The Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced the application of the 2026 Commonwealth scholarships opened for students to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom (UK).
On August 5, 2025, MoE announced that applications were officially open for five PhD and 19 Master’s scholarship positions in the UK. The Ministry confirmed that the scholarships will be available at any UK university accredited to host Commonwealth scholarship beneficiaries.
“The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the United Kingdom (UK) invites MoE to nominate Five (5) PhD and Nineteen (19) Master’s Kenyan citizens for consideration for full scholarships award tenable in 2026,” noted the Ministry.
“The awards are tenable at any approved United Kingdom University that hosts CSC awardees,” it added.
The Ministry has encouraged interested candidates to check its official website for application guidelines. It further stated that the application period would last for 43 days.
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“For more details on the application procedure, kindly visit the Ministry’s website under the scholarship theme. The online application opens on 2nd September, 2025, and closes on 14th October, 2025,” stated the Ministry.
All applications must reach MoE by October 16, 2025, at 5pm.
MoE further stated that applicants for the Master’s scholarship must be Kenyan citizens with a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, attaining at least a second-class upper division. They are required to have a strong academic history, provide complete university transcripts and submit signed recommendation letters from two referees on letterhead paper.
Additionally, candidates must present a proposal highlighting how their study will contribute to Kenya’s development, accompanied by a comprehensive study plan. Successful applicants must also be available to commence their studies in the UK at the start of the academic year in September 2026.
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PhD applicants must also prove Kenyan citizenship and possess a Master’s degree from a recognized institution, with a robust academic track record. Required documents include academic transcripts and certificates, signed recommendation letters from two referees, and a supporting statement from a proposed supervisor at one of the UK universities applied to.
Candidates must submit a detailed research proposal that outlines its potential developmental impact on Kenya and a well-structured study plan. Applicants should not be enrolled in a PhD or MPhil program leading to a PhD in Kenya or the UK before September/October 2026.
The scholarships fall under six key development areas, which include science and technology for development, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, and enhancing resilience and crisis response. Other thematic areas are strengthening health systems and capacity, as well as promoting global peace, security and governance.
By Benedict Aoya
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