Scholarships In Kenya For Undergraduates, Masters, and PHDs

A Scholarship can help you reach the highest peak in higher education without stretching your resources. And as you will see later in this article, there are a good number of scholarships in Kenya for undergraduates, masters, and even PHDs.

Indeed, with luck and persistence, you can also land a scholarship to study in one of the World’s most prestigious universities- The likes of Yale, Harvard, Princeton, and Other Ivy league  Universities.

Well, as I am wont to, I have been doing a bit of digging about local scholarships in Kenya and how to get a scholarship in Kenya.

And yes, you can study for almost free in Kenya.

From DAAD undergraduate scholarships to the USAID scholarships for Kenyan students, aspiring learners have plenty of financed education opportunities.

Here is a summary of some of the best scholarships open to Kenya students locally and abroad.

Scholarships Available Through The Ministry of Education(MOE) (Ministry Of Education Kenya Scholarships 2020)

A.  Commonwealth Scholarships For Kenyan Students In UK Institutions 2020

The Commonwealth Commission (CSC) is offering 32 fully funded scholarships for Kenyan students interested in postgraduate studies in various colleges and universities in the United Kingdom in 2020. Thirteen (13) of these scholarships are reserved for Ph.D. students while the remaining 19 are for Masters Degree students.

The awards are distributed across numerous approved higher education institutions with which the Commission has a funding agreement.

You can see the qualifying institutions here.

Coming to the courses, the commission prioritizes applicants in the following area of studies:

1. Science & technology for development
2. Strengthening health systems & capacity
3. Promoting global prosperity
4. Strengthening global peace, governance, and security
5. Strengthening resilience plus response to crises
6. Courses involving access, inclusion, and equal opportunity

Duration of scholarships

The masters’ program scholarships covers 1 year while Ph.D. programs go up to three years.

Eligibility Criteria

For Masters degrees, you must be below 35 years and must be holding at least an upper 2nd class honors. Remember to indicate how you financed your undergraduate degree.

On the other hand, Ph.D. scholarships need an excellent Masters’ degree and be below 45 years of age. You also need to secure support from a supervisor in one of your preferred institution and have a letter to that effect.

Furthermore, you must be serving in the public service at the time of applying.

How To Apply

1. Obtain preliminary scholarship application forms from Kenya’s Ministry of Education, Telposta Towers, 27th floor, Directorate of Higher Education, room 2702. You can also download the application forms from the official Ministry website or apply directly for this scholarship online here.
2. You then complete the essential electronic application system (EAS) forms online, then download, and print 3 copies. These forms are to be submitted online to the sponsoring commonwealth commission before the stated deadline.
3. Next, you return to the ministry of education. This time you will present 1 hard copy of the preliminary application form (if you followed this route) and a completed EAS form. You must also hand over certified photocopies of your ID, Birth Certificate, transcripts, academic/ professional certificates, all other testimonials and a funding proposal (via your current head of department)

Application Deadline: Click to confirm this years deadline

Shortlisted applicants are contacted by the ministry through e-mail or by a phone call from 0771842051.

Commonwealth scholarships 2020 -access links

 Official Scholarship Website

Ministry of Education Scholarship Form

B.  MTCP Scholarships From Malaysia

The Malaysian government offers MCTP(Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme) scholarships in collaboration with the Kenya government. These are again for post-graduate students both in Masters and Doctoral levels.

The scholarships are available in select Malaysian Universities and last 36 months for PhDs and from 12-24 months for Masters degree programmes.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Be a holder of a minimum CGPA of 3.5/4.0 or at least second class upper Honors at the undergraduate level for Masters Degree and a CGPA 3.5/4.0 (or outstanding results) at the Master’s Degree level for Ph.D. candidates in a field related to your intended Ph.D. study area.
2. Post-doctoral candidates must also be knowledgeable in research.
3. Be below 45 years old when applying.
4. Have taken and passed English language proficiency tests not more than 2 years before the actual application date. The minimum scores and valid tests should be as follows:

• IELTS Academic Test (With a minimum score of 6.5)
• TOEFL paper-based test (With a minimum score of 580) or computer-based TOEFL test with at least 230. An internet-based TOEFL test is also acceptable provided you achieve a score of 92+.

5. Be in good health condition and have a genuine medical certificate from a certified medical professional/ doctor.
6. Have written a proposal relevant to the intended field of study.
7. Has already applied for and secured admission to the preferred Masters and/or Doctoral degree in Malaysia. A conditional offer letter or a confirmation of acceptance with the relevant Malaysian university must be provided.

Courses prioritized by the MCTP scholarships:

• Science and Engineering
• Agriculture and Fisheries
• Economics & Islamic Finance
• ICT (Information Communication Technology)
• Bio-security & Food safety
• Infrastructure and Utility
• Environmental Studies
• Health studies excluding medicine, nursing, and clinical pharmacy

Value Of The MCTP Scholarship

Each scholarship caters for:

• Air tickets from Nairobi to Malaysia.
• The approved tuition fees.
• Monthly maintenance allowance.
• Annual grants for study books and travel.
• Medical/Health Insurance.
• Installation & termination grant.
• Thesis allowance.
• Visa fees.

How To Apply and deadline details

Visit the Official Scholarship Website

C.  Ashinaga Africa Initiative Undergraduate Scholarship – JICA 2020

The Japanese Government, through JICA has the above scholarships under an existing cooperation agreement with the Kenyan government.

The scholarships are specifically for orphaned and vulnerable students.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Students to have completed their high school studies within the last 2 years.
2. Students must have been born after  September, 1st 1997.
3. Students must have lost either one/both parents.
4. Have been excelling academically at high school.
5. Be ready to return to Kenya and to engage in transformative activities.

How To Apply

1. Download the scholarship application form from the official website (see the link to the official scholarship below).

2. Print the form and complete it as required.
3. Scan the filled application form and all the essential documents in either JPG or PDF format.

Required Documents:

• Completed application form.
• Working email address plus telephone number.
• Death certificate for the parent(s).
• Birth certificate, Kenyan passport, and national ID.
• High school KCSE and leaving certificate.
• Academic report cards/book from your last two secondary school years.
• Recent passport photo.

4. Email the scanned documents to the official email: en@ashinaga.org. The email title should be your name and country (Kenya).

Value Of The Ashinaga Scholarships

Ashinaga caters for tuition, accommodation, travel costs, and all study-related fees.

Application Deadline and How to Apply

Click to Visit the Official Scholarship Website here

 

British Council In Kenya Scholarships

The British council has several fully funded scholarships for Kenyan students and other international students wishing to study in the UK.

Here are the 2 most popular UK Kenya scholarships and bursaries:

·        British Council Kenya/ EADB Medical Training & Fellowship Programme

The targets to train 600 physicians from the East African region to help fight non-communicable diseases, especially cancer and a variety of neurological disorders.

Offered through a partnership between the British Council, East African Development Bank (EADB), and the Royal College of Physicians(London), the Programme goes for four years and focuses on research, early detection, and treatment of the common cancer and neurological issues in areas with a dearth of qualified medical professionals.

Eligibility Criteria

1)   Neurology Clinical Courses

Applicants must have fulfilled the following requirements:

• Hold a Bachelors of Medicine degree or Bachelor of Surgery(MSChB)
• Be a current Masters of Medicine (MMed) student or have a MMed qualification
• Be based in any of the East African countries, Kenya included.

2)   Oncology TOT (Training Of Trainers) Courses

Applicants must have fulfilled the following requirements:

• Hold a Bachelors of Medicine degree or Bachelor of Surgery(MSChB)
• Be a current Masters of Medicine (MMed) student or have a MMed qualification
• Be based in any of the East African countries (Kenya , Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda)
• Committed to work as trainers for the studied oncology clinical courses

3) UK Fellowship Programme

Those applying for the UK fellowship must satisfy the following criteria;

• Hold any primary medical qualification recognized by the GMC(General Medical Council).
• Have a postgraduate degree in medicine/ medical subspecialty such as MRCP(UK) part 1or M.Med.
• Have completed a minimum of 3 years full-time postgraduate training (a 1-year internship included) and have demonstrable experience in their chosen area of study.
• Must have engaged in clinical practice for at least 3 (out of 5 last consecutive years) including for 12 months prior to securing a GMC registration. The sponsors further require that you remain in active clinical practice even as the application process proceeds.
• Possess skills, competencies, and knowledge of medicine to a level equivalent to a UK medical graduate.

 English Language Requirements (For All Applicants)

Applicants must have scored a minimum of 7.5 in the IELTS examination with a minimum of 7.0 in all exam components. The scores must have been obtained in a single exam sitting within the last 2 years prior to application.

Evidence Of Good Professional Standing (For All Applicants)

You will need to submit a CGS (certificate of good standing) from the Medical practitioners & dentists board or any relevant regulatory medical body.

How To Apply

Visit the online application page and follow the steps.

 

·        Commonwealth scholarships/Fellowships

The British Council is also partially involved in the Commonwealth Scholarships.

For starters, these scholarships and fellowships cater for most costs arising from your studies in the UK including items like return airfares, personal maintenance costs, tuition fees, and other allowances.

Eligibility Criteria and The Application Process

Now, these scholarships and fellowships requirements vary from one type of scholarship/ fellowship to the next.

Check this prospectus to see if you qualify.   You can also learn more from the CSC website.

You can also email the British Council information office via information@britishcouncil.or.ke if you would like further clarification.

Here is a full list of these scholarships:

1. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 
2. Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships 
3. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
4. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 
5. Commonwealth Distance Learning Study Scholarships 
6. Commonwealth Rutherford Fellowships 
7. Commonwealth Medical Fellowships 

DAAD scholarship Kenya  (German Academic Exchange Services)

The Germany government sponsors dozens of Kenyan students to pursue their courses of choice locally and in Germany under the DAAD undergraduate scholarships.

The scholarships are tenable in both local and foreign universities. For this reason, applicants should directly apply to their preferred institution for both the course admission and the respective DAAD scholarship as indicated in the institution’s website.

Here are the qualifying universities…

1. Kenyatta university DAAD scholarship
2. University of Nairobi DAAD scholarship Kenya
3. Strathmore University DAAD scholarship.
4. JKUAT University DAAD scholarship

Please note that each institution sets its DAAD scholarship deadline so you will need to keep checking the website to know if and when applications open.

All applicants are notified about the eventual outcome of their applications with the shortlisted candidates being redirected to the DAAD Portal to finalize the scholarship application.

Value of Scholarship

The scholarship may cover

1. University tuition fees
2. Research allowance
3. Monthly stipend
4. Travel allowance (if applicable)
5. Health insurance (if applicable)
6. Possible study visit to Germany (for up to six months) within the scholarship duration.

Postgraduate Programmes Qualifying for DAAD Scholarships in Kenya, 2019/ 2020

1. Communication studies, Computer Science, and IT
2. Urban Planning, Engineering, Technology, Environmental & Resources Management
3. Medicine, Psychology, Health Sciences, Veterinary Medicine
4. Law
5. Mathematics, Business, Economics, Management
6. Natural Sciences (Biology, Physics, Agriculture, Chemistry, Horticulture, Forestry, Natural Resources, Earth Sciences, Food Science)
7. Governance, Social Sciences, Development, Education
8. Master’s Programme ( German Studies) ,University of Nairobi

DAAD Scholarship Requirements

Visit the institutions website to check the requirements.

Further Information:

You can visit the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), Regional Offices for Africa located at Madison Insurance House, third floor, Upper Hill Close, Nairobi.
Their email is info@daadafrica.org.

Scholarships At Egerton University

Egerton University has partnered with a number of organizations to make higher education affordable and accessible to Kenyan students.

Here they are:

• President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Doctoral Scholarships Programme

Named after the president, the Aspire to the Zenith Doctoral Scholarships are tenable in Chinese universities and are co-ordinated by the University’s Confucius Institute at Njoro main campus.

The scholarship programme offers 60 PhD training scholarships in agricultural and engineering courses while another 40 scholars join masters’ degree programs.

The programme is fully funded by the Chinese state.

Eligibility Criteria, Deadline and The Application Process

Contact Egerton University for details/ Call 0736309390/0704309390

Mastercard Foundation Scholarships

The Mastercard Foundation is on a mission to advance education and promote financial inclusion as part of its wider goal of uplifting people living below the poverty line.

It runs one of the largest scholarships in the world for Kenyans interested in human development and related studies.

The scholars program including their masters program scholarships is implemented in partnership with universities and non-governmental organizations.

Each partner has its own application system and decision-making meaning that you must apply via your chosen university.

Subsequently, each partner institutions set their own deadlines plus admission fees. Any application fees incurred during admissions process (for institutions that demand application fees) will be reimbursed once selected for the scholarship.

1. MasterCard’s Undergraduate Scholarships

Here are the institutions offering MasterCard sponsored undergraduate programs.

1. African Leadership Academy
2. American University of Beirut
3. Ashesi University College
4. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)
5. Sciences Po
6. University of Abomey-Calavi
7. University of Cape Town
8. University of Edinburgh 
9. University of Gondar 
10. University of Pretoria
11. Wellesley College

2. MasterCard’s Master’s Scholarships

Here now are the institutions offering MasterCard scholarship in graduate programs.

1. African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
2. American University of Beirut
3. Arizona State University
4. Carnegie Mellon University
5. McGill University
6. Sciences Po
7. University of British Columbia
8. University of Cape Town
9. University of Edinburgh
10. University of Gondar 
11. University of Pretoria

Eligibility Criteria, Deadline and The Application Process

Visit each institutions link to access details about how to apply and eligibility.

More Information:

You can access basic scholarship application from the MasterCard Foundation Scholars website.

USAID Scholarships For Kenyan Students

The Bureau of Education & Cultural Affairs (ECA) occasionally publishes educational programs available in the United States both on financial aid and self-sponsored.  These programs are highly competitive and seen to identify talent that go on to lead the World or act as agents of change in Kenya and around the globe.   You have to be willing to return to the country to implement what you learned during your study time.

The scholarships are individual institutional undertakings and are in most cases accessed through the respective institutions.

Basic Requirements

Undergraduate Programs:

• Excellent high school grades.
• Have passed SAT and TOEFL exams.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Personal statements indicating your career goals.

Graduate Study:

• A good bachelor’s degree from a reputable local or foreign university.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Statement of purpose again showing your career objectives and research interests.

Eligibility Criteria, Deadline and The Application Process

Students applying for the USAID higher education scholarship programme and other US study scholarships must have a remarkable academic record.

Scholarships and grants come from individual U.S.A colleges and universities and the role of the American embassy in Nairobi is just to serve as an information center.

You can comb through the various USA colleges/universities websites for opportunities in addition to registering on the EducationUSA website for updates.

Further information is available from the USA embassy in Kenya

American Embassy Kenya Scholarships

Still, on studying in the USA, there are a few scholarships/fellowships which accept applications almost continuously.

Here they are:

1. Mandela Washington Fellowship

This provides skills in addition to career growth support for upcoming African leaders through trainings and coursework in 40 U.S. universities.

The program has so far benefited thousands of young African leaders and who have already brought their experiences back home to spearhead change.

The fellows are supposed to between 25 and 35 years, have an exemplary record of accomplishment in fronting positive impact in organizations, communities, and countries.

Click here for more information.

2. The YALI Network

YALI provides dozens of free online courses and also acts as a forum where young leaders get the 21^st century skills required to transform their respective communities. The network has over 500,000 members continent-wide.

The expert-led sessions includes everything: From interactive videos, crisp audios, and in-depth written components to help you learn and review.

Scholars earn the reputable YALI Network Certificate.

Register on the Official YALI Network website.

3. Yali Regional Leadership Center

This is part of YALI’s international network and delivers leadership training to selected participants business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management.

The program takes 4-week in a residential format and focuses on individual plus team leadership skills, creative learning, innovation, and communication.

East Africa’s regional leadership center is located at Kenyatta University and serves 14 countries in central and East Africa.

Go to YALI’s regional leadership center official page to apply.

Slovak Government Scholarships

These scholarships are funded by the government of the Slovak Republic and support international students including Kenyans willing to study/undertake research in the republic.

It’s an annual program with deadlines set to expire around October every year.

Eligible Programs of study

1. Teacher Training & Education Science
2. Business and Administration
3. Ecological & Environmental Sciences
4. Building Engineering, Manufacturing & Communication
5. Agriculture
6. Forestry
7. Veterinary
8. Water Resource Management
9. Medical Sciences
10. Dental Surgery
11. Pharmaceutical Sciences
12. Non-Medical Health Sciences

The studies are conducted in the native Slovak language so the first year is spent mastering the language.

Value of The Scholarship

The scholarship is all-inclusive and covers tuition fees, accommodation, and subsistence stipends for the entire duration of studies.

Students will, however, meet the airfare cost (about EUR 700).

Eligibility Criteria, Deadline, and The Application Process

Protective Applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

1. Undergraduate (Bachelor’s & Master’s degree studies)
2. Minimum Mean KCSE Grade of B (Plain).
3. Not exceeding 25 but not less than 18 years of age.
4. Strong academic grades in all the major subjects likely to be connected with the preferred specialty.
5. Completed secondary education within the last 3 years.
6. Have a KCSE certificate, a valid passport (not more than 10 years old with validity exceeding that of the visa by a minimum of 3 months) with at least two blank pages, a birth certificate, and a well-structured and signed CV
7. References/recommendations from two school teachers also including their full contacts.

Application Procedure

You can apply via the slovak government scholarships website though I would recommend that you go through the Ministry of Education office at Telposta Towers, Room 2702, 27th Floor.

Here is the initial Ministry of Education Scholarship Form.

University Of Nairobi Masters and Undergraduate Scholarships

Several scholarships including University Of Nairobi masters’ scholarships and grants can be accessed by both undergraduate and graduate students looking for financial assistance.

Here is a summary:

Scholarship For Undergraduate Students Only

• Rattansi Education Scholarship Fund

This is offered by the Rattansi Education trust and is available for undergraduates.

• Prof Muriuki Scholarship

Prof Muriuki Scholarships are available to select needy undergraduate students studying at the University of Nairobi.

Scholarship For Both Undergraduate and Graduate Students

• The Rockefeller Foundation scholarships

This is financed by The Rockefeller Foundation for undergraduates in various disciplines. The foundation also funds select masters programs.

Official Rockefeller foundation scholarships page.

• Aga Khan Foundation scholarships

The Aga Khan Foundation has also partnered with the University of Nairobi in funding a couple of under the able leadership of his highness, the Aga Khan.

Official Agha Khan Foundation scholarly website

Scholarship For Graduate Students Only

• Gandhi Smarak Nidhi Fund Scholarship

The famous MGMAS (Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Academy of Society) have named their scholarship Gandhi Smarak Nidhi Fund (GSNF) and helps bright but needy students taking various programmes at the University to complete their studies.

The scholarship is currently reserved for postgraduate students pursuing Masters Programmes at the UoN (University of Nairobi). Additionally, A few PhD study scholarships are given to women in an effort to promote women in academia.

How to apply
the GSNF secretariat typically advertises the GSNF scholarships via the print media and the university’s website.

After a rigorous interview process, scholarships are finally awarded on academic merit. More details are available from the GSNF scholarships office, Chiromo Campus. You can also call (020) 2538881/2538883 ext. 103 for clarification.

Scholarship For Ph.D. Students Only

The university has also been offering some exclusive PHD Scholarships. Here they are:

• DADA Alice Atieno Oluoko Ph.D. Scholarship

This is only for PHD students.

Eligibility Criteria, Deadline, and The Application Process

Visit the University for information on eligibility and application deadline.

Official University of Nairobi scholarship page.

Kenyatta University Scholarships

As the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University is a partner to a number of organizations offering scholarships at various levels of study.

Here are some masters’ scholarships at Kenyatta University:

1. OVS Scholarship Fund

The goal of Kenyatta University’s OVS Scholarship is to boost access to higher education for orphans and other vulnerable students.

It at the same time targets helping students with a high untapped potential to reach their life goals.

The scholarship is quite wide and helps both new and continuing students in multiple fields. Their performing arts scholarship is rated as one of the top music scholarships in Kenya.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

1. Be currently enrolled in a full-time degree programme at the university.
2. Have a pressing need for financial assistance.
3. Remain a full-time student at the time the assistance is received.
4. Must have a National ID Card

Deadline and The Application Process

Since this scholarship is tenable at Kenyatta University, applications and scholarship application forms are only available through the OVS Scholarship Fund website here.

Jomo Kenyatta University Scholarships

JKUAT (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture And Technology) also has scholarship opportunities for African students including Kenyans.

One of their popular options is through the Pan African University (PAU) program.

Now, the PAU is a leading continental University network pioneered by African heads of state and governments of the African Union.

The goal of PAU is to deliver wholesome postgraduate education to help the growth of a prosperous and peaceful Africa.

There are a variety of  Masters/ Ph.D. degree programmes scholarships on offer with the African Union Commission offering full scholarships to those chosen.

Also known as pausti scholarships, the programmes have very strict application deadlines.

Go to this website to apply for a PAU scholarship.

USIU scholarships

USIU-Africa accepts applications for their undergraduate scholarships mostly for learners from underprivileged backgrounds.

Funded mainly through the Freida Brown Scholarship Fund, the scholarships have attracted financing from numerous quarters including the MasterCard Foundation.

The value of the scholarship depends on the type of scholarship secured.

Eligibility Criteria

Unless specified, every USIU-Africa student from the underprivileged/under-represented backgrounds qualifies for scholarship aid.

Requirements

• Students must provide documentary evidence of financial need alongside their applications.
• Kenyan students must also apply for regular HELB funds even as they seek financial aid, as long as they qualify.
• Recipients must maintain specific academic requirements throughout the course. Students whose cumulative GPA falls below the expected standards may lose their financial aid.
• Scholarship awards come into force from the moment they are approved and will not be back-dated.

All financial aid/grant applicants are notified about the fate of their applications seven days since the interview date (for continuing students) and upon admission (for new students).

How to apply
Scholarships are advertised in the major Kenya daily newspapers. Interested applicants can also contact the financial aid office for further information.

USIU Scholarships Official Website

Other scholarships and grants available through USIU-Africa include the Rattansi Education Trust Fund and Mel Kuol Foundation Grants in addition to the existing Mel Kuol Foundation Scholarships.

Strathmore University Scholarships

The university has various financial aid schemes as scholarships, bursaries, loans, work-study, fees waivers etc.

as with most programmes, the eligibility criteria varies depending on which financial aid type students are applying for.

They include Strathmore University’s merit/need-based partial and full Scholarships at the undergraduate level, diploma course, and professional courses such as CPA.

There is also the Sports scholarship in partnership with Brookside for students with a demonstrated sporting talent. The program covers a portion of the total tuition fee.

The European Union also funds a couple of scholarships at Strathmore for final year secondary school students intending to pursue professional courses such as KASNEB’s CPA.

EU’s diploma scholarships in Kenya include funding for a Diploma in Business Management / Diploma in Business Information Technology (DBIT), again at Strathmore University.

Other scholarships in Kenya for undergraduates at Strathmore University:

1. EABL scholarships 2020

EABL Foundation have been offering full scholarships for needy students.  The scholarship is available to students willing to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business Information Technology (BIT) degree at Strathmore University.

2. McKinney Rogers Foundation Scholarships

The global consulting giant runs the McKinney Rogers Foundation scholarship programme at Strathmore University.

The full scholarships are open to students willing to again pursue a Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business Information Technology (BIT) degree at Strathmore University

3. Study Grants

Several grants are also awarded to students with exceptional academic abilities and are normally given according to additional criteria as set by the donors.

Donors include the Mzima Co-operative society, Rahimtullah Foundation, Rattansi Educational Trust, Wanawake kwa Wanawake, Langalanga Scholarship Fund, among others.

Conclusion

Those are the scholarships in Kenya for undergraduates and other tertiary education levels as of today. There are tens of other such opportunities so if you are good in research, chances are that you can easily secure a lucrative study opportunity.

I will be updating this list every now and then so keep checking.

You can also notify us of other similar scholarships for Kenyans that you could be familiar with.

Till next time!

ALSO CHECK: summary of ministry of  education scholarships.