China has announced government scholarships for Kenyan students seeking to pursue undergraduate, master’s and PhD studies at universities in the Asian country during the 2027/2028 academic year.
In an announcement issued on Monday, November 9, the Ministry of Education said it had received communication from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kenya confirming that scholarships the available for eligible Kenyan applicants.
According to the ministry, the opportunities will allow successful candidates to pursue higher education at Chinese universities.
“The Ministry is in receipt of communication from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kenya informing of the availability of fifteen (15) Chinese Government Scholarships. These scholarships are tenable in Chinese Universities and will allow Kenyan students to undertake Undergraduate, Masters’ and PhD studies for the academic year 2027/2028,” part of the announcement read.
According to the Ministry, applicants must satisfy the admission requirements of their preferred universities, including academic ability, language proficiency and other relevant criteria.
Interested candidates are required to apply for admission to their chosen institutions and obtain admission letters or relevant pre-admission documents.
The selection process will involve preliminary screening by Kenya’s Ministry of Education, followed by further assessment by the Chinese Embassy.
Nominated candidates will undergo written examinations and interviews organised by the Chinese Embassy in Kenya.
Undergraduate Applicants Must Sit December CSCA Examination
Students seeking bachelor’s degree scholarships must also sit an additional examination under the China Scholastic Competence Assessment (CSCA).
Undergraduate applicants must register for examinations through www.csca.cn.
Candidates will be assessed in compulsory Chinese Language and Mathematics, along with optional examinations in Physics and Chemistry on December 19, 2026
Applicants must also obtain a CSCA score report, which is mandatory for their scholarship applications.
Candidates have been advised to contact their preferred Chinese universities to establish the specific examination subjects required for their intended courses.
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China sets Academic Qualifications and Age Requirements
The Ministry has also outlined separate eligibility conditions for the three applicant categories.
For undergraduate studies, candidates must have a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) mean grade of at least B (Plain) or its equivalent.
Applicants must also be aged 25 years or below and should have completed secondary education within the preceding three years.
The Ministry further requires undergraduate candidates to demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to their intended areas of specialisation.
For master’s degree programmes, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least Second-Class Upper Division and be below 35 years of age.
PhD applicants, meanwhile, must possess a relevant master’s degree from a recognised university and be below 40 years of age.
All candidates must also satisfy the admission, language proficiency and other academic requirements set by their preferred Chinese institutions.
How to Apply for the Scholarships
The application process requires candidates to submit online through the China Scholarship Council (CSC) website, www.campuschina.org.
Applicants must create an account, select the Scholarship Application for Students option, and complete the Chinese Government Scholarship application form.
During the application, candidates must select Programme Category Type A and enter Agency Number 4041.
The China Scholarship Council website also provides a directory of participating Chinese universities and the academic programmes available to international applicants.
Candidates are urged to identify suitable institutions and secure the required admission or pre-admission documents before completing their applications.
Documents Required for the Scholarship Application
Applicants must upload several supporting documents to the online application system during the process.
The required documents include a copy of the passport information page, with validity extending beyond one year from the expected commencement of studies; notarised academic certificates and transcripts; and relevant admission documents issued by Chinese universities.
Undergraduate applicants must also upload their CSCA score reports.
In addition, candidates must prepare study plans or research proposals, with undergraduate applicants submitting at least 200 words and postgraduate applicants at least 800 words.
Applicants seeking master’s and PhD scholarships must additionally provide two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors.
Other mandatory documents include a completed Foreigner Physical Examination Form and a valid Certificate of Good Conduct.
The Ministry has further clarified that academic certificates obtained from foreign institutions of higher learning must be recognised by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
“Academic Certificates from Foreign Institutions of Higher Learning MUST be recognised by the Commission for University Education (CUE),” the Ministry clarified.
Candidates applying for art and design-related programmes may also submit portfolios or samples of their work through the supporting documents section of the application system and provide the materials directly to their preferred universities.
The Ministry has cautioned applicants to ensure that all uploaded documents are clear, authentic and valid.
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Ministry Requires Separate Submission of Application Documents
In addition to the online application to the China Scholarship Council, all interested candidates must undergo Kenya’s mandatory preliminary selection process.
Applicants must submit a copy of their completed CSC application form, the duly filled Standard Scholarship Application Form, and a copy of the Foreigner Physical Examination Form completed by a medical practitioner.
They must also provide certified copies of their identification documents, academic and professional certificates, transcripts, birth certificates, passports and other relevant testimonials.
Postgraduate applicants must also submit their study plans or research proposals and copies of their recommendation letters.
According to the Ministry of Education, all documents should be addressed to:
The Director, Higher Education
Ministry of Education
Telposta Towers
P O Box 9583 – 00200
NAIROBI
Alternatively, applicants may deliver the documents to Telposta Towers, 27th Floor, Room 2701, by 5:00 p.m. on November 18, 2026.
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