Last updated: 16 June 2026 | Service area: Kenya | Application portal: eFNS / Government of Kenya Single Sign-On | Official form: Form 30
A Student Pass in Kenya is the immigration authorization issued to a foreign student who wishes to pursue education in Kenya after being accepted or admitted by an approved educational or training institution. An Internship/Research Pass in Kenya is issued to a person seeking to enter and remain in Kenya for the purpose of undertaking internship or academic research within Kenya after being accepted as an intern or researcher by a Kenyan institution.
Quick Answer: Student Pass and Internship Pass Kenya
Cost: The official Student Pass fee is 100 US Dollar per year for non-East Africans. The official Internship/Research Pass fee is Kshs. 15,000 per year for non-East Africans. East African Community member states are listed as gratis. Always confirm the final amount from the live eFNS invoice generated after approval.
Requirements: Prepare Form 30, institution cover letter, passport bio-data page, current immigration status if in Kenya, passport photos, academic certificates, sponsor documents or proof of funds, police clearance where required, CV for interns/researchers, and research clearance for research programs.
How to apply: Create or sign in to the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On account, log into eFNS, select Apply Now, choose Submit Applications, select the Student Pass tab, complete Form 30, upload documents, submit, monitor email/account notifications, and pay after approval.
Restriction: A Student, Research or Internship Pass is not a work permit. A pass holder should not engage in trade, employment, business or professional work without the required separate authorization.
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Cost of Student Pass and Internship/Research Pass in Kenya
The official fee is normally paid after approval when the invoice appears in eFNS. The eFNS invoice should be treated as the final payment authority because official fees and portal presentation can change.
| Pass category | Official fee | Who it applies to | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Pass | 100 US Dollar per year | Non-East African foreign students admitted to an academic or training institution in Kenya. | Pay after approval through the eFNS invoice. |
| Internship/Research Pass | Kshs. 15,000 per year | Non-East African interns and academic researchers accepted by a Kenyan institution. | Researchers may also need NACOSTI clearance or research permit before filing. |
| East African Community member states | Gratis | EAC nationals applying for Student, Research or Internship Pass status. | Confirm the live eFNS invoice and nationality treatment at filing. |
| Professional support, certification, translations, affidavits, police clearance or courier | Varies | Applicant-specific preparation costs. | Not an Immigration fee. Budget separately where documents need preparation or correction. |
Get a quote for a Kenya Student or Internship Pass application
Send us the admission letter or internship/research acceptance letter, passport bio-data page, current immigration status, sponsor details and intended duration. We will review the document gaps and confirm the filing support fee.
Student Pass vs Internship/Research Pass in Kenya
Use the correct category before filing. A wrong category may lead to queries, rejection or a need to re-file.
| Category | Purpose | Institution evidence | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Pass | Education or training in Kenya. | Admission or acceptance by an approved educational or training establishment. | University, college, school, tertiary training or formal study program. |
| Internship Pass | Internship or practical placement in Kenya. | Acceptance as an intern by an institution within Kenya. | Academic internship, institutional attachment or structured internship linked to an approved host. |
| Research Pass | Academic research within Kenya. | Acceptance by a Kenyan institution and relevant research clearance where applicable. | Researchers, visiting scholars, postgraduate field research and approved academic research projects. |
Requirements for Student, Research and Internship Pass in Kenya
The application is filed online through eFNS using Form 30. Prepare the documents before logging into the portal because incomplete, inconsistent or poorly scanned uploads commonly cause delays.
Core checklist for Student / Research / Internship Pass
- Application Form 30 duly filled, signed and stamped by the institution head or authorized personnel.
- Detailed cover letter from the institution addressed to the Director of Immigration Services indicating the course, internship or research to be pursued and the duration.
- Copy of valid national passport — bio-data page.
- Current immigration status of the student, intern or researcher if in Kenya.
- Current two passport-size coloured photos.
- Copies of basic academic certificates for those joining tertiary institutions.
- Commitment letter from the sponsor where applicable.
- National passport copy of the sponsor where applicable.
- Proof of funds for self-sponsored students.
- Consent letter from the parents for minors.
- Copy of parent’s national passport and copy of birth certificate for minors.
- Copy of registration certificate for the institution from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
- Clearance letter from the Department of Refugee Affairs for refugees.
- Curriculum vitae for researchers and interns.
- Police Clearance Certificate from the country of origin, or if a resident, from the Kenya Police Service.
- Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorized/recognized institution.
- Copy of the official Student / Research / Internship Pass checklist.
Additional Student Pass requirements
- Detailed and signed cover letter from the institution indicating the course to be pursued and the duration.
- Signed commitment letter from the sponsor.
- National passport copy of the sponsor.
- Proof of funds for self-sponsored students.
- For minors, consent letter from the parent.
- Copy of parent’s national passport and copy of birth certificate of the minor as proof of relationship.
- Duly certified copies of basic academic certificates for those joining tertiary institutions and universities.
- Certified copies of progress report/transcripts obtained by the issuing institution for renewal cases.
- Copy of student’s pass previously held for renewal cases.
- For a minor, attach a copy of parent’s Kenya residence permit if not a boarder.
Additional Internship / Research Pass requirements
- Detailed and signed cover letter from the institution indicating the internship or research topic to be pursued and the duration.
- Duly certified copies of academic certificates and CV.
- Copy of research permit or clearance from the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) for those undertaking research programs.
- Police Clearance Certificate from the country of origin, or if a resident, from the Kenya Police Service.
How to Apply for a Student Pass or Internship Pass in Kenya
The official application is made online through the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On and eFNS. The practical filing sequence is:
- Confirm admission, internship acceptance or research affiliation.
The applicant must first be accepted by the Kenyan institution that will support the Form 30 application. - Create a login account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On portal.
Use a reliable email address and keep the login details accessible for tracking and payment. - Log in using the account created to access the eFNS portal.
Use the correct applicant or sponsor profile depending on the case facts. - Select “Apply now”.
Open the application section in the eFNS portal. - Click “Submit Applications” and select the Student Pass tab.
Student, research and internship applications are filed under the Student Pass workflow. - Complete Form 30.
The form must be duly filled, signed and stamped by the institution’s authorized personnel or institution head. - Upload supporting documents.
Attach the institution cover letter, passport bio-data page, photos, current immigration status, academic certificates, sponsor documents, proof of funds, CV, police clearance, research clearance and translations where applicable. - Submit and monitor the application.
eFNS sends automatic notifications via email and on the online account about the progress of the application. - Pay after approval.
After approval, an invoice is generated under Dashboard > Payments. Pay through available online modes or print the invoice and follow the payment instructions where required. - Present application print-outs if required.
Immigration guidance states that application print-outs must be presented to Immigration Headquarters.
Need help filing Form 30 correctly?
Business & Immigration East Africa assists with Student Pass, Internship Pass and Research Pass applications, document review, institution cover letters, eFNS filing, checklist preparation, renewal planning and Immigration follow-up.
How Long Student Pass and Internship Pass Processing Takes
Kenya Immigration does not publish one guaranteed processing time for every Student, Research or Internship Pass file. For planning, allow enough time for document preparation, eFNS submission, Immigration review, invoice generation and final issuance.
| Stage | Planning estimate | What affects timing |
|---|---|---|
| Document preparation | 3–10 working days | Institution letter, Form 30 signature/stamp, certification, translations, police clearance, sponsor documents and research clearance. |
| Online filing | Same day once documents are complete | Portal access, file size, scan quality and complete applicant/institution details. |
| Immigration review | Several weeks to a few months | Queue, adult police clearance verification, school/institution verification, NACOSTI clearance and response to queries. |
| Approval, payment and final issuance | After approval | Invoice generation, payment confirmation and presentation requirements. |
Validity, Renewal and Change of Institution
The pass should match the course, internship or research duration approved by Immigration. Renewal applications should be prepared before expiry, especially where the institution needs to issue updated progress reports, transcripts, continuation letters or new acceptance letters.
- For Student Pass renewal, prepare certified copies of progress reports or transcripts obtained from the issuing institution.
- Attach a copy of the student’s pass previously held for renewal cases.
- Confirm passport validity before filing or renewal.
- Do not change institution, course, internship host or research topic without checking whether a new or amended application is required.
- Keep the institution’s registration certificate, acceptance letter and sponsor/funding records updated.
Can a Student Pass or Internship Pass Holder Work in Kenya?
| Activity | Allowed on Student/Internship/Research Pass? | Practical advice |
|---|---|---|
| Study at the approved institution | Yes, once the pass is issued | Keep the pass valid and aligned to the approved course/institution. |
| Internship with the approved host | Only within the approved internship pass terms | Do not convert internship activity into open employment. |
| Academic research | Only within the approved research pass terms | Secure NACOSTI clearance where required before filing. |
| Employment or paid work | No | Apply for the correct work authorization before employment. |
| Trade, business or professional activity | No | Seek the relevant permit/pass before engaging in business or professional work. |
Recommended Document Packs by Applicant Type
Organising the application by case type makes the file easier to review and reduces query risk.
| Applicant type | Documents to emphasise | Common risk |
|---|---|---|
| University or college student | Admission/acceptance evidence, Form 30, institution cover letter, academic certificates, passport, photos, proof of funds or sponsor commitment. | Weak funding proof or institution letter that does not clearly state course and duration. |
| Minor student | Parent consent letter, parent passport, birth certificate, parent’s Kenya residence permit if not a boarder, school registration evidence. | Missing proof of relationship or unclear boarding/residence arrangements. |
| Intern | Internship acceptance letter, Form 30, institution cover letter, CV, certified academic certificates, passport and current immigration status. | Host letter looks like an employment offer instead of a structured internship. |
| Researcher | Research topic, institution affiliation, Form 30, CV, certified academic certificates, NACOSTI clearance/research permit, police clearance. | Research clearance not obtained or research topic/duration not aligned across documents. |
| Renewal applicant | Previous pass, progress report/transcripts, current status, updated institution letter, passport and photos. | Renewal started too late or progress documents not certified by the issuing institution. |
Common Mistakes That Delay Student / Internship Pass Applications
- Submitting Form 30 without the institution’s proper signature and stamp.
- Using a general admission or internship letter that does not state the course/topic and duration clearly.
- Failing to attach the institution’s registration certificate from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
- Missing sponsor commitment letter, sponsor passport copy or proof of funds.
- Ignoring minor-specific documents such as parental consent, parent passport and birth certificate.
- Filing a research pass without NACOSTI clearance where required.
- Uploading foreign-language documents without recognized English translation.
- Assuming approval notification alone allows study, internship, research, work or residence before the pass is issued.
- Assuming a Student or Internship Pass allows employment, trade or business activity.
Official Sources Used
This guide is based on public guidance from the Directorate of Immigration Services and the eFNS Foreign Nationals Services portal, checked on 16 June 2026. Always confirm the final requirements and invoice inside eFNS before filing.
- Directorate of Immigration Services — Student’s Pass
- Directorate of Immigration Services — Internship/Research Pass
- eFNS — Application for a Student/Research/Internship Pass
- eFNS — Student / Research / Internship Pass Checklist
FAQs on Student Pass and Internship Pass Kenya
Is it called a Student Pass or Student Visa in Kenya?
The official Kenyan immigration category is generally referred to as a Student’s Pass. Many users search for “student visa Kenya” or “Kenya study visa”, but the legal authorization for study is normally processed as a Student Pass through eFNS.
How much is a Student Pass in Kenya?
The official fee is 100 US Dollar per year for non-East Africans. East African Community member states are listed as gratis. Confirm the eFNS invoice before payment.
How much is an Internship or Research Pass in Kenya?
The official Internship/Research Pass fee is Kshs. 15,000 per year for non-East Africans. East African Community member states are listed as gratis. Confirm the live invoice before payment.
What is Form 30 in Kenya immigration?
Form 30 is the online application form used for Student, Research and Internship Pass applications. It must be filled, signed and stamped by the institution head or authorized personnel.
Can I apply for a Kenya Student Pass before entering Kenya?
The eFNS application is online, but the applicant should still confirm entry requirements, eTA/visa requirements where applicable, and any Immigration instruction requiring presentation of print-outs or originals.
Can I work in Kenya on a Student Pass?
No. A Student Pass does not authorize open employment, trade or business. Work, business or professional activity requires the correct permit or pass.
Do researchers need NACOSTI clearance?
Where the applicant is undertaking a research program, attach the appropriate research permit or clearance from the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI).
What if my certificates or documents are not in English?
Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorized/recognized institution before filing.