Hundreds of thousands of Kenyans that qualified to join universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions are having sleepless nights struggling to apply for government scholarships and loans under the new funding model.
Following various hiccups, the higher education financing deadline has been revised more than once in the past one month. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Education extended the application period to October 7 while asking universities and TVET institutions to admit all students ahead of the release of the funds.
This scholarship and others provide a crucial lifeline. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to apply for scholarship in Kenya:
Prerequisites
Before you start the application journey, scan the requirements to ensure you meet the minimum qualifications; assemble the documentation such as the national ID; have a valid email address and a registered mobile phone number in your name.
For example, before it was waived, applying for the government university and TVET loans required a national identity card.
Have your Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations index numbers ready and enter them as keenly as possible. Apart from identification, they can be used as a password.
You will need a passport photo and a copy of your college/university admission letter that should be scanned and attached to the application form. Some scholarship providers may require your admission numbers.
Other documents are the birth certificate, parents’ and guarantors’ phone numbers and their ID numbers.
It is important to apply either early morning or late in the night when human traffic is reduced. Why? Some parts of the country do not have high speed internet while starting early saves time and money, especially for those making the attempts from cyber cafes.
Research
Initiate your scholarship journey by conducting a thorough research by exploring the options available, including government, private organisation scholarships, and those by universities and TVET institutions.
Scholarship information can be found on official websites, notice boards, scholarship search engines, in newspapers, and on social media since organisations are increasingly creating and building their online presence. However, only apply for opportunities you think are from credible sources. For verification, assess the email address, open Web address, or you can make a phone call using the contacts provided.
It is important to wait until you are sure to make any payments, since some unscrupulous people and copy-cat institutions have seized the trainings window to fleece people who are desperate for scholarships.
Eligibility
Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship opportunity, including academic performance, financial need, and field of study. You must meet the specific requirements.
Assemble necessary documents
Collect all the essential documents, such as the following:
· Academic transcripts and certificates
· Identification documents (ID card, birth certificate, passport)
· Recommendation letters from schools, teachers or employers
· Personal statement or essay
· Proof of financial need (for example, the Kenyan higher education financing [hef.co.ke] requires proof of past financial aid)
· Any other required supplementary papers
Suitability
Match your qualifications, course of study, and preferences with the scholarship opportunity. Some scholarships are tailored for particular fields of study while others are open; so, don’t throw applications everywhere, something akin to broadcasting quality seeds in thickets.
Actual application
Adhere to the instructions provided by the scholarship providers. Accurately complete the application form since incomplete ones are rejected.
Personal statement or essay
Compose a compelling personal statement or essay by stating your aspirations, accomplishments, and why you think you deserve the offer. Be authentic and to the point.
Recommendation letters
Choose people, departments or institutions that can offer robust and relevant recommendations, such as teachers, professors, supervisors, bosses or colleagues. The recommendation ought to be delivered within the timeframe.
Refinement
Scrutinise the entire application to stand a better chance of success.
Submission
Send the application before the deadline.
Follow Up
After submitting the application, follow up to confirm receipt. If you got an autoreply confirming successful application, you can reach the scholarship provider if you fail to get a reply within the stipulated period. Remember to retain a copy of the application.
Evaluation time
Scholarship selection committees require time to evaluate the applications. Be calm as you wait for the outcome. In the meantime, continue exploring other financial aid opportunities.
Accepting the scholarship
If granted an opportunity, carefully review the terms and conditions. Accept the scholarship in accordance with the provided instructions.
Maintain eligibility
Ensure you uphold the academic and other requirements specified by the scholarship provider to continue receiving financial support. Your dedication and perseverance can unlock valuable opportunities for your educational pursuits in Kenya.
