Section 1
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 in your home country, and serves as proof of identification.
Visa – Each person planning to visit Kenya from another country is required to obtain a visa. A visa is a permit required for international visitors to enter and remain in Kenya for a specific period. You will need a visitor’s visa that can be obtained online via www.ecitizen.go.ke. You pay $51 and you are issued with an e-visa which you present to the Immigration Officers at the airport upon entry. The Visa is valid for 3 months from the time of entry. The application is a simple process and you will probably just need your invitation/admission letters from Chuka University. This must be done before the student travels to Kenya. Please note that East Africa Community nationals do not have to apply for the visa beforehand as they are issued with an entry visa upon entry into the country. This is in exception of South Sudan nationals who have to apply and pay for the visa using the normal process.
Student Pass– In addition to the visa, international students must also obtain a student’s pass. This is a document issued to the person(s) seeking to enter and remain in Kenya to receive education or training at an educational or training establishment within the country by which he/she has been accepted as a student. Below are the requirements for applying for a student pass.
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).
- Two (2) recent passport size color photos.
- 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 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 they report at Chuka University. 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.
Section 2
Recognition and Equation of Academic Qualifications
Equation for Qualification for International students is done by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA)/Commission for University education.
Bachelor Students: they 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/.
Post-Graduate Students: They are required to have their degrees recognized by the Commission for University Education (CUE). https://recognition.cue.or.ke.
Section 3
Accommodation
There are two accommodation options;
International Students Hostel: The university offers accommodation for international students within the university on first come-first served basis. For inquiry: contact 020-2361086 or nyumba@chuka.ac.ke.
For those who wish to have accommodation outside the university, they can do so by using the option ii below:
Rental houses: There are affordable rental houses in Chuka-Ndagani area and environs that range from a single room, a bedsitter, one bedroom and two bedrooms. One can book for rental houses through the Dean of students’ office via Dos@chuka.ac.ke or 0772894438.
Section 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 health care Insurance plans may then load the costs of such referrals to their insurance firms.
The University Medical Center is open for 24Hrs.
Dispensary toll free emergency number: 0800230009.
Medical Insurance Cover: International students MUST possess valid Medical Insurance Cover that is acceptable in Kenya. All International students are required to submit a valid Medical Insurance Cover to the Medical office for verification. The verification must be done before the end of the first month after the Semester begins.