Scholarships in Kenya for PhD Student 2021-2025

Going to school is a dream for all. It is often very devastating when you realize that the dreams to further your education have been cut off due to insufficient funds and the inability to pay school fees. At this point, one of the undeniably easy ways to achieve your dreams for further studies in Kenya is by applying for PhD scholarships.

If you are seeking to pursue a PhD in your area of study after completing your Masters degree or if you are seeing to carry out further research, there are several choices you can make in terms of getting the local or international funding that you need to make your dream come true by taking advantage of the PhD scholarships in Kenya.

PHD Scholarships In Kenya

The following are some of the local and international PHD scholarships available for Kenyan students (students from other African countries may also be included as specified), including where they are offered, minimum qualifications for entry, and the admission requirements for each PhD scholarship program.

1. DAAD In-Country And In-Region PHD Program

These DAAD PhD scholarships are offered at the Regional Centre for Drought Adaptation (CERAAS) located in Senegal. CERAAS seeks to curb the challenges that result in low agricultural production in drought stricken areas. It does this by providing technical solutions to mitigate the vice and assure quality food supply that results in improved standards of living for many.

Applicants should be from sub-Saharan countries, of which Kenya is part. DAAD, a German Academic Exchange Service, promotes academic exchanges at an international level, and co-operation to enhance education opportunities with developing countries by providing funding and opportunities for scholarships for interested students.

Details Of The Program:

• It includes both in-country scholarships, where students can pursue the PHD course in their own country, and in-region scholarships where students can pursue the same scholarship in another sub-Saharan country.
• The scholarship offers programs that are relevant to national development include Genetics, Genomics, Physiology, Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Agroforestry, and Plant Health.
• It offers two in-region and one in-country scholarship.
• The scholarship covers tuition fees, study and research allowance, a final allowance, a monthly scholarship which involves food and accommodation, and a travel allowance for those studying in-region.
• Scholarship holders are also highly encouraged to apply for an additional benefit which includes a 2 to 3 months research grant in Germany. This will come with scholarship payment for living costs, health/personal/accident liability insurance, and a flat-rate allowance for travel expenses. More details on the additional benefits are provided once one is admitted to the scholarship program.
• The program does not discriminate and encourages female applicants, as well as those from less privileged regions and groups.

Applications Requirements

To apply for the DAAD scholarship, you should:

• Have a two-year university Master’s degree, having attained a second class upper grade or better.
• Prove to have a strong commitment to pursue the objectives of the course, and be a motivated individual.
• Possess a university degree which dates back to not more than 6 years ago during the application time.
• Have proof of being a national or be a permanent resident in any of the sub-Saharan countries (in this case, Kenya.)
• Be a member of staff in a public or private university.
• Be candidate considered for staff recruitment or teaching.
• Be member of the public sector
• Have English as your first language or must have evidence of being proficient in English at a higher level, if English is not your first language.

Application Procedure

• Use the contacts and the method of application offered by your institution of choice, where you wish to undertake your PHD program.
• CERAAS shortlists the applicants according to DAAD selection criteria and avails all the information including the whole list of applicants, the shortlist, and the panel members involved in the shortlisting process to DAAD.
• The shortlist has double or triple the number of slots allocated to each institution for scholarship opportunities. DAAD chooses the final list of students that quality for the scholarship.
• The candidates selected by DAAD are required to Log into the DAAD portal, carry out their registering and submit the DAAD application. This will be done under the tab ‘personal funding’.

2. DAAD In Partnership With Kenyatta University, Research Grants For Young Kenyan Academics

The Kenyatta University and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships to pursue a PhD program in Germany. These DAAD PhD scholarships in Kenya at the Kenyatta University targets young scientists and academicians in East Africa.

Scholarship Details

• The scholarship covers students from all fields of research.
• All levels of applicants including beginners, advanced, individual learners and employers seeking opportunities for development of their staff.
• The available scholarship slots are 12.
• Travel and return costs are catered for by the sending country.

Application Requirements

• Students must have completed their Master’s degree in not more than 6 years when applying.
• Must be academically talented with a first degree from a recognized institution.
• Should be disadvantaged in terms of disability, economic status, not working, or work cannot cover study expenses.
• Should have English as their first language and if not, be able to prove their proficiency for success in their studies.

Application Procedure For The Phd Scholarships In Kenyatta University

• Application can be done online.
• Visit their website-scholarship for more information.

3. Research Grants For Africans By Heart And Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA)

This program is aimed at supporting innovative projects and research, for those pursuing postdoctoral and Ph.D. studies. The heart and stroke foundation aims at curbing disabilities and premature deaths in South Africa.

Scholarship Details

• Grants are awarded in the two broad focus areas of :
• Basic and applied biomedical and clinical research projects in relation to cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
• HSFSAs and health risk assessment project evaluation.
• Research focus areas include: cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease, HIV-linked CVD onset, risk factor modification and secondary prevention of CVD,
• Access to and quality of care for CVD in the public sector.
• Pathological/physiological pathways to CVD onset.
• Surgical interventions of choice in the public sector where resources are limited.
• Evaluation of the Heart and Stroke Foundation Health Promotion Program in South Africa.
• Scholarships are offered for a maximum of 3 projects, each not exceeding a maximum amount of R 300, 000. This will be allocated over a 24-month period. The award can be increased for projects with a potentially high impact.
• The scholarship can be undertaken in South Africa.
• African students are eligible.
• Spoken and written English proficiency.

Application Requirements

• Africans studying or working in South Africa under the supervision of an eligible personal instructor are eligible to apply.
• A research that is diverse and inclusive of females will be given a higher advantage.
• Masters level students can apply as long as they have a co-applicant researcher for the project.

Application Procedure

• A one-page summary of the proposed study together with a brief budget should be submitted by the September deadline, and will be ranked. The highly ranked ones will be requested to submit a full proposal and detailed budget by the second deadline.
• The proposals undergo a full pee-review and the final grantees will be announced.
• Applications are filled electronically and emailed to bianca.synders@heartfoundation.co.za or pamela.naidoo@heartfoundation.co.za. The forms can be found at www.heartfoundation.co.za/research/

4. NRF/SA SKA MSc And PHD Scholarships In South Africa

This is a project of the department of the national research foundation and the science and technology with a view of hosting the Square Kilometer Array Radio Telescope (SKA) and the design and construction of the Karoo Array Telescope (Meer KAT). It is meant to last up to the year 2025. The program is focused on supporting engineering and science students as well as postdoctoral fellows.

Application Requirements

• Non-South-African residents who would like to complete an MSc or PhD degree in a South African SKA partner country of which Kenya is part.
• The research being done must be very closely in line with the specific areas of SKA, MeerKAT, PAPER and C-BASS science and technology where research is applicable.
• The projects must involve aspects of practical skills for the student to acquire the required skills and be a competent engineer or astronomy researcher.
• Applicants must complete an application form which details the research project being proposed, failure of which the application will not be considered.
• Applications must include details of supervision or approval by the supervisor. Supervision can be done by qualified academicians, who are linked to the institution that the student will be registered. If a student is supervised by a domain specialist within or without the university, this too is acceptable.
• Applications from students intending to pursue an MSc or PhD degree through the National Astrophysics and Space Science Program (NASSP) will also be considered.

Applications are done online. You can follow up on subsequent years’ applications by visiting their website.

5. DAAD-NAPRECA Fellowship For Post-Graduate Students In Kenya

The above is a 3 year Ph.D. program (and 2 years for MSc) program is offered each year and seeks to provide support to universities and research institutions in terms of the development of staff. Those selected for the program pursue postgraduate studies to acquire Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry, Biology, and related fields.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Should be demonstrators or teaching assistants in universities or research institutions in NAPRECA member countries, apart from their home country.
• Have an MSc degree from a recognized university.
• Last degree must have been completed less than 6 years ago.
• Provide proof of admission to the desired degree course or have an official letter assuring admission.
• Must be as staff member of a private or public university or one considered for teaching or research staff recruitment.
• Should be 36 years and below.
• Women applications are encouraged.

Application Procedure:

• Application documents should be submitted by candidates to khalidseek@gmail.com , hatilhashim@gmail.com ,or hsubki@gmail.com
• Documents attached should include:

Copies of all university degree certificates and transcripts in PDF form

A minimum of two academic referees

• A signed curriculum vitae prepared using the Europass CV template.
• Temporary admission letter including fee structure or an official admission letter
• 10-15 pages research proposal
• One abstract including name and title of accepted proposal

6. Quota Scholarships For PHD Students At UMB, Norway

The above program was implemented to promote capacity building in the students’ home countries and encourage their participation in internalizing higher education. Expenses covered include travel allowance, living expenses, and fieldwork. Subjects understudy for the scholarship includes; Chemistry, Biotechnology, Aqua-cultural, and Food Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Technology, Plant and environmental sciences, Ecology and Natural resource management, and Economics and Resource Management.

Eligibility For The Scholarship

• Must be proficient in English. Test of English as a foreign language will be done, and the result should be at least 550 for the Paper Based Test, 213 for the computer-based test, and 80 for the internet-based test.
• Must have a score of at least 6 in the International English Language Testing Service.
• Be a student at a university which has a formal collaboration with a Norwegian Institution of higher learning.
• Apply from your home country and have stayed there for a year before admission to a Norwegian Institution of higher learning.
• Have two years of higher education in your home country or bordering country.

7. Agricultural Phds For Applicants In Africa, Funded By AusAid, Australia

This scholarship is provided by the Australian government, with the scholarships being undertaken in Australia and the research in African countries. The Scholarships cover airfares, tuition fees, living allowance, medical cover, return airfare to Africa to carry out research, research costs contribution and yearly reunion airfares.

Application Requirements:

• A successful applicant is issued with a visa by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). Applicants undergo a full medical examination.
• Must meet the minimum eligibility criteria for Australian Development Scholarships and tertiary institutions entry requirements such as an Australian recognized Masters degree.
• Demonstrate the ability to undertake independent research.
• Must be 50 years and below during application date.
• Females and disabled people are encouraged to apply.
• Research projects of successful applicants should demonstrate the ability to improve food security by increasing agricultural productivity, improving livelihoods in rural areas, and be directly relevant to any of the research objectives of ACIAR-CIMMYT, CSIRO-CORAF, and CSIRO-BecA
• The applicant is a researcher currently employed within the African agriculture research center, specializing in social, economic, or biophysical sciences.
• Employment by a National Agricultural Research Institute or equivalent is highly desirable.

Applications are usually done online or by post.

8. Post Graduate Study Scholarship Program By Agha Khan Foundation International

This scholarship is provided each year to develop effective scholars and leaders and prepare them for employment.

About The Scholarship

• Scholarships are offered for development related studies.
• Students’ tuition fees and living expenses are catered for. The cost of travel is excluded.
• Funding is provided for the first two years of study and afterwards, the students should find alternative sources of income to continue with their studies.
• Applicants should make every effort to obtain funding from alternative sources, so that the amount requested from ISP is at a minimum. ISP should be considered a lender of last resort. Priority is given to students with alternative sourcing.

Eligibility

• Students under the age of 30 are preferred.
• Applicants should be interested in development studies and have no other means of financing their education.
• PhD applications are considered for those students who are highly recommended by their professors for doctoral studies and are in need of their PhD for the fulfillment of their academic or research oriented career objectives.

Application Procedure

• The scholarship’s application procedure is decentralized, where one can obtain application forms every year on the 1st of January from AKF or Aghakan educational services or boards in the countries where they reside.
• Completed applications are sent to the agency where the form was obtained.

9. ILRI Graduate Fellowship In Kenya

The International Livestock Research Institute supports the development of risk maps for anthrax, and identifies drivers for the disease in Kenya. It is based in Nairobi, Kenya. A fellowship award is given in the field of Spatial Analysis of Anthrax Occurrence Patterns.

The scholarship includes a stipend covering expenses at the location of the project, and supervision will be done by the university or academic supervisor and an ILRI scientist.

Eligibility Requirements

The applicants must have

• An MSc in Environmental health, Epidemiology, or Public Health.
• Impeccable writing skills.
• Geographical informational systems skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines, work independently and multi-task.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural and multidisciplinary environment, being an effective, energetic team player.
• Fluency in English.

Application Procedure

• Applications can be done online by sending a letter from your university proving your student status, or a commitment letter seeking admission into a university. Addressees should be the director, people, and organizational development
• Avail a cover letter and CV explaining their interest in the position, and what value you are to bring on board.
• Names and addresses of referees who know about your professional qualifications and working experience.

10. UCT HPI-CS4A Phd Studentships In Computer Science For African Students In South Africa

Highly proficient in English with tests for applicants with English as their foreign language. Acceptable test results include the paper based test (PBT) with a minimum score of 550, and internet Based Test with a minimum result of 80. There is also the International English Language System with a result of 6. Should also have a Masters degree in computer science and a good dissertation.

Application Procedure

Documents to be submitted in a single PDF file and should include:

• A 2-3 page curriculum vitae
• Academic transcripts
• The English test results
• 2-3 pages of a brief research proposal with identifies of a potential supervisor at UCT
• The proposal must fall within the core areas of research listed and outline research questions and proposed methodology for carrying out the research.
• A provisional title should be written under the title field and areas of specialization under the keyword field.

11. Ethiopian Academic Mobility For Africa Sustainable Scholarships For Phd And Msc.

The above programs are offered in Railway Engineering, specializing in civil infrastructure, rolling stock, and traction and train control, at Addis Ababa University. Its aim is to strengthen railway professionals development and research in Ethiopia and other regions.

Scholarship awards vary as per listed below:

• Full scholarship/ Type A which covers monthly stipend, tuition fee, health insurance, and transportation costs.
• Half/ type B scholarship which covers monthly stipend and tuition fee.
• Part-timer/type C scholarship which covers tuition only.

Eligibility

• Have completed your last degree not more than 6 years to the time of application.
• PhD applicants should have MSc degree qualification with a CGPA of 3.25 for females and 3.50 for males.
• Write a motivation letter describing your interest to join the program.
• Two recommendation letters from supervisors or advisors in previous educational institutions.
• A research proposal should be submitted with a detailed work plan.
• Female candidates, those from underprivileged regions as well as the disabled are highly encouraged to apply.
• Proficiency in the English language.

Application Procedure

Documents should be sent in a single PDF File to the two email addresses, with the following documents:

• A duly filled ARCE scholarship form.
• A signed CV created using the Europass CV template
• Scanned copies of transcripts and university degree certificates.
• A letter of motivation (2 pages)
• A scanned copy as proof of employment where applicable, and an academic reference from a senior lecturer.

Deadline is around July of every year.

12. Academic Ability For African Sustainable Development (AMAS), Msc And Phd Scholarships

This scheme is available for young Africans, and aims to develop sustainable ways to curb poverty and ultimately reduce poverty by availing high-level professional manpower in Africa.

About The Scholarship

• The study subject is social studies and governance.
• In Kenya, the scholarship can be taken at the Moi University.

Eligibility

• Proficient in the English language.
• Target I PhD students registered in one of the Partner universities or target II registered in any recognized university.
• Undertake a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 48 study months. Within these months, one applies to seek credits and do research but not for a full PhD engagement.
• Willingness to study the prescribed CFS and SBP courses offered at the recipient partner university.
• Males and females are equally eligible, and disadvantaged persons are encouraged to apply.

Application Procedure

• Complete the application form Doc AF1
• Have a letter of reference from two academic referees
• Have two passport size photos.P2
• Submit the applications as per the Doc AD
• Applications close in July and successful and unsuccessful candidates are notified in August.

13. Mawazo PHD Scholarships For Women In Kenya

This is one-year PhD scholars program for women pursuing PhD studies in Kenyan universities. The program is based on African development related topics that will provide information to government, industry leaders, and the general public

Eligibility For The Program

• Women under the age of 40
• Enrolled in a PhD program in any department at a Kenyan University.
• About to begin or already working on a research project which is academic project related to African development and intended for publication.
• Lives in Kenya or able to travel to Nairobi at least twice every month.

Application Process

• A current curriculum vitae with two or more referees
• A letter confirming current PhD enrolment from the university department.
• A letter of support emailed to phdscholars@mawazoinstitute.org , from the university PhD program supervisor and the subject line should have the address: Letter of Support- The applicant’s first and last name
• A research proposal of not more than 1000 words
• Project budget of up to KES500,000 request from Mawazo, excluding conference travel as this is provided. The Mawazo budget template can be downloaded from their website.

14. Edufrica Media Home And Overseas Scholarships For African Students

It is an annual scholarship offered by Edufrica, one of the leading media outlets in Africa. Subjects undertaken are any of those offered at the university.

Eligibility

• Academic excellence in studies
• Proof of contribution to the community
• Citizen of an African country
• Have at least a year in the current year of study and in possession of transcripts.
• Must complete the application form in full and submit relevant document as proof

Application Procedure

• Complete an application form
• Submit an essay with a maximum of 500 words discussing your vision for your country or continent and the role you play in it.
• For hardship scholarship, discuss the nature of it and why you have no other means to raise funds.

15. ACALISE MSc And PHD Scholarships For Sub-Saharan African Students In Uganda

The PhD program is in Agro-ecology and Livelihood systems. Applicants must be citizens of a sub-Saharan country enrolled in the program stated above. Applicants need to have a letter of admission from Uganda Martyrs University at the time of admission. Below are the Application documents and procedure:

• Admission letter to the program
• Motivation letter
• A signed CV
• Fully filled scholarship form
• University degree certificates and transcripts
• Two referees with at least one being form academia.
• One can download the application forms from their website.

16. Plant Breeding Scholarship At Makerere University In Uganda

This program seeks to instill sound practical and theoretical knowledge for the innovative application of current breeding approaches to develop crop variety. The Ph.D. is a 4-year program.

Eligibility

• Have a string interest in the agricultural sector and meet admission requirements for Makerere university
• Should have a master in plant breeding or relevant field in plant sciences from a recognized institution
• Be less than 40 years of age during the time of application.
• Currently employed in a seed company or any agricultural institute
• Must prove that they will be back to work after completion of the program
• Have evidence of support partially from other sources

Application Procedure

Below are the required documents:

• A 2 page or less CV with 3 referees and detailed contacts
• Certificate and transcripts in English
• Motivation letter
• Copy of passport primary page
• A duly completed application form

Other PhD scholarships in Kenyan universities include Kisii and Egerton university scholarships.

17. Masters And PHD Fisheries Scholarship At Kisii University In Kenya

Eligibility

• An MSc in fisheries or closely related field with an above-average grade.
• A degree that is not more than 6 years old
• Kenyans or citizens of any sub-Saharan countries are eligible to apply
• Proof of admission to the degree program they wish to pursue

Application Procedure

• Fulfill DAAD application requirements outlined at the university website

18. MSc And PHD Scholarships At Egerton University In Kenya

The above scholarship is offered in Kenya in the following fields of study:

• Dairy and food science technology
• Crops, soil, and horticulture
• Agribusiness management and agriculture economics
• Animal sciences

The PhD program goes for 2 years and the age limit for applicants is 50 years.

Application Procedure

• Forms can be obtained from Egerton University Main campus, Njoro, or downloaded from the website
• The applications can also be sent by post to;

Dean faculty of agriculture,

Egerton University,

P.O Box 536-20115,

Egerton. Kenya.

For Ph.D. funding in Kenya, you can try out the outlined scholarship programs. If you are a masters graduate searching for graduate scholarships in Kenya, you can be able to find Ph.D. scholarships locally if you do not wish to travel, and outside the country, if you prefer to study abroad, or if the course you would like to pursue is not available in the country.

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