Updated 27 October 2026
A Canada student visa from Kenya, properly called a study permit, costs CAD 150 plus CAD 85 for biometrics, and for applications made on or after 1 September 2026 you must show CAD 23,448 for a year’s living costs on top of your first-year tuition and travel. This guide explains the Canada student visa Kenya applicants face in 2026: the provincial attestation letter, the money rules, biometrics at VFS Nairobi and the steps in order, using Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) pages.
Updated October 2026.
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Canada student visa Kenya costs in 2026
KSh figures use KRA’s published rate of about KSh 91.59 per Canadian dollar (week of 19 to 25 October 2026) and are rounded.
| Cost | CAD | About KSh |
|---|---|---|
| Study permit application | 150 | 13,700 |
| Biometrics (one person) | 85 | 7,800 |
| Living costs to show, one person, first year | 23,448 | 2,147,600 |
| Living costs, you plus one family member | 29,192 | 2,673,700 |
| Living costs, family of three | 35,888 | 3,287,000 |
These living-cost amounts are for all provinces except Quebec, which sets its own figure. Tuition and return travel come on top. If you applied before 1 September 2026, the older figure of CAD 22,895 applied; many sites still quote it.
What you need before you apply
- A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI).
- A provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) for most college and undergraduate programmes. IRCC says PALs issued in 2026 are valid until 31 December 2026, and you must have it before you apply. Your school usually requests it for you.
- Proof of financial support (see below).
- A valid passport, academic records, and a study plan explaining why this course and why Canada.
- A medical exam if IRCC asks, and police certificates if requested.
- English results if your school or programme requires them. See our IELTS in Kenya guide.
Proof of funds: what IRCC accepts
You must show enough money for the first year, without working in Canada, and explain how you will pay for the rest of the programme. IRCC lists documents such as a receipt showing first-year tuition and housing paid, an education loan from a bank, a scholarship letter, a Canadian guaranteed investment certificate (GIC), or your bank statements for the past six months with evidence of where the money came from. A letter from a sponsor, such as a parent, must state their job, relationship to you, number of dependants and the amount of support, with their ID.
For Kenyan applicants the main weakness is usually the source of funds: a lump sum that appears weeks before the application, with no salary, business or land-sale record behind it, invites a refusal. Build a six-month trail and keep documents such as payslips, KRA returns, title deeds or sale agreements ready. If you are moving money out of Kenya, our guide to foreign-currency and diaspora accounts helps.
Step-by-step: how to apply from Kenya
- Get your letter of acceptance and PAL/TAL.
- Prepare financial documents, study plan and records.
- Apply online through your IRCC account and pay CAD 150 plus CAD 85 biometrics.
- Wait for the biometric instruction letter, then book and attend VFS Global in Nairobi within 30 days. Biometrics are valid for 10 years, so you may not need to repeat them.
- Do the medical exam if asked, with an IRCC panel physician.
- If approved, you receive a port-of-entry letter and a visitor visa in your passport; the study permit itself is issued when you land.
Mistakes that lead to refusals
- Applying without a PAL when one is required: the application is returned.
- Showing the old CAD 22,895 figure after 1 September 2026.
- Weak study plans that do not explain why the course fits your career in Kenya.
- Agents who invent documents. Use only agents on our CUE-licensed agencies list, and read how to verify a study abroad agent.
Choosing a college or university
Only DLIs can host international students, and only some programmes lead to a post-graduation work permit. A counselling platform such as Edvoy (affiliate link) can help you shortlist DLIs and apply. Always confirm the school and programme on IRCC’s own DLI list before paying a deposit.
Canada student visa Kenya: frequently asked questions
How much money do I need for a Canada student visa from Kenya?
For applications from 1 September 2026, CAD 23,448 for one person’s first-year living costs outside Quebec, plus tuition and travel.
What are the Canada study permit fees?
CAD 150 for the permit and CAD 85 for biometrics per person.
Where do Kenyans give biometrics for Canada?
At the VFS Global visa application centre in Nairobi, after you receive the biometric instruction letter.
Do I need a provincial attestation letter?
Most study permit applicants do. IRCC lists a small number of exempt groups on its PAL page, so check that page and ask your school before you apply.
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