From Nairobi to Down Under: The Ultimate Guide for Kenyan Students in Australia!
Australia is one of the top study destinations for Kenyan students due to its high-quality education system, multicultural environment, and opportunities for work during and after studies. This guide provides detailed information on everything you need to know about studying in Australia, from choosing a university to applying for a student visa, funding your education, and settling in.
1. Choosing a University and Course in Australia
Australia has world-class universities offering a wide range of courses. Kenyan students can choose from undergraduate, postgraduate, or vocational courses based on their career goals.
Top Universities in Australia for Kenyan Students
According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, the best universities include:
The University of Melbourne – Ranked #1 in Australia
The Australian National University (ANU) – Top in research and international relations
The University of Sydney – Known for business, law, and healthcare programs
The University of Queensland (UQ) – Strong in engineering and environmental sciences
Monash University – Popular for medical and IT courses
The University of Western Australia (UWA) – Offers mining, marine, and business studies
The University of Adelaide – Great for agriculture and technology
Types of Courses Available
Undergraduate degrees (Bachelor’s) – 3 to 4 years
Postgraduate degrees (Master’s & Ph.D.) – 1 to 4 years
Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses – Short-term practical courses (6 months to 2 years)
Foundation courses – For students who need to meet university entry requirements
To explore available courses, visit Course Finder Australia.
2. Understanding Student Visa Requirements (Subclass 500)
To study in Australia, you need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). The visa allows full-time study and part-time work.
Eligibility Requirements
✔ Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) – An official offer letter from an Australian university
✔ Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement – Proof that you intend to study and return home after studies
✔ English Proficiency – IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores may be required
✔ Financial Proof – Show enough funds for tuition and living expenses
✔ Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – Mandatory health insurance
Visa Application Process
Apply for a course and receive a CoE from your university.
Gather necessary documents, including passport, proof of finances, health insurance, and academic transcripts.
Submit the visa application online via ImmiAccount.
Attend a visa interview (if required).
Wait for approval – Processing takes 4–12 weeks.
Visa Cost: AUD 710 (approx. Ksh 82,000)
Tip: Apply at least 6 months before your intended intake to allow time for visa processing.
3. Tuition Fees and Living Costs for Kenyan Students
Tuition Fees (Per Year)
Undergraduate Degree: AUD 20,000 – AUD 45,000
Master’s Degree: AUD 22,000 – AUD 50,000
Vocational Courses: AUD 10,000 – AUD 20,000
Cost of Living
The Australian Government requires international students to have at least AUD 24,505 per year for living expenses.
Estimated Monthly Costs (in AUD)
Accommodation: AUD 800 – 2,500 (varies by city)
Food & Groceries: AUD 600 – 1,200
Transport: AUD 100 – 200
Internet & Phone: AUD 60 – 100
Health Insurance (OSHC): AUD 45 – 80
To manage costs, students can choose shared housing and cook at home.
4. Scholarships for Kenyan Students
Fully Funded Scholarships
Australia Awards Scholarships – Government-funded; covers tuition, living allowance, and airfare.
Destination Australia Scholarships – For students studying in regional areas.
Research Training Program (RTP) – Available for Master’s and PhD students.
Partial Scholarships
University-Specific Scholarships – Check university websites for merit-based financial aid.
Commonwealth Scholarships – Some universities offer discounts for Kenyan students.
For more scholarships, visit Scholarships in Australia.
5. Working While Studying in Australia
Kenyan students can work 48 hours per fortnight during the semester and unlimited hours during holidays.
Popular Jobs for Students
Retail and customer service (supermarkets, shops)
Hospitality (restaurants, cafes, hotels)
Tutoring (especially for students fluent in English)
Aged care and disability support
Administrative roles
Minimum Wage: AUD 23.23 per hour (as of 2024)
Students can find jobs through Seek and Indeed.
6. Accommodation Options
Students can choose between:
🏠 On-Campus Housing – Costs AUD 250–500 per week, convenient but limited.
🏠 Homestay – Living with an Australian family; costs AUD 250–350 per week.
🏠 Shared Apartments – Most affordable; rent varies from AUD 150–300 per week.
For off-campus rentals, use Flatmates.com.au and Gumtree.
7. Adjusting to Life in Australia
Cultural Differences
Australians are friendly but direct in communication.
The education system encourages critical thinking and independent study.
Multicultural environment – Kenyans can find African shops and churches.
Public Transport
Cities like Sydney and Melbourne have train, bus, and tram networks.
Students get transport discounts in some states.
Kenyan Communities in Australia
Facebook groups & WhatsApp groups: Kenyans in Australia, Kenyan Students in Australia
Churches: African and Kenyan-led Christian congregations are common.
Kenyan events: Annual Jamhuri Day celebrations and cultural festivals.
8. Post-Study Work Opportunities
After graduation, Kenyan students may qualify for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), allowing them to stay and work for:
2–4 years (Bachelor’s & Master’s)
4–6 years (PhD graduates)
For permanent residency, students can apply for Skilled Migration Visas if their profession is on the Skilled Occupation List.
Is Studying in Australia Worth It?
✅ Yes, if you:
✔ Want a globally recognized degree
✔ Enjoy a multicultural and safe environment
✔ Plan to work while studying and gain international experience
❌ Challenges to consider:
✖ High cost of living in major cities
✖ Competitive job market for international students
Final Tips for Kenyan Students
📌 Start your application early (at least 6 months in advance).
📌 Apply for scholarships to reduce costs.
📌 Network with Kenyan students for guidance and support.
📌 Consider studying in regional universities for lower costs and migration benefits.
Would you like help with choosing a university, scholarships, or visa applications? 🚀
