of recommended hostels around JKUAT

Contact the International Students’ Office for further assistance.

4. Student Health Services

The Student Health Services include initial emergency care and first aid for all students. The clinical practitioners attend to common ailments. For more serious cases you may be referred to an external hospital. Patients having healthcare Insurance plans may then load the costs of such referrals to their insurance firms.

The University Medical Center is open for 24Hrs