Discover 10 top scholarship sites for Kenyan students, including HEF, ICCR India-Africa, GREAT Scholarships, and more. Find funding for local and international studies.
10 Scholarship Sites for Kenyan Students in 2026
Finding the right funding opportunities can feel like navigating a maze. Whether you’re looking for a full-ride scholarship abroad or a government grant to study locally, knowing where to start is half the battle. Here are 10 key scholarship sites and programs for Kenyan students in 2026, featuring both international and local opportunities.
1. Higher Education Financing Portal
This is the primary gateway for government scholarships and loans for university and TVET students in Kenya. The portal supports both first-time and continuing students and operates under the Student-Centred Funding Model, which provides scholarships based on a student’s assessed level of need. Eligible students can apply for scholarships covering 30% to 70% of their costs through the official HEF portal. Continuing students can also apply via USSD code *642#. The University Fund disburses these scholarships to public universities after the student confirms their admission.
2. ICCR India-Africa Maitri Scholarship
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations offers 100 scholarships annually for Kenyan students to study at top Indian institutions, including IITs and NITs. The Indo-Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme provides full funding for Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and PhD programmes, including return airfare, tuition fees, and a monthly living stipend. Applications are made through the A2A scholarship portal.
3. Study in Italy – MAECI Scholarships
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers scholarships for Kenyan students to pursue Master’s, PhD, and research programmes in Italy. The opportunities are aimed at fostering international cooperation in cultural, scientific, and technological fields. There are age requirements which vary by program, ranging from 28 to 40 years old. Applications for the 2026/2027 academic year must be submitted through the Study in Italy portal by March 2026.
4. The University of Manchester – Global Futures Scholarships
The University of Manchester offers over 100 merit-based undergraduate scholarships of up to £30,000 (£10,000 per year for three years) and over 200 Master’s scholarships of up to £18,000 for international students from Africa, including Kenya. These are awarded as a tuition fee discount and are based on academic merit. The application form is sent automatically to eligible offer-holders after they have applied for a course.
5. The University of Exeter – Kenya Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers the prestigious Allan and Nesta Ferguson Foundation Scholarship, worth £56,805, to support one student from Kenya to complete the MSc in Conservation and Biodiversity. This award covers full fees and provides a stipend for living and research expenses. Additionally, Exeter also offers £10,000 scholarships for Kenyan students enrolling in a range of other eligible postgraduate taught Master’s programs. These are for the 2026/27 academic year and are automatically allocated to eligible applicants.
6. GREAT Scholarships – Liverpool John Moores University
In partnership with the British Council, Liverpool John Moores University offers a £10,000 tuition fee scholarship for Kenyan students studying a one-year Master’s degree. The GREAT Scholarships scheme is a prestigious program designed to support students who want to pursue postgraduate study in the UK. Candidates must have already received and firmly accepted an offer from LJMU to be eligible.
7. Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation Programme
The Government of India also offers 240 civilian slots annually for Kenyan professionals and students under the ITEC programme. This program covers short-term capacity-building courses in various professional and technical fields. The training is fully sponsored by the Government of India.
8. Elimu Smart
For finding scholarships and other educational opportunities locally, Elimu Smart is an AI-driven education platform based in Nairobi that provides information on courses, funding, and career guidance. It supports students with KUCCPS applications and offers personalized recommendations. It is a practical resource for students looking to navigate the higher education landscape in Kenya.
9. Other ICCR Specialised Schemes
Beyond the main scholarship, ICCR also offers specialized schemes for Kenyan students, including the Quad STEM initiative offering 3 slots for B.Tech courses, the Ayush Scholarship for yoga and Ayurveda studies, and the Lata Mangeshkar Scholarship for music courses. These are also applied for through the ICCR A2A portal.
10. County and Constituency Funds
While they don’t have a central website, many County Governments and the Constituency Development Fund offer bursaries and scholarships to local students. These are complementary funding sources that students can apply for in addition to national government scholarships and loans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best scholarship site for Kenyan students?
The Higher Education Financing Portal is the primary gateway for government scholarships and loans in Kenya. For international opportunities, ICCR India-Africa Maitri Scholarship and GREAT Scholarships are excellent options.
How can I apply for government scholarships in Kenya?
Applications are made through the HEF portal at hef.co.ke or via USSD code *642#.
Are there fully funded scholarships for Kenyan students?
Yes. ICCR India-Africa Maitri Scholarship, University of Exeter Allan and Nesta Ferguson Foundation Scholarship, and MAECI Italy Scholarships offer full funding including tuition, living expenses, and travel.
When are scholarship applications due?
Deadlines vary by program. MAECI Italy applications close in March 2026. University of Manchester and Exeter scholarships are tied to course application deadlines. County bursaries have varying deadlines across counties.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes. Students are encouraged to apply for multiple funding sources to increase their chances of receiving financial support.
