Many Kenyan students share the dream of a better life for themselves and their families. One way to achieve that is by studying abroad in educational hotspots defined by their provision of high-quality education and an elevated manner of living. Kenyan professionals who graduated from international universities have a wider and better choice of jobs, not just in their home country, but all over the world.
But before embarking on the best countries to study abroad for students from Kenya, Kenyan students must know the factors at stake so that they could make better-informed decisions that will maximize their experience of studying abroad.
What factors should Kenyan students consider when choosing a study abroad destination?
The first and foremost consideration of Kenyan students in choosing a country to study in is the quality of education that they will be receiving in their chosen field of study. They should look at the quality of the professionals produced by the universities in the prospective country and decide if they are satisfied with their level of achievement.
Aside from the quality of education, students should also familiarize themselves with other factors such as tuition and other school fees, cost and quality of living, cultural diversity, treatment of foreigners especially those of African background, and their safety and security.
Top Countries to Study for Kenyan Students
1. United States of America
The USA is the first choice for many Kenyan students to study in, as this country espouses the ideals of liberty and equal opportunities for everyone, fondly referred to as “the American dream”. The US also has one of the largest concentrations of renowned universities with a vast array of programs that encompass almost all known fields of study.
Some of the most famous universities in the US include Harvard University, Yale University, New York University (NYU), Stanford University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
While globally renowned for the excellent quality of education provided by its best universities, the cost of living and studying in the US is one of the steepest, ranging from $30,000 – $100,000 per year, depending on the program and location. Luckily, there are many scholarship and financial aid opportunities, such as the fully-funded scholarship for international students at Yale.
2. Canada
Just across the northern US border, another popular country for Kenyan students to study in is Canada. With similar educational standards to the US for a fraction of the tuition and living costs, this country is a very good choice for students with budgetary concerns. Canada also offers better healthcare and a more progressive outlook towards foreigners, especially those of African background — the government takes racial inclusivity seriously.
The Times Higher Education lists the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, McGill University, McMaster University, and the University of Montreal as its top five Canadian universities.
For only $26,000 – $80,000 per year, dependent on program and location, studying in Canada costs much less than in the US. In addition, scholarship programs such as the Ontario Trillium Scholarships and other merit-based scholarships are open for Kenyan students, making it an ideal country to study for Kenyan students.
3. Germany
Moving out of the North American continent and into Europe, one of the best countries for Kenyan students to study in is Germany. Defined by centuries of continuous multicultural scholarship from medieval times to the present, Germany is known globally as a destination for discerning students who wish to study in the best universities with very stringent standards and a serious attitude towards learning.
Some of the most prestigious universities in Germany are the Technical University of Munich, Heidelberg University, the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, LMU Munich, and the Humboldt University of Berlin.
Tuition fees are not a major cause of concern in Germany. Most programs in public universities are paid for by the state, and students need only to provide for living expenses which costs an average of $15,000 annually.
4. United Kingdom
To the east of Germany, another popular scholarship destination for Kenyan students is the UK. With a long history of trade and immigration between the two countries, Kenyan students would find a large population of African students that will help ensure a sense of community and belonging while they study in the UK.
The educational programs offered in the UK are also known to be some of the best in the world, as reflected in the global prestige of its universities. This makes Germany one of the top countries to study abroad for Kenyan students.
Some of the universities in the UK have gained worldwide fame and became household names, such as the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Manchester.
If you are planning to study in the UK, prepare to spend $5,000 – $30,000 annually for tuition, and about $15,000 for living expenses — these rates vary per program and location.
5. Australia
Moving down under, Australia is also one of the best countries to study for Kenyan students. This country is known as a hotpot of cultures, and its locals are quite friendly. Of all the countries mentioned in this article, Australia has the least reports of racism against persons of African origin. Its educational system is also robust and in keeping with global standards.
Some of the noteworthy universities in Australia are also global household names, such as the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney. Times Higher Education lists these two universities along with Monash University, the University of Queensland, and the Australian National University as the top 5 universities in the country.
Studying in Australia costs an average of $20,000 – $40,000 annually, and living costs around $20,000 per year. Scholarship programs such as the Australia Awards Scholarship, The Global Excellence Scholarship, and RTP Stipend Scholarship are worth looking into to help defray study costs.
Choosing a country to study in is a task that should not be taken lightly, as one’s entire future is at stake. With so many factors to consider, Kenyan students must look carefully into the details of prospective countries before making any decisions. We hope that this article has helped you find the right country to study abroad!
Hopefully, this article on the best countries to study abroad for Kenyan students was informative and helpful. Feel free to also check out our Scholarships Page for different information on scholarships and universities across the globe!
