The Kenyan Graduate’s Guide to Full-Funding: Top US Scholarships

Securing a spot at a top US graduate school is a monumental achievement, but the cost often feels like a wall. For ambitious Kenyan scholars, the good news is that numerous prestigious, fully-funded scholarships exist specifically to back the next generation of African leaders.

This is your guide to three of the most powerful scholarships that can turn your dream of a Master’s or Ph.D. in the United States into a reality.

1. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. It aims to increase mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries. For Kenyan graduates, this is one of the most respected and comprehensive full-ride scholarships available.

What it Covers

  • Full or Partial Funding: Tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, a health benefit plan, and enrichment activities.
  • Visa: J-1 visa sponsorship.

Eligibility (Kenya)

  • Must be a Kenyan citizen or permanent resident qualified to hold a valid passport.
  • Must possess the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree with a good academic record (4 years of university study).
  • Preference is often given to applicants with limited or no extensive recent U.S. experience.
  • Must be highly motivated and demonstrate a serious commitment to returning home to contribute to Kenya’s development after the program.
  • Must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS required).

Typical Deadline

  • The application cycle typically runs from January to April each year for the cohort starting the following year (e.g., January–April 2026 for the 2027/2028 academic year). Always check the current U.S. Embassy in Kenya website for the exact date.

2. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP)

The MCFSP is a massive, continent-wide initiative designed to support bright, entrepreneurial young people from Africa who are committed to transforming their communities upon graduation. This is an excellent route for graduate study at top-tier U.S. institutions.

Note: MCFSP funds students directly through partner universities—not through a centralized application process. You must apply directly to the university and indicate your interest in the MCFSP.

What it Covers

  • Comprehensive Support: Full tuition and fees, housing and food, books and supplies, travel and visa costs, and a stipend.
  • Transformative Experience: Comprehensive leadership development, mentorship, and support for transition back to the home country.

Eligibility (General)

  • Must be a citizen of an African country.
  • Must have an exceptional record of service, leadership, and activity in their school and/or community.
  • Must demonstrate that financial constraints have prevented or restricted their educational opportunities.
  • Must have a strong commitment to return to Africa and give back to their community.
  • Must be admissible to one of the eligible graduate programs at the partner university (e.g., University of California, Berkeley or Arizona State University in the US).

Typical Deadline

  • Varies widely by the partner university, but generally aligns with the university’s Graduate Admission Round 1 deadline. For many top schools, this means applying to the graduate program between September and December of the preceding year.

3. The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP)

The AKF ISP provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries, including Kenya, who have no other means of financing their studies.

What it Covers

  • 50% Grant : 50% Loan: The award is structured as a half grant (which does not need to be repaid) and a half loan (which must be repaid with an annual service charge of 5%).
  • Financial Aid: Covers tuition fees and living expenses (it does not cover travel costs).
  • Duration: Master’s studies are covered for the entire duration; Ph.D. funding is for the first two years, after which the scholar must find alternative funding.

Eligibility (Kenya)

  • Must be a Kenyan national.
  • Must be residing in a country where there is an Aga Khan Foundation office (like Kenya) that processes applications.
  • Must have consistently excellent academic records.
  • Must demonstrate genuine financial need and show evidence of having pursued other funding sources.
  • Must be admitted to a highly reputable university for a program relevant to the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) focus areas.
  • Preference is generally given to students under 30 years of age.

Typical Deadline

  • The application deadline is usually March 31st annually, though local offices may set earlier internal deadlines. You must contact the local Aga Khan Foundation office in Nairobi for the official application forms and internal deadlines.

Your Next Step: Plan, Prepare, and Apply

These fully-funded scholarships are incredibly competitive, but they are designed specifically for students with the talent and drive you possess. The successful applicant starts preparing long before the deadline.

  1. Start Early: Plan for standardized tests (GRE/GMAT, TOEFL/IELTS) at least a year in advance.
  2. Align Your Purpose: Clearly articulate how your chosen US degree will enable you to solve specific problems and effect change when you return to Kenya.

Ready to turn your academic ambition into a fully-funded reality?

Contact StudyAndWorkUSA.com to start your personalized scholarship application strategy today!