The Ministry of Education and Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) have announced full scholarships for Kenyan citizens in the United Kingdom (UK).
In a notice on August 5, the State Department for Higher Education invited applications for the 2026 Commonwealth PhD and Master’s Scholarships.
The Department said there are five slots available for PhD students and another 19 for master’s students.
The CSC in the United Kingdom (UK) invites the Ministry of Education to nominate Five (5) PhD and Nineteen (19) Masters Kenyan citizens for consideration for full scholarships award tenable in 2026. The awards are tenable at any approved United Kingdom University that hosts CSC awardees.
CSC will be open for applications between September 2, 2025, and October 14, 2025.
Candidates must meet the following requirements to qualify for a master’s study
- Proof of Kenyan citizenship.
- Bachelor’s degree – at least 2nd class upper division from a recognized university with a strong academic background, with all university transcripts.
- Supporting statements from two (2) referees on a letterhead paper and signed.
- A proposal in the area of study clearly showing the potential impact on the development of Kenya.
- Quality Study Plan.
- Be available to start your academic studies in the United Kingdom (UK) by the start of the UK academic year in September 2026.
Commonwealth PhD Study Requirements
Candidates must have proof of Kenyan citizenship and a master’s degree from a recognised university.
They must have a strong academic background and attach all academic transcripts and certificates.
Further, applicants must have supporting statements from two referees and a proposed supervisor in the UK from at least one of the institutions to which they have applied.
Candidates must also have a quality study plan and a proposal in the area of study, clearly showing the potential impact on the development of Kenya.
“Should not be registered for a PhD, or an MPhil, leading to a PhD, at a UK university or in Kenya, before September/October 2026,” CSC states.
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Application procedure
All eligible candidates must adhere to the following guidelines strictly:
1. Candidates must apply using the CSC’s online application system, which can be found on the CSC website.
Each scholarship has a ‘How to apply’ section, which will have information and guidance on the application process and the link to the online application system.
The CSC is unable to accept any applications that are not submitted via the online application system or after the closing date listed above.
2. Download and print the completed online application form before submitting it electronically to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and submit it to the Ministry of Education.
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3. Download the Standard Scholarship Application Form, from the Ministry’s website: http://www.education.go.ke, fill it and attach the required certified supporting documents (certified photocopies of ID, academic/professional certificates, Transcripts, Birth Certificate, Passport, other testimonials), a proposal in the area of study and a copy of the online application form submitted to CSC.
This should be submitted in two sets to the Directorate of Higher Education at the following address: Director, Higher Education, P.O. Box 9583 – 00200, Nairobi OR be delivered to Telposta Towers, 27th Floor, Room 2701.
Applications should be submitted to the Ministry of Education on or before October 16, 2025, at 5.00 pm.
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