Guide · Kenya & East Africa · PhD & master’s abroad

Fully funded PhD and master’s scholarships abroad for Kenyan and East African students (2027)

Updated 24 October 2026 · For applicants from Kenya and East Africa · Always confirm details in the official call

The main fully funded routes

Below are routes we checked on official sites on 24 October 2026 for applicants from Kenya and East Africa.

• Commonwealth Master’s (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda) and Commonwealth PhD (Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda; not Kenya).
• DAAD doctoral grants, EPOS, and in-country/in-region scholarships.
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: any nationality.
• Rhodes, Mastercard Foundation Scholars and salaried European PhDs.

Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

Kenya is on the eligible list for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for 2027/28, but not for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (which cover least developed countries and vulnerable states). In East Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda are eligible for both. Both cover approved tuition fees in full, approved return airfare and a stipend of £1,712 per month (£2,000 in the London area), at current rates. You apply through CSC Central and a national nominating agency or eligible NGO nominator; the CSC does not take direct applications. The 2027/28 round closed on 20 October 2026, with nominations due by December 2026 and outcomes by July 2027, so prepare now for the 2028/29 round. Scholars commit to returning home after the award. Also check Chevening eligibility for a UK master’s.

DAAD: Germany and in-country/in-region

The DAAD’s Doctoral Programmes in Germany grant funds a full doctorate for up to four years. The current call lists €1,400 per month, a €460 annual research allowance, insurance payments and a travel allowance on application. Deadlines depend on your country of residence: select your country in the DAAD scholarship database for the exact date. If the date has passed, plan for the next round; the DAAD says deadlines usually fall in the same period each year.

Our DAAD guide recorded a 30 September 2026 deadline for Kenya in the doctoral round for funding from 2027, so that round has closed. Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia are all on the EPOS eligible country list (PDF); EPOS pays €992 per month for master’s under the current call. The DAAD also funds master’s and doctoral study at universities in Sub-Saharan Africa (In-Country/In-Region scholarships); search “In-Country/In-Region” in the DAAD scholarship database and check the DAAD Regional Office Nairobi for current calls.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (any nationality)

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are open to students from anywhere in the world, including Kenya and East Africa. The Erasmus+ programme page states the EU scholarship for individuals is €1,400 per month for up to 24 months, and consortia cannot charge tuition or other mandatory participation fees to scholarship holders. You apply directly to each programme; browse the official EACEA Erasmus Mundus catalogue. Most programmes close between October and January for the following September intake, but each sets its own date. See our Erasmus Mundus guide and 2027 deadlines.

Rhodes, Mastercard Foundation and salaried PhDs

The Rhodes Scholarship funds postgraduate study at the University of Oxford; check the Rhodes House site for your constituency and its deadline. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program funds young Africans through partner universities in Africa and abroad; each partner runs its own application.

In Germany, the Netherlands and the Nordic countries many PhD candidates are employees on a salary, not scholarship holders, and posts are usually open to any nationality. Search EURAXESS and university job pages. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks recruit researchers of any nationality, subject to a mobility rule (generally no more than 12 months in the host country in the previous 36). See funded PhD in Germany, funded PhD in the Netherlands and MSCA Doctoral Networks.

FAQ

Are Kenyan students eligible for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships?

Not for 2027/28. Kenya is eligible for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships but is not on the PhD list. Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda are eligible for both.

Can I get Erasmus Mundus from Kenya?

Yes. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters accept applicants of any nationality. The EU scholarship is €1,400 per month for up to 24 months, and scholarship holders pay no tuition. Apply directly to each programme via the official EACEA catalogue.

How much does a DAAD doctoral grant pay?

The current Doctoral Programmes in Germany call lists €1,400 per month plus a €460 annual research allowance, insurance payments and a travel allowance on application.

Sources

• Commonwealth Scholarship Commission — Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
• Commonwealth Scholarship Commission — Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
• EACEA — Erasmus Mundus catalogue
• Erasmus+ — Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (students)
• DAAD — Doctoral Programmes in Germany
• DAAD — EPOS
• DAAD — EPOS eligible countries (PDF)
• European Commission — MSCA Doctoral Networks
• EURAXESS — Job search
• Rhodes Trust — The Rhodes Scholarship
• Mastercard Foundation — Scholars Program