If you’re a Kenyan student looking for funding to study abroad, the good news is you have plenty of options available. Whether you are a high school senior or a graduate, you can get full-time and part-time scholarships as a Kenyan student.
These scholarships provide various benefits, from complete tuition coverage to living expenses. Hence, we’re thrilled to share the five best scholarships for Kenyan students. Continue reading to prepare for your first step toward a future in academia.
Scholarships for Kenyan Students
1. Australian Awards Scholarships
- Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Amount: Fully-funded
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. | Offered by: Australian Government
Australia is the hub of technology and academic excellence, and many international students wish to pursue higher studies in Australian colleges. If you wish the same, you have plenty of opportunities available since Australian Government offers different scholarships for Kenyans. With the help of the Australian Award Scholarship, you can attend university in Australia and receive top-notch instruction and training in a range of subject areas, including business, agriculture, public health, environmental management, and more.
The scholarships are given based on academic achievement, potential for leadership, and the applicant’s capacity to contribute to the advancement of their native nation. These are available for both postgraduate and undergraduate studies in Australian universities. Moreover, it pays for the study program’s costs, including living expenses, transportation, and tuition.
To get the scholarship, you must be a Kenyan citizen, have a minimum of two years of work experience, valid passport, and meet the academic standards of the Australian university. You must also have good academic records, a recommendation letter, and an English Language Proficiency test score.
2. DAAD Scholarships for East Africans
- Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Amount: €861 – €1200
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D. | Offered by: German Government
The German Academic Exchange Service, or DAAD is a well-known supplier of scholarships for students worldwide. Students from East Africa who want to study in Germany for their undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral degrees can apply for DAAD scholarships.
The scholarship program offers a monthly stipend to cover travel, living, and tuition costs. Depending on the particular scholarship type and the academic course of study chosen by the student, there are different numbers of seats available.
However, to get the scholarship, applicants must fulfill several criteria to be considered for a DAAD scholarship. For instance, you must have an outstanding academic record, proving language ability in either German or English, and an admission letter from a German university. Additionally, some scholarships demand that applicants have prior employment or research experience in the field of study.
3. Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Plan
- Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Amount: £1084 – £1330 monthly
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D. | Offered by: UK Government
The Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Plan (CSFP) is an international scholarship program that funds students from Commonwealth countries, including Kenya. The scholarship program offers an opportunity for Kenyan students to pursue their academic dreams in the best universities, located in Commonwealth countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
The CSFP offers a range of scholarships for Kenyans at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. The program offers two types of scholarships: Commonwealth Scholarships and Commonwealth Fellowships. Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing full-time master’s or Ph.D. programs. In contrast, Commonwealth Fellowships are awarded to mid-career professionals who wish to undertake short-term professional development programs.
To be eligible for a Commonwealth Scholarship or Fellowship, Kenyan students must possess an excellent academic record, demonstrate language proficiency in English, and obtain acceptance into a university program in a Commonwealth country.
4. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
- Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Amount: €4500 – €9000
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. | Offered by: European Union
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are among the best scholarships available to Kenyan students pursuing higher education in Europe. The European Union funds the program and offers scholarships to students worldwide to study at various universities in Europe. The Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership skills, and research potential.
The scholarship program covers tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses, making it an excellent opportunity for Kenyan students to pursue their studies abroad. These scholarships are also awarded at different levels of study, including bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs. The scholarship program offers diverse fields of study, including natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and engineering.
The eligibility criteria for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarships vary depending on the specific scholarship program. Generally, Kenyan students must have a strong academic record, language proficiency in English or the language of instruction, and meet the admission requirements of the specific university and program they wish to pursue.
5. IDRC Research Awards
- Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Amount: Salary ranges from CAD $42,033 to CAD $48,659
- Eligible Degree/s: Post-Ph.D | Offered by: Government of Canada
The IDRC (International Development Research Centre) Research Awards are a set of awards designed to support researchers from developing countries working on research projects related to areas of focus for the IDRC, such as health, agriculture, environment, and technology.
The IDRC Research Awards program is open to citizens or permanent residents of developing countries who hold a master’s and a doctoral degree and have completed a research proposal aligned with one or more of the IDRC’s current program areas. The award provides a stipend for up to 12 months of research, including travel, living, and research-related costs.
Applicants for the IDRC Research Awards are selected based on their academic and professional qualifications, their research experience, and the relevance of their research proposal to the IDRC’s areas of focus. Recipients of the award are expected to conduct research in their home country or a developing country other than their home country.
FAQs: Scholarship Opportunities for Kenyan Students
Which Country Offers the Best Scholarships for Kenyan Students?
The United States scholarships are ranked among the top countries for Kenyans seeking scholarships. The country offers several scholarships, from Fulbright Foreign Student Program to the African Women’s Public Service Fellowship, covering tuition and living expenses.
Compared to other countries, US scholarships often come with more generous funding packages, covering tuition, accommodation, books, and other expenses. Moreover, many US scholarships require students to demonstrate high proficiency in English. This can benefit Kenyan students, as English is widely spoken in Kenya, and many job opportunities require proficiency in English.
With opportunities available in countries such as Australia, Germany, the UK, and the US, Kenyan students can get full-time and part-time scholarships regardless of their academic level. These scholarships offer a variety of benefits, from complete tuition coverage to living expenses and transportation. So, let’s immediately apply for these scholarships before the deadlines.
We hope that the article on the best scholarships for Kenyans was helpful! To learn more, make sure to also check out our Scholarships Page for different information on scholarships and universities across the globe!
