I want to study in the UK. I want a degree from Canada. I want to see the world. But my bank account says otherwise. So, what’s the solution?
Scholarships.
But wait a minute. “My grades are not straight A’s.” “I wasn’t the top student in my county.” “I’m just… average. They only pick geniuses.” How do you get scholarships to study abroad?
In the next few minutes, I’m going to show you why your grades are only one part of the story. And how you can get a scholarship to study abroad, even without a perfect KCSE certificate.
Let’s get one thing clear: The belief that scholarships are only for ‘top students’ is a myth. It’s the biggest lie holding Kenyan students back. Scholarship providers are not just looking for grade-making machines. They are looking for people.
They are investing in future leaders, in artists, in community change makers, and in people with a unique, clear passion. You just need to learn how to show it. This is why you’re probably getting lost on the internet. You’re searching, but you’re not finding anything that fits.
You’re applying for 50 different types scholarships and hearing nothing back. It’s exhausting. And it makes you want to give up. But first, let’s agree. You will read this article to the very end. Because we aren’t just looking for scholarships. We are building a strategy that fits you. Trust me, it’s not as hard as you think. You just need to work smart.
How to get scholarships to study abroad the smart way
1. Stop Thinking Like a KNEC Grader
This is the first important step. Get it right, and everything else falls into place. You have been trained to think that your B- or C+ defines your entire future. It doesn’t.
Now and ask yourself: What are my real strengths? Are you the leader of your chamaa or church youth group? That’s leadership. Do you volunteer at the local children’s home? That’s community service. Maybe you’re a great debater, a talented artist, or you built a simple app to solve a local problem.
That is your secret weapon. Scholarship committees want to see a whole person, not just a transcript. Your grades prove you can handle the schoolwork. But your strengths prove you will do something with the education.
2. Become a Scholarship Sniper, Not a “Spray and Pray” Shooter
This is the biggest mistake I see. You Google “Scholarships to Canada,” find 100 links, and apply to every single one. This is why you are wasting your time. It’s like trying to hit a bird by throwing a handful of rocks. That’s not how to get scholarships to study abroad.
Instead, be a sniper. Read the eligibility criteria first. Before you even think of applying. Does this scholarship actually accept Kenyans? Is it for the exact course you want to study? If you don’t meet 100% of the requirements, do not apply. Move on.
Your goal is not to send 100 applications. Your goal is to send 5 great applications to scholarships that you are a 100% fit for.
3. Find Your “Niche Fit”
Stop looking for “Full Scholarships for Kenyans.” That’s too broad. Get specific. What do you want to study? Let’s say, Business Administration. Now, search for “Undergraduate Business Administration scholarships for international students.”
Better yet, find the university first. Go to the website of the university you want to attend. Find their “International Students” page. Then click “Fees and Funding” or “Scholarships.” This is the best place to find money.
Also, think about your other strengths (from Step 1). Are you a woman applying for engineering? Search for “Women in STEM scholarships.” Are you a great public speaker? Look for debate scholarships. There are scholarships for everything.
4. Build Your “Scholarship Arsenal”
You can’t win a battle without weapons. Get your documents ready now. This means:
- Your transcripts and academic certificates.
- A well-written CV (even if you’ve only done volunteer work).
- Your passport (get it if you don’t have one).
Most importantly, you need strong letters of recommendation. Don’t just ask the Head Teacher. Ask the teacher who saw you lead the debate club. Ask the pastor who supervised your community project. Ask them to write about your character and passion, not just your grades.
5. Tell Your Story (This is How You Win)
This is it. This is where you, with your B average, beat the ‘A’ student. Almost every application will ask for a “Personal Statement” or “Motivation Essay.” This is your one chance to sell yourself. Do not be boring.
Don’t say: “I want this scholarship to get a good education and help my family.” Everyone says that.
Instead, tell a story. Connect your passion (from Step 1) to your course (Step 3) and the scholarship. Example: “Growing up in my village, I saw 40% of our harvest rot before it got to market. This lit a fire in me. I started a small youth group to help farmers find local buyers, but I realized we lacked the logistics knowledge. Your Business Administration program, with its focus on Supply Chain Management, is the exact tool I need to solve this problem for my community.”
See? You’ve just shown passion, leadership, and a clear plan. That is what wins scholarships. Not perfect grades.
Wrapping up
I hope you now see, that the secret to get scholarships to study abroad isn’t about being a ‘genius.’ It’s about being focused, strategic, and being you. Stop letting your grades hold you back. Your grades are what you did. Your passion, leadership, and story are who you are.
If you think this sounds hard, scroll back up to Step 1 and fix your mindset. If it looks achievable, then get to work. Your journey starts now.