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There are numerous scholarship opportunities available for students in Kenya to pursue their university education.
Some of the key scholarships include:
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The Pan African University Scholarships
The Pan African University Scholarships offer full Masters and doctoral degree scholarships yearly for African students at the Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology, and Innovation (PAUSTI) in Kenya.
The L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science
The L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science offers annual fellowship grants of up to £15,000 to talented young Sub-Saharan (including Kenyan) women who have a PhD in physical or life sciences or are pursuing studies in those fields leading to a PhD.
The African Canadian Continuing Education Society
The African Canadian Continuing Education Society (ACCES) offers a post-secondary Scholarship Program that provides partial scholarships to the most talented Kenyan students in need of financial assistance.
Kenyan universities
Kenyan universities such as the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Egerton University, and USIU-Africa offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options for bright and needy students, including full scholarships, partial scholarships, diversity scholarships, and merit-based awards.
Scholarships for Kenyan Students to study in the UK
There are also scholarship opportunities for Kenyan students to study in the UK, with over 100 special scholarships available through SI-UK’s close relationships with UK universities.
Additionally, organizations like Inceptor in Kenya offer partial scholarships for short, marketable technology courses like web design, software development, digital marketing, and cybersecurity.
In summary, Kenyan students have access to a wide range of scholarship options, both locally and internationally, to help fund their university education across various academic fields and levels.
Eligibility
To be eligible for scholarships in Kenya, students typically need to meet the following criteria;
1. Kenyan citizenship: Most scholarships are specifically for Kenyan citizens, especially those offered by the Kenyan government and universities.
2. Academic merit: Many scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, such as high scores in the KCSE exam. For example, the ISK Scholarship targets outstanding Kenyan students entering grades 9 or 10.
3. Financial need: Scholarships often consider the applicant’s financial situation and ability to pay for their education. Proof of financial need is usually required, such as through a Finance Disclosure form.
4. Specific degree programs: Some scholarships are only available for certain academic fields or degree levels, such as the L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science which offers fellowships for PhD students in physical or life sciences.
5. Placement by KUCCPS: To be eligible for the government’s Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) scholarship, students must have been placed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) to pursue an undergraduate, diploma, or certificate course at an accredited public university or TVET college.
6. Fluency in English: For international scholarships, a good command of the English language is often required, as most courses are taught in English.
The application process typically involves submitting documents like KCPE and KCSE index numbers, admission letters, copies of secondary school sponsorship letters, ID cards, birth certificates, and passport photos. Shortlisted applicants may also need to attend an interview.
Strategies to Increase your Chances of Securing a Scholarship for Studying Abroad
Here are some effective strategies to increase your chances of securing a scholarship for studying abroad:
1. Apply to multiple scholarships
The more scholarships you apply for, the better your chances of receiving an award.
Aim to apply for at least 10-20 scholarships to improve your odds.
2. Highlight your unique qualities
Use your unique experiences, background, and achievements to craft a captivating application that makes you stand out from other applicants.
If you are an ethnic minority student or the first person in your family to study abroad, highlight these aspects of your profile.
3. Consider less popular destinations
Apply to study in non-traditional or less popular locations. Many scholarship programs want to provide funding to diverse destinations. For example, if you plan to study in Vietnam where there are fewer applicants compared to a popular destination like London, your chances of winning a scholarship are higher.
4. Focus on critical languages
Scholarships often prioritize students studying critical languages that are in high demand but have few learners.
If the language you want to study is not considered critical, choose a non-traditional location to study that language to increase your competitiveness.
5. Be creative in your application
Demonstrate your dedication and creativity in your application.
For example, if the scholarship requires a video essay, put effort into the lighting, audio, and background music.
If it’s a written essay, craft an engaging narrative that goes beyond just answering the question.
6. Maintain excellent grades
Strive for strong academic performance throughout your educational journey.
Scholarship providers often consider academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and standardized test scores when evaluating applicants.
7. write a compelling personal statement
Use your personal statement to demonstrate your passion, unique experiences, and how studying abroad aligns with your educational and career goals. Be authentic, concise, and engaging to make your essay stand out.
8. Seek guidance and leverage resources
Utilize the resources and guidance available to you, such as your university’s career center or study abroad office.
They can provide valuable information about scholarship opportunities and help you navigate the application process effectively.
By following these strategies and putting in the necessary effort, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a scholarship to study abroad and turn your dreams into reality.
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