Higher education can be expensive, but many scholarships in Kenya help students cover tuition, accommodation, and study costs. These scholarships come from the Kenyan government, international organisations, embassies, universities, and foundations.
Some scholarships support students studying within Kenya, while others fund Kenyan students to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate degrees abroad. Many programmes focus on academic merit, leadership potential, or financial need.
This guide highlights major scholarships for Kenyan students, including government programmes, fully funded international scholarships, university scholarships, and NGO-supported opportunities.
Quick Glance: Scholarships in Kenya
- Scholarships in Kenya are offered by government agencies, universities, foundations, NGOs, and international organisations.
- Major international scholarships available to Kenyan students include Chevening, Commonwealth, Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, and Australia Awards.
- Local scholarship programmes such as the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation support academically strong students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Some scholarships are fully funded and may cover tuition fees, travel costs, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Applications are usually submitted through official scholarship portals, university websites, or government platforms such as the HEF portal.
Table of Contents
Government Scholarships in Kenya
Kenya has several government-backed education funding options for students in secondary school, TVET institutions, and public universities.
Under the current student-centered funding model, support is delivered through a mix of scholarships, loans, and household contributions, with need assessed through the Means Testing Instrument. Students placed in public universities and eligible TVET trainees can apply for government scholarships and loans through the HEF portal.
Jomo Kenyatta Foundation Scholarships
The Jomo Kenyatta Foundation Scholarship Programme is one of Kenya’s longest-running scholarship initiatives. It supports academically strong but financially disadvantaged learners in public secondary schools. The programme has been running since 1968 and is aimed at helping needy students stay in school and complete secondary education.
Key points
- Supports students in public secondary schools
- Focuses on academic performance and financial need
- Applications are usually handled through schools, and the scholarship application process is announced each cycle
Universities Fund Scholarships
The Universities Fund is one of the key government players in Kenya’s higher education funding model. It provides the scholarship portion of Kenya’s student-centered funding model for eligible students enrolled in public universities.
Under published Universities Fund guidance, scholarship support can range between approximately 30 percent and up to about 70 percent of tuition costs for the highest-need students under the banded funding model.
HEF Scholarships and HELB Loans
The Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal is the main application platform students use to apply for scholarship and loan support.
The official HEF FAQs explain that the current model combines scholarship, loan, and household contribution, and that students placed in public universities and eligible TVET trainees can apply through the portal.
The application guides also show separate flows for first-time undergraduate scholarship and loan applications and first-time TVET scholarship and loan applications.
TVET Scholarships
Kenya’s funding model also includes TVET scholarships for trainees in technical and vocational institutions. HEF’s official guidance names the State Department for TVET as the body responsible for TVET scholarships, while HELB provides the loan and bursary side within the wider framework. This makes TVET support an important part of government scholarship access in Kenya, especially for students taking practical and technical career paths.
Also, there are some important Grade 10 scholarships for students in Kenya that you can take advantage of.
Fully Funded Scholarships Available to Kenyan Students
Many Kenyan students pursue higher education through fully funded international scholarships. These programmes usually cover the major costs of study, including tuition, airfare, and a living allowance.
The exact package depends on the scholarship, but the leading global programmes available to Kenyan applicants are well-established and widely recognised.
Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship is funded by the UK government and supports one-year master’s degrees in the United Kingdom. Official Chevening guidance describes it as a scholarship for emerging leaders from around the world to study a one-year master’s degree in the UK.
Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships for students from Commonwealth countries, including Kenya. Official CSC guidance states that Commonwealth Scholarships cover approved tuition fees, airfare to and from the UK, and personal maintenance.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme offers scholarships for integrated master’s degrees run by international university partnerships. The official Erasmus+ page says scholarships cover participation costs and contribute to travel, visa, and a living allowance.
DAAD Scholarships
The DAAD offers several scholarship routes for international postgraduate study, including development-related and in-country/in-region options in Sub-Saharan Africa. Official DAAD information shows support for master’s and doctoral studies in development-related fields, including programmes connected to Africa and Germany.
Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia Awards are offered to emerging leaders from developing countries, and Kenya is listed among the eligible African countries. Official Australia Awards materials for Africa state that recipients can receive benefits including return air travel and support for completing a master’s qualification in Australia.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a U.S. government-funded international scholarship that supports international students pursuing postgraduate study in the United States. The programme typically covers tuition, travel costs, and living expenses during the study period.
Master’s Scholarships for Kenyan Students
Many Kenyan students pursue master’s degrees through international scholarship programmes that fund postgraduate study abroad. These opportunities usually support students in fields such as public policy, engineering, development studies, business, science, and technology.
Common master’s scholarship opportunities available to Kenyan students include:
- Chevening Scholarship – Supports a one-year master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships – Provide funding for postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships – Support joint master’s programmes delivered by multiple European universities.
- DAAD Scholarships – Offer postgraduate study opportunities in Germany and in-region programmes across Africa.
- Australia Awards Scholarships – Support master’s study in Australia for eligible students from developing countries, including Kenya.
Scholarships in Kenya for Undergraduate Students
Many scholarships in Kenya support students who want to pursue undergraduate degrees at universities or colleges. These scholarships may be offered by the government, universities, foundations, or international organisations.
Under the new higher education funding framework in Kenya, students admitted to public universities can receive government scholarships that cover part of tuition costs based on financial need.
Examples of undergraduate scholarship opportunities available to Kenyan students include:
- Universities Fund Scholarships – The Kenyan government provides scholarships covering about 30 percent to 70 percent of tuition, depending on the student’s financial situation.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Available at partner universities in Africa, including institutions in Kenya. It supports talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds with tuition, accommodation, and mentorship.
- USIU-Africa Scholarships – The United States International University in Nairobi offers merit and need-based scholarships to support students enrolling in undergraduate programmes.
- University of Nairobi Scholarships – The university offers several scholarships and grants for undergraduate students who demonstrate strong academic performance or financial need.
- International Undergraduate Scholarships – Some universities abroad offer scholarships for Kenyan students studying bachelor’s degrees in fields such as business, engineering, and science.
These scholarships help students begin university education even when they cannot fully afford tuition or study expenses.
Scholarships in Kenya for Form 4 Leavers
Students who have just completed Form 4 can apply for several scholarship and transition programmes in Kenya. These include secondary scholarship schemes for vulnerable learners, leadership pathways for top performers, and bursary support through counties and related organisations.
Some of the most important options include:
KCB Scholars Programme
The KCB Scholars Programme supports bright but financially disadvantaged students across Kenya through full secondary school sponsorship, mentorship, psychosocial support, and career guidance.
Equity Leaders Program
The Equity Leaders Program is aimed at top-performing Kenyan students and focuses on leadership development, internships, and progression into university opportunities locally and globally. Official Equity Group Foundation material describes it as a leadership development programme for top-performing students.
Wings to Fly Scholarship
The Wings to Fly programme supports bright but economically challenged learners and provides comprehensive support, including tuition, accommodation, books, uniform, transport, and pocket money during secondary school.
Elimu Scholarship Programme
The Elimu Scholarship Programme is a government-backed scholarship designed to support vulnerable learners transitioning from primary to secondary school. Ministry of Education and Equity Foundation documents describe it as a scholarship for vulnerable learners, funded through the Government of Kenya with World Bank support and implemented by Equity, with support for needy learners transitioning into secondary school.
County Government Bursaries
County governments across Kenya also provide bursaries and complementary funding. HEF’s official FAQs note that students may still apply for complementary funding from county governments, CDF, and other organisations alongside the national model.
Scholarships Closing Soon in Kenya
Many scholarship programmes follow annual cycles, so students need to monitor deadlines carefully. The broad timing you used is mostly sound, with one caution: exact closing dates can change by intake, so this section should stay worded as “usually” rather than as fixed rules.
Typical timing patterns include:
- Chevening Scholarship – usually opens in August and closes around November.
- Commonwealth Scholarships – often close between December and January, depending on the scheme.
- Australia Awards Scholarships – the current intake information shows applications opening in February and closing in April for the cited Africa intake.
- DAAD scholarships – deadlines vary widely depending on programme and university, often between August and late December
- KCB Scholars Programme – timing varies by year and application cycle.
NGO Scholarships in Kenya
Many NGO and foundation-backed scholarship programmes in Kenya focus on students from low-income families, vulnerable communities, or learners with strong academic potential who need financial support. This section is important because not all scholarships in Kenya come from government or universities.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the best-known scholarship initiatives supporting academically talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds through partner universities and institutions. It is especially relevant for students seeking full support plus leadership development.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
The Aga Khan Foundation is a major development organisation operating across Africa and Asia. Its international scholarship programme is commonly cited among postgraduate funding routes for students from developing countries. The foundation itself is unquestionably legitimate and education-focused, though I would still recommend adding the specific scholarship page when you publish an updated version. It typically operates as a 50 percent grant and 50 percent loan model
Kenya Education Fund Scholarships
The Kenya Education Fund (KEF) provides scholarships and educational support to disadvantaged students in Kenya. Its official site states that it is dedicated to scholarships and education support for disadvantaged learners, and its process page says awards are based on need and merit. One important correction: KEF’s current application page says it does not provide university or college scholarships, so it is best described mainly as a secondary-school scholarship organisation, not a general university scholarship provider.
Scholarships for Kenyan Students Studying Abroad
Many Kenyan students study abroad through international scholarship programmes offered by governments, universities, and global organisations.
Well-known opportunities include Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, Erasmus Mundus scholarships, DAAD scholarships, and Australia Awards.
These programmes usually support postgraduate study and may cover tuition fees, travel costs, accommodation, and a living allowance.
You can also check out the curated lists of verified scholarship opportunities for African students on trusted education platforms
How to Apply for Scholarships in Kenya
The application process varies depending on the scholarship provider, but most programmes require:
- Academic documents
- Academic transcripts
- Certificates or diplomas
- Supporting documents
- Personal statement or motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of eligibility
- Identification documents
- Evidence of financial need (for some programmes)
Students should always review the official scholarship website for eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
Students applying for scholarships in Kenya can improve their chances by:
- Maintaining strong academic performance
- Demonstrating leadership and community involvement
- Preparing a clear personal statement
- Applying early and to multiple scholarships
- Following the official application guidelines carefully
Scholarship committees often look for students who demonstrate academic ability, leadership potential, and commitment to contributing to their communities.
FAQs
Is the KCB scholarship still open?
The KCB Scholars Programme typically opens annually, and students should check the official KCB Foundation website for current application status. The programme has supported academically talented but financially disadvantaged students in Kenya for more than 18 years.
What is the easiest scholarship to apply for?
The easiest scholarships to apply for are usually those that require minimal documentation or essays. Examples include automatic merit-based scholarships offered by universities, local community scholarships, or simple application programmes run by organisations and foundations.
How can students apply for government scholarships in Kenya online?
Students seeking government scholarships in Kenya typically apply through the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal. The official platform can be accessed at http://www.hef.co.ke/. Applicants must create an account, complete the online application form, and submit required documents such as identification, academic transcripts, and proof of admission.
Where can students find fully funded scholarships?
Fully funded scholarships can be found through government programmes, international organisations, and universities. Major global scholarships available to Kenyan students include programmes such as Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and other university-based funding opportunities
Which banks offer scholarships for students?
Some banks in Kenya support education through scholarship programmes or education foundations. For example, the KCB Foundation Scholars Programme and the Equity Group Foundation’s Wings to Fly programme provide education funding and mentorship for academically talented students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
How can someone apply for the KCB 2Jiajiri scholarship?
The programme focuses on vocational skills development and entrepreneurship rather than academic degree funding. Applicants must usually demonstrate practical experience in the skill area they are applying for, often under a supervisor for six to twelve months.
What are the requirements to get a scholarship in Kenya?
The requirements for scholarships in Kenya vary depending on the programme, but most scholarships require strong academic performance, proof of admission to a recognised institution, and identification documents.
When do scholarship applications open in Kenya?
Scholarship application periods depend on the organisation offering the funding. Many government and foundation scholarships open between January and April, while international scholarships such as Chevening typically open later in the year.
Can Kenyan students get fully funded scholarships abroad?
Yes. Kenyan students can apply for many fully funded international scholarships that cover tuition, travel costs, accommodation, and living expenses. Well-known programmes include the Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship, and various university-based scholarships offered in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and other countries.
Where can students find scholarships in Kenya?
Students can find scholarships through government education portals, university scholarship pages, international organisations, and foundation programmes. Reliable sources include official scholarship websites, education ministries, university admissions offices, and recognised scholarship databases that publish funding opportunities for Kenyan students.
Conclusion
Many scholarships in Kenya are available to support students at different stages of education, from secondary school to postgraduate study. Opportunities range from local programmes like the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation scholarships to international programmes such as the Chevening Scholarship and university scholarships offered worldwide.
Students who research opportunities carefully and prepare strong applications can significantly reduce the cost of education. Government initiatives, foundations, NGOs, and universities continue to expand scholarship opportunities for Kenyan students studying in Kenya and abroad.
All students should rely only on official scholarship portals and verified education platforms to avoid scams.
Varsha Asrani is a lecturer and education writer with experience as Visiting Faculty at AUPP and ATMC College, and as a Lecturer with TalentEdge and UpGrad. She is the Founder of the Asrani Institute of Education and Counselling. Varsha specializes in scholarships, e-learning, and career guidance for African students and professionals, and regularly visits Africa to gather first-hand insights that shape her research and articles.
