Austrian student visa for Kenyan students in Vienna.
The 2026 rules for students from Kenya: the money to show, what your documents need and where you apply.
Money to show, under 24
€8,671
a year, about KSh1,344,005
Your documents need
Full legalisation
Austria does not accept apostilles from here
To enter Austria
Visa D
apply in Nairobi
The money to show
Under 24
€8,671 a year
€722.58 a month · about KSh112,000 a month, KSh1,344,005 a year
24 and over
€15,701 a year
€1,308.39 a month · about KSh202,800 a month, KSh2,433,655 a year
If your rent is above €386.43 a month, you need to show more. Local amounts are approximate. Source: OeAD 2026.
Your documents and the visa
Full legalisation
Austria does not accept apostilles from Kenya. Your documents need full legalisation: certification by your foreign ministry, then legalisation at the Austrian embassy. This takes longer than an apostille, so start early.
Visa D required
Citizens of Kenya apply at the Austrian embassy in Nairobi before travelling to Austria.
Processing time
Usually 8 to 12 weeks for applicants from Kenya; the legal maximum is 90 days. Waiting for an embassy appointment: ~4 weeks.
Specific to Kenya
- KNEC verification + full legalisation
- University certificate attestation
- Police clearance from DCI
Studying in Vienna
Austria's capital, world-class education, culture and quality of life
Universities
23
Average rent
€450-650
Students
200,000+
Immigration office
MA35, Einwanderung und Staatsbürgerschaft (Immigration and Citizenship), Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 3, 1080 Wien
Universities in Vienna
University of Vienna (85,000+)
TU Wien (30,000+)
WU Vienna (21,000+)
BOKU Vienna (12,000+)
University of Applied Arts Vienna (1,800+)
Medical University of Vienna (8,000+)
MDW Vienna (3,000+)
Common questions from Kenyan students
Yes, secondary school certificates from KNEC need to be verified. University transcripts should be certified by your institution. Both need full legalisation, because Kenya is not part of the Apostille Convention.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Austrian Student Visa
The Austrian student visa typically takes 6 to 12 weeks to process from the date of application at the embassy. It is recommended to apply at least 3 months before the start of your studies.
If you are under 24 years old, you need to show 722.58 euros per month (8,671 euros per year). If you are 24 or older, you need 1,308.39 euros per month (15,701 euros per year).
Yes, bachelor's and master's students can work up to 20 hours per week. You need a work permit from the employment service (AMS).
Valid passport, university admission letter, proof of finances, health insurance, certificate of good conduct, birth certificate, passport-sized photos and a completed application form.
You can appeal within 4 weeks of the rejection to the Federal Administrative Court (BVwG). Carefully review the reasons for rejection and address any deficiencies before reapplying.
English
Moving from Kenya? Get visa help.
Your route, deadlines and real costs for students from Kenya.