Scholarships for Kenyans offer a gateway to educational advancement and the opportunity to relocate from Kenya to prestigious institutions around the world. For many Kenyans studying abroad, these scholarships are the lifeline that makes their academic dreams a reality. Studying overseas for Kenyans can be a transformative experience, providing exposure to new cultures, cutting-edge education, and a global perspective that is invaluable in today’s interconnected world.
Opportunities to study abroad for Kenyans have expanded significantly, with a variety of fully-funded scholarships for Kenyans now accessible, covering a wide range of fields and levels of study. These scholarships for Kenyan students not only cover tuition fees but also often include living expenses, travel costs, and sometimes even a stipend, making the pursuit of higher education abroad a feasible goal for the brightest and most determined minds.
Application Process for Scholarships for Kenyans
The application process for scholarships for Kenyans can vary significantly depending on the scholarship provider and the level of study. However, there are common steps that applicants typically need to follow:
(i) Research and Identification: The first step involves identifying the scholarships for which you are eligible. This includes fully-funded scholarships for Kenyans, scholarships for Kenyan students, and opportunities to study abroad for Kenyans. Websites like myinternationalscholarships.com and kenyaeducationfund.org provide listings and updates on available scholarships.
(ii) Preparation of Documents: Most scholarships require a set of documents, which may include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, and proof of financial need. For instance, the Kenya Education Fund requires applicants to meet specific academic and financial need criteria.
(iii) Application Submission: After preparing all necessary documents, the next step is to submit your application. This could be through an online portal, email, or physical submission, depending on the scholarship’s requirements. It’s crucial to adhere to the application deadlines and ensure that all parts of the application are complete and accurate.
(iv) Interviews and Tests: Some scholarships may require candidates to undergo interviews or tests as part of the selection process. Preparing for these by understanding the scholarship’s objectives and how your goals align with them can be beneficial.
(v) Notification of Outcome: Successful candidates will be notified via email or the scholarship website. It’s important to regularly check your email and the scholarship website for updates.
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships for Kenyans
Eligibility criteria for scholarships for Kenyans studying abroad or locally can vary widely. However, common criteria include:
(a) Academic Merit: Many scholarships, such as those offered by the Rhodes Trust, require applicants to have outstanding academic records. The Rhodes Scholarships, for example, are available to Kenyan students with excellent academic achievements and leadership potential.
(b) Financial Need: Scholarships like those from the Kenya Education Fund are aimed at students who demonstrate significant financial need.
(c) Specific Fields of Study: Some scholarships are targeted towards students pursuing specific fields of study. For example, the DAAD Scholarships at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology are available for graduates and postgraduates from Sub-Saharan Africa in various academic fields.
(d) Nationality and Residency: Most scholarships for Kenyans are exclusively available to Kenyan citizens or residents. For instance, the Kenya Scholarship Program at St. Lawrence University is specifically for qualifying Kenyan students.
(e) Level of Study: Scholarships are often specific to a certain level of study—undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral. Eligibility criteria will specify the level of study required.
Top Scholarships for Kenyans
Here is a list of the 35 best scholarships for Kenyans;
1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars ProgramÂ
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies to academically talented but financially disadvantaged students in Kenya and other African countries, offering opportunities to relocate from Kenya and study abroad. Kenyan students can apply directly through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s and PhD StudyÂ
Offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK, these scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for Kenyan students pursuing master’s or PhD degrees in the UK, facilitating Kenyans studying abroad. Applicants must apply through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s online application system and meet the eligibility criteria.
To learn more about scholarships for Kenyans and for PhD scholarships, check out; https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-phd-scholarships-for-least-developed-countries-and-fragile-states/
3. Chevening ScholarshipsÂ
Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships are available to outstanding students from Kenya and other eligible countries who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK, providing opportunities for Kenyans to study overseas. Kenyan applicants must apply through the Chevening website.
4. Rhodes Scholarships
Rhodes Scholarships are prestigious fully-funded awards for postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford, UK, offering opportunities for Kenyans to relocate from Kenya and study abroad. Kenyan students can apply for Rhodes Scholarships through their respective national selection committees or directly to the University of Oxford.
5. Erasmus Mundus ScholarshipsÂ
Offered by the European Union, Erasmus Mundus scholarships support master’s and doctoral students from Kenya and other countries to study at participating universities in Europe, facilitating studying overseas for Kenyans. Application procedures vary depending on the specific Erasmus Mundus program, so candidates should check the requirements and application process on the program’s website.
6. VLIR-UOS ScholarshipsÂ
VLIR-UOS scholarships support students from developing countries, including Kenya, to pursue master’s or training programs in Belgium, offering opportunities for Kenyans to study abroad. The application process involves applying directly to the participating Belgian university offering the program of interest.
7. DAAD ScholarshipsÂ
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for master’s and PhD studies to Kenyan students in various fields, facilitating Kenyans studying abroad. Applicants must apply through the DAAD portal and meet the specific eligibility criteria for each scholarship program.
8. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme provides scholarships for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from Kenya and other countries with demonstrated leadership potential, offering opportunities for Kenyans to relocate from Kenya and study abroad. Interested candidates should apply directly through the Aga Khan Foundation’s online application system.
9. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships
The Japanese government offers fully-funded scholarships to Kenyan students for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Japan, facilitating opportunities for Kenyans to study overseas. Application procedures vary depending on the scholarship category, and candidates must apply through the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan in Kenya.
10. Rotary Foundation Global GrantsÂ
Rotary International provides Global Grants for graduate-level coursework or research abroad, offering opportunities for Kenyans to relocate from Kenya and study abroad. Kenyan students can apply through their local Rotary Club, which will then submit the application to Rotary International for consideration.
11. IREX ScholarshipsÂ
IREX offers various scholarship programs for Kenyan students, including the Community Solutions Program and the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, providing opportunities for Kenyans to study abroad. Interested candidates should check the specific eligibility criteria and application process for each program on the IREX website.
12. South Korean Government Scholarship Program for International StudentsÂ
The South Korean government offers fully-funded scholarships for Kenyan students to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degrees in South Korea, providing opportunities for Kenyans studying abroad. Kenyan applicants should apply through the South Korean Embassy in Kenya. The South Korean Government Scholarship Program is among the leading scholarships programs for Africans in Asia.
To learn more about scholarships for Kenyans in South Korea, also check out; https://oia.snu.ac.kr/korean-government-scholarship-program-kgsp-1Â
For more on scholarships for Kenyans, check out; http://www.niied.go.kr/user/nd35203.doÂ
13. Google Africa Developer Scholarship (GADS) program
Google offers scholarships for Kenyan students to pursue certifications in various Google technologies, such as Google Cloud and Android development, offering opportunities for Kenyans to study abroad. Interested candidates can apply through the Google Africa Developer Scholarship (GADS) program website.
14. Africa Prize for Engineering InnovationÂ
The Royal Academy of Engineering’s Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation offers financial support, training, and mentorship to Kenyan engineers with innovative technology-based business ideas, facilitating opportunities for Kenyan engineers to study abroad. Kenyan engineers can apply directly through the Africa Prize website.
15. Wellcome Trust Master’s Fellowships in Public Health and Tropical MedicineÂ
Wellcome Trust offers fully-funded master’s fellowships for Kenyan students pursuing studies in public health and tropical medicine, providing opportunities for Kenyans to study overseas. Interested candidates should check the eligibility criteria and application process on the Wellcome Trust website.
16. IREX Community Solutions Program
The IREX Community Solutions Program provides fully-funded fellowships for Kenyan professionals to participate in a community development program in the United States. Interested candidates should apply through the IREX website.
17. World Bank Africa Fellowship ProgramÂ
The World Bank Africa Fellowship Program offers fully-funded fellowships for Kenyan PhD students pursuing research in development-related fields. Applications are typically submitted directly to the World Bank.
18. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship ProgramÂ
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides fully-funded scholarships to Kenyan students pursuing master’s degrees in development-related fields at selected universities around the world. Interested candidates should apply through the World Bank’s website.
19. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)Â
The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) offers fully-funded scholarships for Kenyan students to pursue PhD studies in Singapore, providing opportunities for Kenyans to relocate from Kenya and study abroad. Kenyan applicants should apply directly through the SINGA website.
To find out more about scholarships for Kenyans, go to; https://www.techwomen.org/participants/eligibility-and-application
20. Holland Scholarship
The Holland Scholarship is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education and offers fully-funded scholarships to Kenyan students for bachelor’s or master’s degrees at participating Dutch universities. Interested candidates should apply directly to the university of their choice in the Netherlands.
21. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Administered by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers fully-funded scholarships for Kenyan students to pursue master’s or PhD degrees in the United States. Kenyan applicants should apply through the U.S. Embassy in Kenya.
22. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global ProfessionalsÂ
The Swedish Institute offers fully-funded scholarships for Kenyan professionals to pursue master’s degrees in Sweden. Interested candidates should apply directly to the Swedish Institute.
23. Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) ProgramÂ
The JADS Program offers fully-funded scholarships for Kenyan students to pursue master’s degrees in development-related fields at selected universities in Japan. Applications are submitted through the JADS website.
24. Australia Awards ScholarshipsÂ
The Australia Awards Scholarships provide fully-funded opportunities for Kenyan students to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Australia. Interested candidates should apply through the Australia Awards website.
25. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Gates Cambridge Scholarships are prestigious fully-funded scholarships for Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge, UK. Kenyan applicants should apply directly to the University of Cambridge.
26. Chinese Government Scholarship for Kenyans (one of the best Asia scholarships for Kenyans)
The Chinese government offers fully-funded scholarships for Kenyan students to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degrees in China, providing opportunities for Kenyans studying abroad. Kenyan applicants should apply through the Chinese Embassy in Kenya.
27. New Zealand Development Scholarships for KenyansÂ
Kenyan students can apply for fully-funded scholarships to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in New Zealand, facilitating opportunities to study abroad for Kenyans. Applications are submitted through the New Zealand Scholarships website.
To learn more about scholarships for Kenyans, check out; https://www.scholars4dev.com/category/country/new-zealand-scholarships/
28. Russian Government Scholarships for Kenyans
The Russian government provides fully-funded scholarships for Kenyan students to study undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs in Russia, offering opportunities for Kenyans to relocate from Kenya and study abroad. Kenyan applicants should apply through the Russian Embassy in Kenya.
29. Turkish Government Scholarships for Kenyans
Kenyan students can apply for fully-funded scholarships to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in Turkey, facilitating opportunities for Kenyans studying abroad. The application process is managed through the Turkish Scholarship website.
30. United Nations University Scholarships for Kenyans
The United Nations University offers fully-funded scholarships for Kenyan students to pursue master’s and PhD degrees in various fields, providing opportunities for Kenyans to study overseas. Interested candidates should apply directly through the UNU website.
31. Japanese Government Scholarships for Kenyans
Kenyan students can apply for fully-funded scholarships to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degrees in Japan, offering opportunities for Kenyans to study abroad. Applications are processed through the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan in Kenya.
32. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Kenyans
The Swiss government offers fully-funded scholarships for Kenyan students to pursue research-based PhD programs or postdoctoral research in Switzerland, facilitating opportunities for Kenyans studying abroad. Kenyan applicants should apply through the Swiss Embassy in Kenya.
33. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships for Kenyans
These scholarships provide fully-funded opportunities for Kenyan students to pursue doctoral studies in Canada, offering opportunities for Kenyans to relocate from Kenya and study abroad. Kenyan applicants should apply through the Vanier Canada Scholarships website.
34. Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) Scholarships for Kenyans
These scholarships provide opportunities for Kenyan students to pursue research-based master’s or PhD degrees in Australia, facilitating studying overseas for Kenyans. Interested candidates should apply directly to participating Australian universities.
For more on scholarships for Kenyans, check out; https://study.anu.edu.au/scholarships/find-scholarship/australian-government-research-training-program-agrtp-stipend
Regarding the AGRTP Scholarship, also check out; https://www.flinders.edu.au/scholarships/australian-government-research-training-program-scholarship-international
35. TaiwanICDF Scholarship Program (popular for scholarships for Kenyans in Asia)
The Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) provides fully-funded scholarships for Kenyan students to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in Taiwan, facilitating opportunities for Kenyans to study overseas. Interested candidates can apply through the TaiwanICDF website. The TaiwanICDF is among the best for scholarships in Asia for African students.
Conclusion
Scholarships for Kenyans have emerged as a pivotal resource in bridging the educational divide, offering a multitude of opportunities for Kenyan students to achieve their academic aspirations. From government scholarships for Kenyans that aim to support students within the country, to scholarships for Africans that extend a helping hand to students across the continent, the landscape of educational funding is rich and varied.Â
African students’ scholarships and grants for Kenyan students play a crucial role in facilitating access to higher education, both within the borders of Kenya and abroad. Scholarships in Kenya not only underscore the commitment to fostering local talent but also highlight the importance of supporting students who wish to study in Kenya and beyond.Â
As we look towards the future, it is clear that these scholarships will continue to serve as vital lifelines for students, opening doors to new possibilities and enabling the next generation of leaders, innovators, and thinkers to emerge from Kenya and the wider African continent.