Top 10 Scholarships in Kenya for 2023-24 - International Scholarships

Here is a comprehensive list of the top scholarships available to Kenyans.

Undergraduate Scholarships

(Scroll down for Graduate Scholarships)

York University is currently Canada’s third-largest university and provides applicants with a wide variety of courses to choose from.
The International Entrance Scholarship was established to cater for international undergraduate applicants
Recipients of this scholarship are selected based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, exceptional community service and individual achievement.
Scholarships for international students amount to $35,000 per year for four years, totaling $140,000.

The flagship of ACCES (African Canadian Continuing Education Society) is the post-secondary scholarship program, designed for students who have just completed high school.
Bright Kenyan students from Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega and Vihiga counties are offered partial scholarships to pursue and complete their university education.
To qualify for this scholarship, one must be needy, bright, and have a record of satisfactory educational achievement.
An admission letter to a public college or university accredited by KNEC and CUE is also a prerequisite.
The scholarship donors give $50 per month or $600 per year to assist recipients with living expenses.
Great news – there are also disability scholarships available!

Daystar University sets aside Ksh 30 million every year to assist up to 80 students through scholarships and other forms of financial aid.
The application processes and eligibility requirements are dependent on the type of scholarship.
Scholarships are given based both on need and academic merit.
Some of the scholarships available include Academic Merit Scholarships, Book Award, Selected Scholarships, Recommended Scholarships, Hardship Scholarships and Work-Study Scholarships.

The United States International University – Africa is one of East Africa’s leading private universities.
Every year, USIU-Africa offers scholarships to students from underprivileged backgrounds, giving them the opportunity to receive an excellent education.
USIU-Africa, through its scholarship program, aims to prepare students to make an effective and ethical contribution to the society.
The Full USIU-Africa Scholarship covers tuition, books, lab and accommodation fees.
This is an excellent opportunity for students coming from marginalized areas of Kenya.

All international fee-paying undergraduate applicants from Kenya who are self-funded will automatically qualify for a £2500 scholarship, valid for each year of the course.
Interested students are required to send their applications to UEA through UCAS. Once UEA gives you an offer, you receive the scholarship.
UEA also offers 25-50% undergraduate scholarships, which you can apply for once you receive a study offer from UEA. This undergraduate scholarship, however, replaces the automatic Kenya scholarship.
This is a great opportunity for study in the UK!

Graduate scholarships

MasterCard Foundation/RUFORUM Scholarships

The MasterCard Foundation has collaborated with RUFORUM (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture) to offer a number of Master’s scholarships to academically deserving but economically disadvantaged students.
The scholarships target individuals who have a desire to see their communities overcome obstacles to economic growth and sustainable development.
MasterCard Scholars are high achievers who are trained in entrepreneurship, leadership, mentorship and community engagement.
This great scholarship covers tuition fees, return air ticket, living expenses, stipend, and accommodation.

OFID (OPEC Fund for International Development) sponsors outstanding young students from developing countries who are facing challenges in financing their studies.
Applicants are required to obtain admission to a master’s program in a field related to development before applying for this scholarship.
This highly competitive scholarship applies to courses offered by any recognized university in the world.
The scholarship value amounts to US$50,000, comprising of tuition fees, a round-trip flight, health insurance, a relocation grant, and a monthly allowance.
This opportunity is only open to students from countries that are not OPEC member countries.

For almost three decades, Windle Trust International has formed scholarship partnerships with leading UK universities.
These scholarships target young people in developing countries who exhibit the potential to provide leadership and professional skills in their home countries within Africa.
Every year at least 20 scholars get an opportunity to pursue a one-year master’s course in the UK.
This great scholarship covers return airfare to and from the UK, fully paid/waived overseas tuition fees, and a maintenance stipend for the whole year.

The Aga Khan Foundation scholarship program was set up with the primary aim of giving international students the opportunity to become productive scholars and effective leaders.
Every year, a limited number of postgraduate scholarships are given to outstanding students from developing countries who have no other means of financing their education.
The scholarships are given on a 50% grant, 50% loan basis.
Each scholarship covers tuition and living expenses only.
This scholarship covers tuition fees at any university in the world, provided that the course chosen is relevant to the Aga Khan Development Network’s focus areas.

The Slovak Republic’s National Scholarship Program is currently open to students from developing countries.
This scholarship gives international students from selected developing countries the opportunity to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at any public university in the Slovak Republic.
Benefits include a monthly stipend of €280 and a merit award of €50 monthly.
Recipients also receive a €35 stipend at the beginning of the course and €100 at the end of the course.