The British High Commission office in the UK. Photo Govt.UK
By Kenyans
Foreigners, including Kenyans, applying for United Kingdom Student visas will henceforth be required to explain large or unexplained bank deposits and gaps in their education history.
The UK government on Friday, September 11, said applicants must provide a cover letter explaining the source of large bank deposits and the gaps in their education history.
“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 asked to provide supporting evidence, where possible, to substantiate the source of their funds or explain gaps in their education history.
The latest directive is set to affect hundreds of Kenyan students, who form part of a growing number of international applicants seeking admission to UK universities.
According to the British Council Kenya, 7,525 Kenyan students enrolled in UK universities over a recent four-year period as of November 2025.
The data further showed that annual UK study visa approvals for Kenyans increased from 1,156 in 2021 to 2,210 in 2024, reflecting growing interest in studying in Britain.
The rise was attributed to strong uptake in computing, business and management, engineering and technology, social sciences and allied health programmes.
The UK government also reminded prospective students that a student visa requires them to have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor and to meet the financial requirements.
A student visa currently costs about Ksh97,700 for applications made from outside or inside the UK, and applicants must also pay the immigration healthcare surcharge depending on the length of their stay.
The visa duration depends on the length and level of the course, with students aged 18 and above allowed to stay for up to five years for degree-level courses and up to two years for courses below degree level.
Students may also be allowed to work depending on their course and whether they are working during term time, but they cannot claim public funds, work as professional sportspersons or coaches, or be self-employed.