Scholarship in Canada for Kenyan Students

Canada is among the top preferred countries for higher education, given its quality and affordability. As tuition costs soar in virtually all universities, Canada offers relatively lower fees, and the cost of living is friendly to international students. 

If you’ve been considering studying in Canada for undergraduate or postgraduate, getting a scholarship is one of the best ways to go about it. Various scholarships, grants, and fellowships are offered to international students, and you might be a beneficiary. 

Read on to find out more about scholarships in Canada for Kenyan students and how you can apply for them.

Types of Canadian Scholarships Available for Kenyan Students

How scholarships work can be a bit confusing, given the sheer number of opportunities available. Below is a breakdown of some of the different types of financial aid available in Canada for Kenyan students: 

Merit Scholarships

Merit scholarships are the most popular type of scholarship. They are offered to students who excel in academics, athletics, art, or community work. They consider your level of success only, regardless of your financial status. 

University Scholarships

Various universities and colleges offer scholarships to international students. These are typically offered as an incentive to increase the diversity of the school's student body. 

If you’re interested in a specific Canadian university or college, visit its website to check for scholarship opportunities. If the information is not available on the website, you can also contact the university directly. 

Government-Funded Canadian Scholarships

The Canadian government offers several scholarships to international students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. You can visit EduCanada, the official website where these scholarships are normally posted. You’ll find more information about eligibility criteria and deadlines. 

Country-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are normally awarded to students from specific developing regions and countries. Canada, for instance, has specific scholarships that target African students, which you can qualify for as a Kenyan student. Information on such scholarships is available on the EduCanada website as well.

Graduate Scholarships

Some of the most lucrative Canadian scholarships target international students enrolled in master’s and PhD programs. These scholarships are awarded based on specific fields like engineering, natural sciences, health sciences, and the arts. 

Some of the popular graduate scholarships in Canada include: 

• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship
• NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships

You can find more information about application deadlines and eligibility criteria by visiting their websites. 

Privately Funded Scholarships

Many businesses and private donors set up scholarships and grants for students. In most cases, these awards target brilliant students who struggle financially, so you may have to provide some proof. Some provide financial aid for particular areas of study, so ensure you confirm the specific offer before applying. 

How to Apply for a Canadian Scholarship for Kenyan Students

Assuming you’ve already identified your career goals and you have a clear plan for your education and future job, you can take the following steps to apply for a Canadian scholarship: 

Research

The importance of research, especially in the earlier stages, cannot be overstated. Given the number of scholarship opportunities available, you need to conduct extensive research about the Canadian scholarships you’re eligible for. 

You can start by finding these opportunities on scholarship sites, official university or college websites, and the official government scholarship website. You’ll find the scholarship eligibility criteria and download the application form. 

Ask for Help

It’s incredibly beneficial to get help from experienced people around you. You can talk to your professors, academic advisors, or your university’s foreign affairs office and ask questions about applying for scholarships to study abroad. 

There are also experts who offer these services at a fee and can help you choose an appropriate scholarship. Taking advice from experienced experts helps smooth the process of finding and applying for a scholarship and increases your chances of getting one. 

Contact the Scholarship Provider

Reach out to the scholarship funders with any questions to clear doubts and get the latest information on the eligibility requirements. Doing this demonstrates that you’re a proactive candidate and could help set you apart from other applicants. 

Prepare Your Documents

Once you’ve compiled a list of the scholarships you’re eligible for, you can start applying for them. Each scholarship will have different requirements and eligibility criteria, so ensure you pay attention to each offer and organize your documents appropriately. 

When writing your CV, for instance, it’s important to tailor it for each scholarship application. Ensure you highlight relevant projects, accomplishments, and any international experience you’ve had. 

While each scholarship will have its requirements, the following are common documents you may be required to provide:

• ID/Passport copy
• Completed application form
• Copies of your academic diplomas/transcripts
• Test Scores, e.g., ACT, SAT, GPA, GRE
• Language proficiency proof, e.g., IELTS test
• Letter of motivation/Statement of purpose

Include References

Most scholarship applications will require you to include personal references. When choosing your references, ensure you choose teachers, professors, or coaches who know you personally and can recommend you. 

Additionally, it’s crucial to let them know ahead of time that you’re including them as your reference and you need a recommendation letter. This gives them enough time to write you the letter. 

Write Your Motivation Letter

Aside from your CV, cover letter, and recommendation letter, you may also have to write a motivation letter or statement of purpose. This is where you sell yourself. You’re competing against many other applicants, so you need to show how you’re unique.

Show how you’re the best candidate by justifying your need for the academic scholarship and how you plan to utilize the opportunity for change, both personal and societal. It’s important to show your passion for the field or program you’re applying for. 

Apply for Multiple Scholarships

Given how stiff the competition for these scholarships is, you can increase your chances of getting one by applying for several simultaneously. You’re likely eligible for dozens of scholarships, so all you have to do is look them up and start applying. 

Top Canadian Scholarships Available for Kenyan and other International Students

Canadian institutions offer a wide variety of scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs. These scholarships are typically open to students from every region. 

Here’s a list of some of the top scholarships offered by Canadian institutions:

Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

This scholarship, offered at the University of British Columbia, targets students who excel in academics, leadership abilities, active involvement in student affairs, and community service. 

You can apply for this scholarship at the undergraduate level. The scholarship amount is valued based on your financial need. Your family may be required to make a financial contribution based on your status. 

Ontario Graduate Scholarship

The Province of Ontario, in conjunction with the University of Toronto, offers scholarship opportunities to international students who wish to pursue master’s or Ph. D. degrees at the University of Toronto.  

You can find more information on eligibility criteria and the funding model by visiting the official university website. 

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program, offered at the University of Toronto, targets international students who excel in academics creativity, and are active student leaders. The award covers tuition, incidental fees, books, and full living expenses. 

This website is offered at the undergraduate level. You can find more information on it by visiting the official website. 

York University International Student Scholarship

York University offers two types of undergraduate degrees to international students: 

• Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarships
• International Entrance Scholarships of Distinction

These are renewable scholarships that require the students to maintain high academic achievement each year. The scholarships are available for the following faculties:

• Education
• Engineering
• Health
• Arts, Media, Performance & Design
• Liberal Arts and Professional Studies
• Business
• Science

Final Thoughts

Given the number of scholarships available for international students, you’re likely to qualify for financial aid. It’s up to you to do extensive research to find scholarship opportunities that align with your education and career goals.

During the application process, try getting help from your professors or career advisor. They have more experience and can give you helpful insight to smooth the process.