8 Best German Scholarships for Kenyan Students

Studying abroad, particularly in Germany, is a lifelong dream for many Kenyan students. Luckily, that’s no longer wishful thinking, as many German scholarships are available to Kenyan students yearly. 

Whether this is your first time considering applying for a scholarship in Germany or you've submitted several applications without success, this post is for you. 

The numerous options available may be confusing, and you may fall victim to scams. This is why I’ve organized my research into German scholarships to help you choose one that aligns with your needs. 

However, given the many global students interested in these scholarships, how can you ensure your application stands out? Let’s find out!

The Best German Scholarships for Kenyan Students

There are many options to choose from regarding German scholarships for Kenyan students. 

They all have different characteristics. For instance, some are fully funded, while others offer partial funding. Short-term scholarships are valid from a few weeks to one year, while long-term ones cover over three years. 

Start by determining your career goals and how long you’d want to stay in Germany before diving into this list of scholarships. 

1. Development-Related Post Graduate Courses (EPOS)

If you’re passionate about development and want to mold yourself into a force of change in Kenya, this scholarship is for you. 

The EPOS program offers funding to students from developing countries, including Kenya, to enable them to study courses related to development.

In a nutshell, the program aims to empower you and other Kenyan students to drive significant developmental change in Kenya and build better futures devoid of poverty. 

Some Master’s and doctorate courses you can take under this program include:

• Economics 
• Environmental Sciences 
• Law 
• Health-related Sciences 
• Political Sciences 
• Business Administration 
• Urban Development 

Here are the requirements for the EPOS scholarship:

• You must be from a developing country like Kenya 
• You must have a minimum professional experience of two years in a development-related field
• You must be a university graduate 
• You should have a Master’s or PhD

This partially funded program offers a monthly stipend of up to €934 for graduates and €1,300 for doctoral students. You may also get allowances to cover health insurance.

2. Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG) 

Are you a leader passionate about democracy and social justice in Kenya? If so, the Helmut-Shmidt Program may pique your interest. 

The German Federal Foreign Office funds this scholarship to help you acquire a Master’s in relevant social, political, and economic development courses.

The scholarship offers the following benefits:

• A monthly €934
• Health insurance 
• Travel allowance to travel from Kenya to Germany 
• A rent subsidy and family supplements 
• A study and research grant
• A mandatory 4-month German language course 

Note that you must meet the following requirements to qualify for the PPGG scholarship:

• Have prior experience in a field relevant to the program, such as volunteering or working with NGOs and charities.
• Above-average grades in a higher-education degree 
• Your last university degree shouldn’t be older than six years 
• Provide an account of your academic, personal, and professional motivation which aligns with the program's goals.

3. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS)

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung scholarship is worth considering if you want to pursue a master’s or doctorate in Germany. 

Here are the guidelines:

• Prove above-average academic performance 
• Be an enthusiastic volunteer 
• Have a university degree 
• Have a B2 level in German 
• Be highly motivated to your goals 

The following are the program’s benefits:

• A monthly scholarship of €934 for master’s students 
• Monthly scholarship of €1,400 for PhD scholars 
• Healthcare subsidy of up to €120 monthly 
• Children's allowance of €194 per month if you live with your kids in Germany 

The KAS program stretches beyond funding your education. You’ll also be part of an extensive alumni network, which offers mentorship and a chance to participate in local activities.  

4. DAAD - Study Scholarships for Postgraduate Studies in the Fields of Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication, and Film

If you're an art enthusiast, this is a unique opportunity to study in Germany. This program offers funding for a postgraduate degree in Fine Art, Visual Communication, Design, or Film. 

To qualify for this scholarship, you must have a university degree in the mentioned fields. The program lasts 10-24 months. 

Here are some of the benefits you’ll get as a beneficiary of this DAAD scholarship:

• A monthly €934 payment 
• A one-time study allowance 
• A Travel allowance 
• A Monthly rent subsidy 
• An allowance to support German classes 

It’s worth noting that this scholarship isn’t open to all university degree holders. Your degree shouldn’t date back more than six years. 

5. Loschge Scholarship

The Loschge Scholarship Endowment offers up to €550 monthly to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing thermal engineering at the TUM School of Engineering and Design.

The Technical University of Munich also offers other scholarships worth checking out. Visit their website for more information.  

7. Friedrich Ebert Foundation

Another German scholarship you can apply for as a Kenyan student is the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship. 

You can land this scholarship as long as you’re a high-performing student committed to the values of social democracy. 

These are some of the academic requirements:

• Above-average academic performance 
• Sufficient knowledge of German 
• Enrollment in a state-recognized university in Germany 

Benefits: 

• Monthly stipend of €830 for bachelor’s, magister, diploma, and state examination programs 
• €850 monthly for master’s programs
•  €276 family allowance if you have a child 

8. Hertie School Full Scholarships

The Hertie School in Berlin offers numerous fully funded scholarship opportunities to international students, including Kenyans. 

However, it’s worth noting that the scholarships only cover tuition, not living expenses. So, you’ll need to cater for that yourself. 

Some scholarships offered by Hertie School include:

• Climate Action Scholarship: Worth €36,000 
• Digital Governance Scholarship: Worth €36,500
• Human Rights Scholarship: Worth €36,500
• International Security Policy Scholarship: Worth €36,500

The application process is straightforward. Visit Hertie School’s application portal and select the program you’re interested in. 

From there, fill out and submit your application. After the scholarship provider reviews all applications, successful candidates will be contacted. 

Tips for Applying for German Scholarships as a Kenyan Student

The scholarship space is very competitive because many students want the opportunity to study abroad. Therefore, you must find unique ways to stand out in your applications.

A simple mistake, such as failing to attach all required documents or applying for the wrong program, may cost you your scholarship. 

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind as you apply for German scholarships as a Kenyan student:

Select the Right Program 

Don’t just send out applications for the sake of it. You must take time to research and compare different scholarships to find the one that best suits your needs. 

For instance, applying for partial funding while you need a fully funded program won’t make sense in the long run. You may end up struggling to cover basic living expenses. 

Ensure to evaluate your financial status and career goals before choosing a program. 

Ask for Help

Applying for scholarships can be overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can approach your professors, parents, or a career advisor to guide you through your application. 

If you know anyone who has studied on a German scholarship, you can always ask them for tips on maximizing your chances of success. 

Contacting the university or organization offering the scholarship is also an excellent idea, especially if you need clarification on eligibility and requirements. 

Attach All the Required Documents 

Failing to attach a vital document may cause your application to be rejected. Have a list and ensure you’ve checked everything before submitting your application. 

The most common document requirements in scholarship applications include:

• A copy of your ID or passport 
• Academic transcripts 
• Statement of purpose 
• Recommendation letters 
• Test scores like the SAT and ACT

Apply for Multiple Options 

Putting all your eggs in one basket is a recipe for failure, given that scholarships are competitive. 

Consider researching different German scholarships that meet your needs and applying to several to increase your chances of success. 

The only challenge you may encounter here is mixing up documents. Be sure to apply and deal with one application at a time to avoid such mixups.  

Final Thoughts 

There are numerous German scholarships for Kenyan students. You only need to find one that meets your career goals and financial needs. 

Conducting thorough research is essential because it exposes you to all options. You must also be vigilant and submit an excellent application to land a scholarship. 

Remember that many Kenyan students apply for the same opportunities, so the more you stand out, the better.