Best International Scholarships for Kenyan Students with Visa Opportunities.
Pursuing higher education abroad is a dream for many Kenyan students. However, financial limitations and visa challenges often stand in the way. Fortunately, several international scholarships not only offer full or partial funding but also come with visa assistance or are tied to visa-friendly countries. In this article, we’ll explore the best international scholarships for Kenyan students that also offer visa support to help make your study-abroad dreams a reality.
🎓 Why Study Abroad as a Kenyan Student?
Studying abroad offers Kenyan students numerous benefits:
- Access to world-class education systems
- Exposure to different cultures and global networks
- Enhanced career prospects
- Opportunity to specialize in unique academic fields
But international education can be costly. That’s where scholarships come in to bridge the gap, especially those that also assist with visa processing or are offered by countries with supportive visa systems.
🌍 Top International Scholarships for Kenyan Students in 2025 (With Visa Support)
Here are some of the best global scholarships available to Kenyan students, along with visa-related benefits:
1. Chevening Scholarships – UK
Host Country: United Kingdom
Level: Master’s Degree
Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, and visa fees
Why It’s Ideal:
The Chevening Scholarship is funded by the UK government and targets future global leaders. It covers all costs, including visa application fees and allows students to work part-time in the UK during studies.
Visa Support:
The UK student visa process is streamlined for Chevening scholars, and guidance is provided through the British Council and embassies.
Eligibility:
- Kenyan citizenship
- Bachelor’s degree with at least second-class upper
- Two years of work experience
- Return to Kenya after studies
Website: chevening.org
2. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
Host Country: Germany
Level: Master’s and PhD
Benefits: Full tuition, living allowance, health insurance, travel, and visa support
Why It’s Ideal:
The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) supports students from developing countries, including Kenya. Germany is tuition-free in many cases and offers high-quality education.
Visa Support:
DAAD provides visa application documents and support for the German national visa process.
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Academic excellence
- Two years of professional experience (for most programs)
Website: daad.de
3. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
Host Institutions: Various (USA, Canada, Africa)
Level: Undergraduate and Master’s
Benefits: Full funding including tuition, accommodation, travel, and visa costs
Why It’s Ideal:
The MasterCard Foundation partners with top universities like the University of Toronto, McGill, and the University of Edinburgh. It targets bright students from Africa who face financial and social barriers.
Visa Support:
Partner universities assist scholars with visa application processes, embassy interviews, and documentation.
Eligibility:
- Academic excellence
- Proven financial need
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to return to Africa
Website: mastercardfdn.org
4. Erasmus+ Scholarships – Europe
Host Countries: Multiple European countries
Level: Master’s
Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel, and visa costs
Why It’s Ideal:
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) allow students to study in 2–3 countries across Europe. The program is funded by the European Union and covers everything.
Visa Support:
Special arrangements exist between participating countries to ease visa processing. Students often get multi-entry Schengen visas.
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Strong academic record
- Willingness to study across multiple countries
Website: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
5. Commonwealth Scholarships – UK
Host Country: United Kingdom
Level: Master’s and PhD
Benefits: Full tuition, airfare, living expenses, and visa fees
Why It’s Ideal:
Sponsored by the UK government, this scholarship supports students from Commonwealth countries like Kenya. It focuses on sustainable development and leadership.
Visa Support:
The UK Home Office supports Commonwealth scholars with a guided visa process.
Eligibility:
- Kenyan citizenship
- Undergraduate degree
- Development-related study interests
Website: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
6. Australia Awards Scholarships
Host Country: Australia
Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Benefits: Full tuition, return airfare, living allowance, health insurance, and visa costs
Why It’s Ideal:
This scholarship supports students from developing countries and focuses on long-term development.
Visa Support:
Australia Awards come with complete visa guidance, and selected students are assisted directly by the Australian government.
Eligibility:
- Kenyan citizenship
- Commitment to development in Kenya
- Work experience (for postgraduate)
Website: dfat.gov.au
7. Japanese MEXT Scholarships
Host Country: Japan
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
Benefits: Tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, and visa support
Why It’s Ideal:
The MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology) scholarship is government-funded and open to Kenyan students annually.
Visa Support:
Visa sponsorship and pre-departure orientation are provided through the Japanese Embassy in Kenya.
Eligibility:
- Strong academic record
- Age limits may apply depending on the program
- Medical certificate
Website: studyinjapan.go.jp
âś… Tips to Win These Scholarships
- Start Early: Most scholarships open 6–12 months before the study start date.
- Tailor Your Application: Customize your statement of purpose and reference letters to match the scholarship’s goals.
- Prepare Strong Academic Transcripts and Certificates
- Practice for Visa Interviews: Be confident and honest in visa interviews.
- Show Your Return Plan: Many scholarships want students to return home and contribute to development.
🧠Conclusion: Your Dream is Possible
Studying abroad as a Kenyan student is no longer out of reach, thanks to these fully funded international scholarships with visa support. Whether you dream of studying in the UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, or Japan, there’s a scholarship opportunity waiting for you. Start early, stay focused, and don’t hesitate to apply. Your future starts now!
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can Kenyan students apply for more than one international scholarship?
A: Yes, you can apply to multiple scholarships as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for each.
Q2: Are these scholarships available every year?
A: Most of them are annual programs, though deadlines may vary. Always check official websites for updates.
Q3: Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to apply?
A: Many scholarships require English proficiency tests, but some waive them if your education was in English. Check specific requirements.
