Last updated on January 8, 2026
Several scholarships closing in January 2026 are still open to Kenyan students, including Stipendium Hungaricum, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programmes, the ANSO-CAS-TWAS PhD scholarship, and selected Swedish Institute master’s programmes. These opportunities have strict deadlines and require early preparation.
This list focuses on international scholarships that are confirmed to accept Kenyan students and have application deadlines falling in January or early February 2026.
1. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship (Hungary)
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is a fully funded programme offered by the Government of Hungary. It allows international students to study at Hungarian universities across a wide range of disciplines. The scholarship generally covers tuition fees, provides a monthly living allowance, accommodation support, and medical insurance.
Who can apply
Kenyan students are eligible to apply under Hungary’s bilateral cooperation agreements. The scholarship is open to applicants seeking:
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees
- PhD programmes
Applicants must meet academic requirements for their chosen course and follow the official application process outlined by the Hungarian authorities.
Scholarships Closing (Deadline)
15 January 2026
This deadline is fixed for the main 2026/2027 application cycle.
Where to apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship online application portal, managed by the Tempus Public Foundation.
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships are funded by the European Union and support students pursuing joint master’s programmes offered by multiple European universities. Students usually study in two or more countries as part of a single degree and receive comprehensive financial support covering tuition, travel, and living costs.
Who can apply
Erasmus Mundus scholarships are open to students worldwide, including Kenyan students. Applicants must:
- Hold a relevant undergraduate degree
- Meet academic and language requirements for the specific master’s programme
Each programme sets its own eligibility criteria.
Scholarships Closing (Deadline) Deadline
Most Erasmus Mundus programmes close between early January and mid-February 2026.
Several programmes list deadlines around 12 February 2026, but exact dates vary by course.
Applicants must check individual programme deadlines carefully.
Where to apply
Applications are submitted directly through the official websites of individual Erasmus Mundus scholarships.
3. ANSO-CAS-TWAS / UNESCO PhD Scholarship
The ANSO-CAS-TWAS / UNESCO PhD Scholarship supports doctoral studies in science and technology fields at institutions affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The programme is designed to build research capacity in developing countries.
Who can apply
Kenyan students are eligible, as the scholarship is open to applicants from developing countries. Applicants must:
- Hold a relevant master’s degree
- Meet academic and research requirements of the host institution
- Apply for PhD programmes in science, engineering, or related fields
This scholarship is strictly for PhD-level study.
Scholarships Closing (Deadline) Deadline
31 January 2026
This deadline is consistent across annual application cycles.
Where to apply
Applications are submitted through the official ANSO-CAS-TWAS scholarship process, usually via the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences or University of Science and Technology of China graduate admission systems.
4. Swedish Institute Scholarships (Selected Programs)
The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals support international students studying master’s programmes in Sweden. The scholarship typically covers tuition fees, living costs, insurance, and travel support.
Who can apply
Kenyan citizens are eligible to apply, provided they:
- Apply for and are admitted to an eligible master’s programme in Sweden
- Meet academic, leadership, and professional background requirements
Admission to a Swedish university is a mandatory first step before applying for the scholarship.
Key dates (official timeline)
- 16 October 2025 – 15 January 2026:
Apply to Swedish master’s programmes through University Admissions Sweden. - Mid-November 2025:
Swedish Institute publishes eligible programmes and application documents. - 9 – 25 February 2026:
SI Scholarship application portal is open. - 26 March 2026:
University admissions results are announced. - 23 April 2026:
Swedish Institute scholarship results are announced.
Where to apply
- Master’s programme applications are submitted via University Admissions Sweden.
- Scholarship applications are submitted separately through the official Swedish Institute scholarship portal during the February window.
Important Reminder for Applicants
Scholarship deadlines and requirements can change slightly each year. Applicants should always confirm details on official scholarship websites and begin preparing documents well in advance. Waiting until the final days often leads to missed opportunities.
Final Note
January deadlines are easy to overlook, especially for students who assume scholarship applications open later in the year. Paying attention to early application windows can give Kenyan students access to opportunities that many others miss.
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.
