The gap between "I got into a UK Master's programme" and "I can actually pay for it" is where most Kenyan applicants get stuck — not on merit, but on liquidity. GlobCred's SmartPay plan exists to close that gap: a structured, interest-free way to pay tuition in stages, tied to your visa approval rather than a bank's lending decision.
What SmartPay actually is
SmartPay is a tuition payment plan, not a loan or credit product. There's no interest charged to you and no lender in the middle — GlobCred structures your remaining balance into fixed monthly instalments paid directly to your university after your visa is approved.
How the process works
- Application. GlobCred submits your application to your chosen university and guides you through admission.
- Offer letter. Once approved, you receive your university offer.
- Initial deposit. After your unconditional offer, you pay the university's initial tuition deposit to confirm your seat.
- CAS and visa. Once conditions are met, including proof of funds, the university issues your CAS and GlobCred supports your UK visa application.
- SmartPay begins. Once your visa is approved, your monthly SmartPay instalments start — paid directly to your university.
An example SmartPay balance
Tuition, scholarships and deposit amounts differ by university and course — the figures below are one illustrative example; your own plan is based on your actual offer letter:
The GlobCred Cash Reward
Once your visa is approved and instalments are underway, GlobCred credits a Cash Reward — typically £1,700 on a representative plan — directly to your UK bank account. This is funded by GlobCred, not the university, and is not a merit- or need-based scholarship. It's separate from any tuition scholarship the university itself may offer, and its payment is subject to eligibility and confirmation.
Paying from Kenya
Early instalments can typically be paid in Kenyan shillings via M-Pesa or bank transfer, with GlobCred converting to GBP at the prevailing rate at the time of each payment. We don't fix or guarantee an exchange rate in advance — rates move with the market, so it's worth budgeting with some room for FX movement.
Who this suits
SmartPay is designed for students who have, or are close to securing, an unconditional offer from a participating UK university and need to spread their balance rather than raise it in one instalment. Eligibility isn't automatic — a GlobCred advisor reviews your specific offer and timeline individually.