Kenya (Commonwealth Union)_ The Kenya High Commission in Canberra, Australia, has officially announced a remarkable scholarship opportunity for Kenyan students aspiring to pursue higher education in Australia. This development follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Kenya High Commission and Stanley International College, which paves the way for Kenyan students to secure fully paid scholarships for undergraduate studies at the college in Perth, Western Australia. The Commission confirmed in a statement on Monday, November 18, 2024, that the scholarship program will provide Kenyan students with the opportunity to pursue two prominent courses: the Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the Bachelor of Community Service. These scholarships come as part of an ongoing effort to foster academic exchange and strengthen the ties between Kenya and Australia.
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Scholarship details
The scholarships are open to Kenyan students who have attained a minimum of a B plain in their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). To be considered eligible, applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English by presenting a satisfactory score on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The required score is a band score of at least 6.5, with no individual band lower than 6.0, or an equivalent English proficiency test result. Successful candidates will enjoy a fully funded education, with 100% coverage of tuition fees. Additionally, the scholarship includes a waiver of the enrollment fee, valued at AUD 230 (approximately Ksh 19,296).
This substantial financial support aims to alleviate the burden of tuition fees for deserving Kenyan students, enabling them to focus on their studies without financial constraints. Kenyan students who are currently residing in Kenya at the time of application are also the target audience for the scholarship. Importantly, the Kenya High Commission clarified that relatives of its staff members in Canberra are not eligible for this opportunity, as it reserves the scholarship for other qualified Kenyan applicants. Furthermore, the High Commission declared that the scholarship proceeds will not include any commission payments.
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Application process
The application process for this prestigious scholarship is straightforward. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the Ministry of Education’s official website at education.go.ke to access the application form. Once completed, send the form to the Kenya High Commission in Canberra via email at khc-canberra@kenya.asn.au. Applicants are advised to ensure that their applications are submitted no later than Friday, December 6, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will receive further steps in the application process, as the High Commission has emphasized. Besides the previously outlined eligibility criteria, successful candidates must demonstrate unwavering commitment to their studies by enrolling immediately upon acceptance and relentlessly pursuing their degree programs until they graduate.
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Strengthening Kenya-Australia Ties
This scholarship program is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing bilateral relations between Kenya and Australia. The two nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in August 2023 to expand cooperation in various sectors, including trade, health, education, and security. This partnership highlights the increasing collaboration between the two countries, as they work together to address global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and conflict. The scholarship program aligns with the wider goals of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), specifically emphasizing the importance of education for the long-term growth of both countries.
Ambassador George Orina, the former Director-General for Political and Bilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed his enthusiasm about the MoU, stating, “We welcome today’s agreement with the Australian Government. We look forward to continuing our work together, especially now more than ever as the world arena faces challenges like climate change, food insecurity, and conflict.” By offering Kenyan students the chance to study in Australia, the two countries aim to build stronger educational and cultural ties, benefiting future generations.
Life-changing opportunity
The Kenya High Commission’s announcement of fully funded scholarships for Kenyan students in Australia represents a significant opportunity for high-achieving students to gain world-class education while contributing to the strengthening of Kenya-Australia relations. The program not only provides academic growth but also serves as a symbol of the continued collaboration between the two countries in addressing global challenges. Kenyan students who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this life-changing opportunity to study abroad and shape their future careers in the fields of ICT and community service. With the application deadline set for December 6, 2024, prospective candidates are urged to act swiftly to ensure they do not miss out on this valuable chance to further their education in one of the world’s most renowned educational destinations.
