Australian Scholarships for Kenyan Students

Have you recently completed high school or your undergraduate degree and wondering what to do next? Or maybe you’ve been applying to tons of scholarships with zero success?

If so, Australia’s world-class universities offer numerous opportunities for Kenyans to study there on a partial or fully-funded basis. 

Many Kenyans are constantly seeking ways to study abroad, and with all the free online resources, it may be hard to separate the real deal from scams. Luckily, I’ve done the legwork for you. 

This article on Australian scholarships for Kenyan students will help you identify opportunities that align with your needs and offer insight into preparing an outstanding application.

Types of Australian Scholarships for Kenyan Students 

The following are the types of scholarships available in Australia for Kenyan students:

Graduate Scholarships 

Graduate scholarships usually cover postgraduate programs like PhD and master’s degrees in science, engineering, health, business, and the arts. Most graduate scholarships cover living, travel, and research expenses, but this may vary.

The most common graduate scholarships in Australia are the Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship awards. You can check eligibility and requirements on the Australian Department of Education website.

Merit Scholarships 

As the name suggests, merit scholarships are awarded based on excellence in art, athletics, community service, or academics, regardless of your financial standing.

University-Specific Scholarships 

Australian universities offer these opportunities to students from other countries, including Kenya.

Some examples include:

• The University of Queensland Law scholarship 
• The Carnegie Mellon University scholarships
• University of South Australia scholarships

The Top Australian Scholarships for Kenyan Students 

Now that you have your career goals and a good background story to show how you can impact the world after going through a scholarship, what options do you have?

Whether you’re looking for an undergraduate, master’s, or doctorate program, here are some of the best Australian scholarships for Kenyan students:

1. The Vincent and Carmel Forgione Scholarship in Philosophy

If you’re passionate about and looking for an undergraduate or honors philosophy program, this scholarship is for you. 

This scholarship is offered at the University of Queensland and aims to alleviate financial hardship in education for international students, and you can apply if you’re from Kenya.

However, it’s worth noting that the Vincent and Carmel Forgione scholarship is partial. It only offers $4,500 annually for four years, so you may need to pay for some living expenses. 

Applications open from July to August each year. 

2. Australia Awards Scholarships

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade awards scholarships to international students, including Kenyans, in an attempt to promote bilateral agreements with other countries. 

Some institutions that participate in this program include:

• James Cook University 
• Queensland University of Technology 
• The University of Queensland 
• The University of Sydney 
• The Australian National University

I recommend this if you’re seeking total funding for your tuition. The program also offers the following benefits:

• A return economy class air-travel ticket 
• A one-time establishment allowance to cater for accommodation and study materials 
• A fortnightly contribution to living expenses 
• Overseas student health cover 

Visit the Australian Awards Scholarships page for more information on eligibility, open dates, and requirements. 

3. Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship

If you’re a prospective international student at Deakin University, you have a high chance of landing this scholarship, which covers 50% of your tuition fees. 

Some of the requirements include:

• A completed application form 
• Two referees who can provide proof of your leadership and community engagement history 
• A 300-word personal statement 
• Academic transcripts 

In addition to the 50% tuition fee cover, you'll receive a priority place for on-campus accommodation. 

However, you need to cater for these expenses, so this might not be the best option if you’re seeking a fully funded scholarship.

4. Swinburne International Excellence Scholarships

Swinburne offers several scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate, and English language programs. They are worth checking out if you’re a Kenyan student who wants to study in Australia. 

The only downside is that Swinburne scholarships only cover a percentage of tuition fees. If you want a fully funded opportunity, you may want to look for another option. 

Some scholarships under Swinburne’s programs include:

• Swinburne International Pathway Scholarship: Covers $3,000 of your tuition fees 
• ELICOS+ Scholarship: Refunds up to 10 weeks worth of tuition fees 
• Swinburne International Scholarship: Covers 20% of your tuition fees 

5. International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship at Bond University

Another Australian scholarship for Kenyan students is the International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship by Bond University. 

You can apply for this scholarship if you’ve just completed high school and are looking for an undergrad program in Australia. 

Note that it’s a partial scholarship. Visit their website for details on eligibility and criteria.

How to Apply for an Australian Scholarship for Kenyan Students 

I’ve often encountered people in cybercafes stranded, wondering how to submit winning applications for scholarships in Australia. 

Sometimes, you’ll fail to land a scholarship you were eligible for because of submitting a sloppy application. So, how do you get started once you establish your career goals? Here are some tips:

Research 

Doing your due diligence is the first step to landing an Australian scholarship. Draft your career goals and determine your financial capability to guide you on the kind of scholarships you need to research.

Are you looking for an undergrad or postgraduate scholarship? Do you have a specific city or university in mind? You need to answer these kinds of questions before looking into any scholarships. 

Note that scholarships are usually either fully funded or partial. A partial scholarship would be fine if you can raise some of your tuition or living expenses. Otherwise, you’ll have to research fully funded opportunities. 

Once you’ve established clear goals, you can find funding opportunities by visiting the official Australian Department of Education website, university websites, and career professionals like IDP. Compare requirements to pick out the ones you’re eligible for.  

Seek Help 

Once you've identified a few scholarships you’re eligible for, the next step is to seek guidance on how to apply for them. 

So, do you just walk up to someone and ask them how to apply for scholarships? Or perhaps knowing a Kenyan studying in Australia is benefitial? 

Even if you don’t know anyone in Australia, your professors, parents, and the career department in your university can guide you through completing your application. 

You can also enlist the services of career experts like IDP, who offer advice at a fee. This is the best option since they have more experience regarding scholarship applications. 

Reach Out to The Scholarship Provider 

Are you still in doubt about how to proceed even after seeking help from your professors and career department? If so, seeking clarification from the scholarship provider is the high road. 

The organizations always have a contact number on their page. You can call, message, or send an email with your questions. 

Organize Your Documents 

Now that you’ve cleared your doubts and clarified the points you were unsure about, it’s time to grab the bull by its horns. 

Proper organization of documents is crucial to success. Some of the most common document requirements include:

• A copy of your ID/passport 
• A filled scholarship form 
• Academic transcripts from your previous education levels 
• Recommendation letters
• Statement of purpose 
• Proof of language proficiency, like a TOEFL or IELTS
• Test scores such as GMAT, SAT, GRE

Different scholarships will have different eligibility criteria and requirements. Therefore, take care not to mix up your documents. 

Add References to Your Applications

Do you have people who can vouch for you? Adding references to your application may increase your chances of landing a scholarship. You can include your coaches, teachers, or professors. 

Some scholarships will require only the contact information of your referees, while others will require you to attach recommendation letters. 

Referees can be deal makers or breakers, so I can’t emphasize the importance of adding people who know you well and think you’re the right candidate for the scholarship. 

Ensure that you inform your referees that you’re adding them to your application in case the university or scholarship provider decides to contact them to ask about you.

Prepare Your Statement of Purpose 

A statement of purpose is among the most important documents in the application process because it gives you a chance to convince recruiters that you’re a perfect candidate for the scholarship. 

Some vital information to include in your statement of purpose are:

• Your academic background 
• Long-term career goals
• How the scholarship will help you achieve your goals 
• Personal experiences and qualities that make you a perfect candidate 

The goal isn’t to create a superficial character that’s perfect and all-rounded but to show your recruiters that you’re human and can impact the world positively through the scholarship.

Apply for Multiple Scholarships

Australian scholarships are usually very competitive, so putting all your eggs in one basket isn’t a good strategy.

You can increase your chances of landing a scholarship in your dream country by applying for multiple opportunities. 

Final Thoughts 

There are numerous Australian scholarships for Kenyan students. However, don’t get discouraged by the competition. 

Do your due diligence to find options that align with your career goals and apply for them. Also, consider asking your professors or a career coach for help when completing the applications.