For many Kenyan students, scholarships are the bridge between ambition and opportunity. Whether you’re aiming to study locally or abroad, 2025 offers a wide range of fully funded and partial scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational studies.
This guide highlights some of the top scholarships available to Kenyan students in 2025, including eligibility, benefits, and where to apply.
Local Scholarships in Kenya
1. HELB Loans & Bursaries
- Level: Undergraduate and postgraduate
- Covers: Tuition, upkeep, and special needs
- Eligibility: Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited institutions
- Tip: Apply early through the HELB portal to avoid delays.
2. Rattansi Education Trust
- Level: Undergraduate
- Covers: Partial tuition support
- Eligibility: Needy students in public and private universities
- Available at: Over 20 institutions including UoN, KU, and MKU
3. Prof. Muriuki Scholarship (UoN)
- Level: Undergraduate
- Covers: Full tuition for top-performing, needy students
- Eligibility: Regular students at the University of Nairobi
4. Kenyatta University OVS Scholarship
- Level: Undergraduate
- Covers: Full tuition and upkeep
- Eligibility: Orphans and vulnerable students with high KCSE scores
5. Wangari Maathai Scholarship
- Level: Undergraduate
- Covers: Tuition and project support
- Eligibility: Female students (18–25) in environmental studies
- Partners: Green Belt Movement, Rockefeller Foundation, KCDF
International Scholarships for Kenyan Students
6. DAAD In-Country & Regional Scholarships
- Level: Masters and PhD
- Study In: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia
- Fields: Education, Engineering, Health, Law, Social Sciences
- Covers: Tuition, stipend, travel, and research costs
7. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
- Level: Masters
- Study In: United Kingdom
- Covers: Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, and visa
- Eligibility: Leadership potential and strong academic background
8. Commonwealth Scholarships
- Level: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD
- Study In: Commonwealth countries (UK, Canada, Australia, etc.)
- Covers: Full tuition, travel, and living expenses
- Eligibility: Academic merit and development impact
9. Swedish Institute Scholarships (SISS)
- Level: Masters
- Study In: Sweden
- Covers: Full tuition, monthly stipend, insurance, and travel
- Eligibility: Young professionals with leadership potential
10. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
- Level: Masters and PhD
- Study In: Any country (except UK, Germany, Australia)
- Covers: 50% grant, 50% loan
- Eligibility: Outstanding students from developing countries
Tech & Innovation Scholarships
11. AkiraChix CodeHive Program
- Level: Certificate (1 year)
- Focus: Coding, entrepreneurship, and digital skills
- Eligibility: Young women (19–23) from underserved backgrounds
- Covers: Full tuition, accommodation, meals, and mentorship
12. Power Learn Project Software Scholarship
- Level: Certificate
- Focus: Software development and digital skills
- Eligibility: Youth across Africa
- Covers: Full tuition and laptop access
Medical & Specialized Fellowships
13. EADB Medical Fellowship Program
- Level: Postgraduate
- Focus: Oncology and Neurology
- Study In: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda
- Covers: Full tuition, travel, and accommodation
14. WFSA Paediatric Anaesthesia Fellowship (UoN)
- Level: Fellowship
- Study In: Kenyatta National Hospital
- Covers: Full training and clinical exposure
- Eligibility: Qualified anaesthetists from East Africa
Undergraduate Opportunities Abroad
15. University of Birmingham Africa High Fliers Scholarship
- Level: Undergraduate
- Study In: United Kingdom
- Covers: £5,000 tuition discount
- Eligibility: Kenyan students with strong academic records
16. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)
- Level: Undergraduate
- Study In: University of Toronto
- Covers: Full tuition, books, residence, and incidental fees
- Eligibility: Exceptional academic achievement and leadership
Final Tips for Applicants
- Start early: Many scholarships open 6–12 months before intake.
- Tailor your application: Customize essays and documents for each scholarship.
- Gather references: Academic and professional referees are often required.
- Stay updated: Follow university websites, embassies, and scholarship portals.
Kenyan students have more scholarship opportunities than ever before—both at home and abroad. Whether you’re pursuing a diploma, degree, or postgraduate program, there’s likely a scholarship that fits your path.
Sources: Kenya Education Guide, DAAD, Chevening, HELB, KCDF, AkiraChix, ScholarshipTab, ScholarshipRoar, Ministry of Education Kenya (2025)
