Get a foreign qualification aligned (equated) by KNQA
Kenya National Qualifications Authority · sources read 30 Sep 2026
Apply online on the KNQA QAV portal (qa.knqa.go.ke): upload certified copies of your certificates, transcripts and ID, then pay KSh 5,000 per qualification (KSh 10,000 for foreigners). KNQA tells you where it sits on the Kenya National Qualifications Framework.
- Fee
- KSh 5,000Alignment, Kenyan citizen (per qualification)KSh 10,000Alignment, foreigner (per qualification)KSh 50Service fee (per transaction)
- How long
- About 14 working days
- Where
- Online on the KNQA QAV portal (qa.knqa.go.ke). Enquiries: KNQA, NACOSTI Building, 4th Floor, off Waiyaki Way, Upper Kabete, Nairobi
What you need
- Certified copies of the certificates and transcripts you want aligned, plus certified copies for your earlier qualifications
- Kenyans: national ID or passport with a clear photo, certified by an Advocate and Commissioner for Oaths
- Foreigners: passport, work permit and visa with a clear photo, certified by an Advocate and Notary Public
- An English translation by a certified translator for any document not in English
- If your name changed: an affidavit
- Postgraduate: the full signature page of your thesis or project, in English
Steps
- Create an account on the KNQA QAV portal at qa.knqa.go.ke.
- Fill in your qualification details and upload certified copies of each certificate and transcript.
- Submit the application and pay the fee through the payment option on the portal.
- Track your application on your portal dashboard while KNQA evaluates it.
Watch out
- Upload certified copies only. KNQA does not take original documents.
- A provisional certificate or letter of attestation is accepted only if it comes straight from the awarding body.
- Foreigners must show they are in Kenya legally, with a valid visa or passport, work permit or refugee pass.
Who can apply
- Anyone holding a qualification from a foreign university or other foreign awarding body.
- Open to Kenyan citizens and to foreigners (foreigners pay a higher fee).
Official sources (4)
- Alignment & Validation of Qualifications knqa.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- Frequently Asked Questions knqa.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- KNQA Service Charter knqa.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- KNQA Qualifications Alignment & Validation (QAV) Portal qa.knqa.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026