Kenyan students planning to study in Canada will face higher financial requirements starting September 1.
The new financial requirement follows the country’s update to the amount international students must show to cover living expenses.
Under the new requirement, a student applying for a study permit outside Quebec must provide proof of approximately KSh 2.2 million to cover one year of living expenses.
However, the country has emphasized that the amount is for living expenses only and does not include tuition fees or transportation costs.
The new requirement forms part of Canada’s proof-of-financial-support rules for study permit applicants.
New financial requirements for Kenyan students
Under the updated financial requirement, the amount applicants must show depends on the number of family members traveling with them.
A student traveling alone must show approximately KSh 2.2 million for one year.
For a student traveling with one family member, the requirement rises to about KSh 2.7 million, while a family of three will need KSh 3.3 million.
“If you and 2 family members want to come to a province or territory other than Quebec for a year, you’ll need KSh 3.3 million for living expenses,” the Canadian immigration rules state.
The new requirement exceeds the amount applied between January 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.
Previously, a student applying alone was required to have KSh 2.1 million in annual living expenses.
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| Number of family members | Amount required per year |
| 1 | KSh2.2 million |
| 2 | KSh2.7 million |
| 3 | KSh3.3 million |
| 4 | KSh4.1 million |
| 5 | KSh4.6 million |
| 6 | KSh5.2 million |
| 7 | KSh5.8 million |
| Each additional member | KSh587,000 |
Proof of Financial Funds for Kenyan Students
Students can use bank statements, tuition payment receipts, scholarship letters, and approved education loans as proof.
Additionally, students can use documented financial support from family members or sponsors as proof of financial stability.
Immigration officers may assess both the amount of money available and the source of the funds when considering a study permit application.
Students applying for programs lasting longer than one year must also explain how they intend to finance the remainder of their studies.
Also Read: Kenyan Universities Open Postgraduate Scholarship Opportunities: How to Apply
Study Permit Rules and Restrictions
Kenyan students must also obtain a study permit before traveling to Canada for their studies.
Applicants must also submit a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution.
Depending on their circumstances, applicants may also need to provide a provincial or territorial attestation letter.
Canada requires study permit applications to be submitted online, except for limited circumstances involving applicants who cannot apply online because of a disability or who hold certain identity or travel documents.
Upon arrival, students must remain enrolled at a designated learning institution and actively pursue their studies.
Under immigration regulations, an authorized leave from studies may last up to 150 days, subject to the applicable conditions.
However, students cannot work on or off campus while on an authorized leave, even if their study permit allows them to work.
Kenyan students, as well as international students, who fail to comply with their study permit conditions could lose their student status and permit and may be required to leave the country.
In some circumstances, students who breach the conditions may also have to wait six months before applying for another study permit, visitor visa, or work permit in Canada.
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