USIU-Africa offers scholarships to bright and needy students who would like to join the university, for their undergraduate studies. All scholarships except the Sports Scholarship, are advertised on the USIU-Africa website and in any of the two major Kenyan daily newspapers (The Daily Nation and The Standard) in the spring (April) of every semester. The selection/interview process takes place in July of the Summer semester and the recipients are awarded the scholarship in September of the fall semester of every year.

Full USIU-Africa Scholarship

This covers the full costs of tuition, books, computer laboratory, and room and board fees in the university hostels for two applicants (female and male).

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applications must have sat the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations not more than one year prior to the award.

• Have attained a mean grade of B+ (Plus) or better, with at least a B plain in English and Mathematics in KCSE.

• Successful candidates must maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 and above to remain eligible.

Partial USIU-Africa Scholarship

The Partial USIU-Africa Scholarship covers 100% tuition cost for one female and one male candidate.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must have sat the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Examinations (KCSE) not more than one year prior to the award.

• Have attained a mean grade of B (plain) or better, with at least a B- in English and Mathematics in KCSE.

• Maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 and above to remain eligible.

DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS

The university aims to reach out to specific vulnerable members of the society through the Diversity Scholarship. Through this the university aims at among other things:

• Promote education and development among the vulnerable members of the society.

• Assist bright but needy students from vulnerable populations gain university education.

These scholarships are divided into:

Scholarships for Under-represented Communities

There are two (2) tuition only scholarships for the under-represented and under-privileged bright students from Arid and Semi-Arid (ASAL) regions of Kenya, and one (1) similar scholarship for applicants from informal settlements in the neighborhood of USIU-Africa.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must have attained a KCSE score of B- (minus) or better.

• Be from the ASAL regions

• Or informal settlements in the USIU-Africa neighborhood.

• Correctly complete all relevant financial aid and admission application and selection procedures.

• Maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 and above to remain eligible.

Scholarship for the Physically Challenged

These are two (2) full tuition Scholarships for qualified applicants who must use orthopedic appliances for movement. The Scholarships are based on academic merit and cover full tuition costs

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must have attained a KCSE score of C+ (Plus) or better.

• Correctly complete all relevant Financial Aid and Admission application and selection procedures.

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to remain eligible.

Sports Scholarships

There are two categories of Sports Scholarship 40% and 65% tuition discount. The main objective of these scholarships is to assist needy students with sporting talent pay part of their tuition costs.

Note: Any beneficiary injured while playing for the school team and confirmed by the doctor that he/she cannot continue playing will continue benefiting from the scholarship so long as he/she meets other eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must meet all other Financial Aid application procedures and requirements.

• Demonstrate financial need.

• Must also maintain a GPA of 2.0, and be registered for a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 12 units to remain eligible.

• Be a member of a university sports team.

• Be recommended by the relevant team patron and the Sports Activities Coordinator.

• Participate in all team sport engagements.

Sports Scholarship for Freshmen

This is a 40% tuition-only scholarship for students in sports disciplines that are relevant to the needs of the university’s sports programs. This are advertised in high schools, relevant sports events and sports organizations during the summer (May) semester, and processed at the end of the summer semester, then awarded in the fall (September) semester. Preference is given to students with national-level certificates.

The scholarship is awarded to successful applicants upon admission and is renewable subject to the students fulfilling all the necessary requirements.

Sports Scholarships for Continuing Students

This is a 25% tuition-only sports scholarship for continuing students who are not on the Sports Scholarship for freshmen.

Institutional Scholarships Application Requirements

Applications for any institutional scholarship program must be accompanied by the following:

• An application letter

• Copies of the relevant certificates certified by the Principal or Head Teacher

• School Leaving Certificate

• A recommendation letter from the Principal or Head Teacher of High School Attended

• An essay detailing your background information and degree you wish to pursue

• Reasons why you deserve the scholarship

Criminal Justice Scholarship

Criminal Justice is the government controlled systematic practice of applying laws for the purpose of social control in society; and for the prevention and lessening of crime; and using courts and legal procedure, which necessitates penalties and sanctions for law violations.

USIU-Africa is committed to supporting the government realize its academic goals by providing 5 partial academic scholarships that cover 50% of tuition-cost to Kenyan civil servants seeking to pursue a USIU-Africa Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Studies program.

REQUIREMENTS: Applications must be accompanied by a scholarship application form, a KCSE (O-Level )Certificate, copies of other relevant certificates, an essay detailing the reasons why they deserve the scholarship and finally a recommendation letter from the employer (immediate supervisor or department head)

USIU-Africa offers merit and need based grants to continuing students to assist in paying school fees. Students must have completed a semester at USIU-Africa to apply.

Vice Chancellor's Grant

This is a 25% tuition-only scholarship for continuing undergraduate students.

International Grant

This is a merit-based 25% tuition-only grant for continuing full-time international (non-Kenyan) undergraduate students.

Eligibility Criteria for the Vice Chancellor’s and International Grants

• Students must demonstrate financial need.

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.3 to remain eligible.

• Continuous enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student

• Fulfill all financial aid application procedures.

Special Need Grant

This is a need-based grant available to all students who experience sudden financial hardships and are unable to meet their tuition obligations. Amounts granted will vary according to need, number of applicants and availability of funds.

Under this program, financial hardships may include the sudden death of the guardian, sudden withdrawal of sponsor from paying tuition fees or any other significant but relevant situation as determined by the Financial Aid Committee.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Students must complete the relevant financial aid application procedures.

• Continuous enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student with good academic standing (minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0).

• Provide a written statement and attach proof explaining the circumstances for financial need.

• Applicants must provide a plan on how they expect to meet their future tuition obligations.

Student Affairs Council (SAC) Grant

This is a combined merit and need based 25% tuition-only grant introduced by SAC for continuing undergraduate students. The grant is limited to a maximum of KES 100,000 per academic year.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Students must complete the relevant financial aid application procedures.

• Continuous enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.

• Provide a written statement and attach proof explaining the circumstances for financial need.

Family Tuition Waiver

This is a 10% tuition waiver in recognition of parents/guardians or sponsors who continue to support USIU-Africa.

Eligibility Criteria:

• To be eligible for this grant, two nuclear family members must have previously or concurrent be enrolled at USIU-Africa. Proof of blood relationship is required.

• Continuous enrollment as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student and have a cumulative G.P.A of 2.0 (at undergraduate level) and a cumulative G.P.A of 3.0 (at graduate level).

• Applicants must be NOT be enrolled executive graduate and doctoral programs.

Alumni Graduate Tuition Waiver

United States International University - Africa is offering a 10% tuition fee waiver on for all its alumni who are pursuing their graduate studies at USIU-Africa and meet the eligibility criteria given below.

The Financial Aid Committee will decide on the recipients one week after the graduate orientation and feedback communicated to students. The discount is not transferable for any other purpose apart from tuition. Beneficiaries of this grant will not be eligible for Family Tuition Waiver or the Legatee Tuition Waiver.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from USIU-Africa

• Applicants must be fully paid-up members of the USIU – Africa Alumni Association prior to applying for the grant.

• Applicants must complete application procedures.

• Applicants must be NOT be enrolled executive graduate and doctoral programs.

• Beneficiaries must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 and above for continued eligibility.

Legatee Tuition Waiver

This is a 10% tuition waiver to children of fully paid-up members of the Alumni Association. This waiver may be availed to eligible applicants upon admission.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Complete appropriate Financial Aid application form.

• Be children of fully paid up members of the USIU-Africa Alumni Association.

• Provide the necessary evidence indicating relationship to a paid-up Alumni Association member.

• Continuous enrollment as full-time student to benefit from this award.

• Applicants must be NOT be enrolled executive graduate and doctoral programs.

• Maintain a cumulative G.P.A of 2.0 (Undergraduate) and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (Graduate) to remain eligible.

Institutional Grants Application Requirements

• A typed letter indicating the name of the aid program applied for and why you need financial aid.

• Certified copies of at least two (2) of the following documents are required to verify last family income.

  • The bank statements for the last three months (REQUIRED)

  • The most current pay slip

  • Retirement , retrenchment or dismissal letter

  • Death Certificates (Sponsor)

Educate Your Own (EYO)

Educate Your Own is a transformative students led initiative whose overall goal is achieving zero dropout rate among continuing USIU-Africa students experiencing financial constraints by paying 25-50% of their tuition.

The initiative was founded by USIU-Africa students in 2015 to fund-raise for one of their needy friends who was on the verge of dropping out due to financial constraints. Thereafter, EYO was institutionalized by the University and has managed to raise over KES 2.74M and impacted the lives of 87 students.

To raise funds towards scholarship, EYO implements three key projects. These projects have been carried-out at least once every semester with various levels of success over the years.

1. Thrift-to-Educate: This is a market (buying & selling) experience where USIU-Africa students and other external vendors retail products within the University and proceeds raised go to the EYO fund for the semester.
2. EYO Carwash: In partnership with a professional carwash service provider, we have been able to offer car-wash services at the University, targeting on-campus students, employees and visitors to Educate their Own by having their cars washed.
3. Class Giving: This is a class-to-class campaigns where EYO volunteers visit classes and appeal to their fellow students to donate towards the EYO kitty. This has been the main source of funds as up to 70% is realized through this project.

Contacts: +254 730 116 440 /326 Email: eyo@usiu.ac.ke

This provides part-time employment opportunities for full-time students at USIU-Africa who demonstrate financial need.

Campus Work Opportunity (CWO)

The Campus Work Opportunity (CWO) program provides part-time employment opportunities for full-time undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Complete the relevant financial aid application forms and processes.

• Continuous enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.

• Be willing to work for 10-15 hours per week for a maximum of 195 hours per semester in the assigned department in the university at the stipulated hourly rate.

Resident Assistantship (RA)

The program is restricted to undergraduate students meeting the eligibility criteria. There are four slots for Resident Assistantships i.e. two female and two male students. Whenever positions become vacant, they are advertised on internal communications mediums.

Applicants are selected through an interview process conducted by both the Financial Aid and the Housing Offices. Resident Assistants support the Housing Officer in administrative duties in return for room and board in the university hostel.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Demonstrate ability to cater for their tuition costs.

• Continuous enrollment as a full-time student with a minimum cumulative G.P.A of 3.0 or better and maintain the same to remain eligible.

• Have attained sophomore level

• Demonstrate leadership, organizational and decision-making skills, as well as an ability to work within a team.

• Have a clean disciplinary record

• Be willing to work for a renewable period of one year.

• Have positive evaluations from the Head of Housing for continued eligibility

Graduate Assistantship

The Graduate Assistant [GA] program is for full-time graduate students who have demonstrated financial need and good academic achievement. Graduate Assistants assist faculty with research work, conducting seminars, and teaching selected classes for up to 20 hours per week for 13 weeks each semester.

Positions for Graduate Assistantship are dependent on faculty needs and will be awarded on a competitive basis.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Complete appropriate Financial Aid application procedures.

• Continues enrollment as a full-time graduate student.

• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better and maintain to remain eligible.

Doctoral Teaching & Research Assistantship

The Doctoral Teaching and Research Assistant programs are available exclusively to doctoral students. Teaching and Research Assistants will assist faculty with research work, conducting seminars, and teaching selected classes for up to 20 hours per week for 13 weeks each semester. The hourly wage for these programs will be Kshs.200. A total of 260 hours shall be worked per semester and payments done at the end of every semester after all the time sheets have been received in the Financial Aid office.

Teaching and Research Assistant’s positions are dependent on faculty needs and will be awarded on competitive basis on a first come, first served basis.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Complete appropriate Financial Aid application procedures.

• Must be in session during the semester he/she is on either of the programs

• Have an incoming cumulative GPA of 3.3 from their graduate program and maintain it for continued eligibility.

• Register for a minimum of 6 units per semester for continuity eligibility.

Work Study Programs Application Requirements

• A typed letter indicating the name of the aid program applied for and why you need financial aid.

• Certified copies of at least two (2) of the following documents are required to verify last family income.

  • The bank statements for the last three months (REQUIRED)

  • The most current pay slip

  • Retirement , retrenchment or dismissal letter

The university continues to seek partners to help fund the Financial Aid programs. The following are some of the partners currently funding scholarships at USIU-Africa. Please note that the availability of these grants and scholarships largely depends on funding from sponsors.

Ketan Chibber Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is established in memory of Ketan Chibber who was instrumental in setting up the first computer lab at USIU-Africa. Ketan was passionate about his USIU-Africa family and through his efforts the 80s & 90s alumni group was established. This vibrant group came together and contributed towards the scholarship to honor the one person who gave without asking for anything in return.

This is a partial scholarship to cover ONLY tuition of up to KES 100,000 per year per student, and is awarded to four (4) students taking into consideration gender parity. For eligibility, the applicant:

1. Must demonstrate financial need.
2. Must be in enrolling for the May semester 2022 in the School of Science & Technology pursuing the BSc. Information Systems and Technology or the BSc, Applied Computer Technology.
3. Must be an East African citizen.
4. Must be enrolled as a full-time student.

Application Process:

1. Application Letter of not more than 500 words outlining:
   • Financial need
   • Passion for ICT/IT program
   • Community Service engagement.
2. Email the above together with supporting documents to finaid@usiu.ac.ke

NB: For continued eligibility, a minimum GPA of 3.0 must be maintained.

Leap Fellowship Program

In partnership with USIU-Africa, we are pleased to announce a new student financing program available for new and continuing USIU-Africa students pursuing certain degree programs. The LEAP Program is a fellowship program designed to provide aspiring students like you with affordable financing to pursue quality higher education, as well as to support you throughout your studies and in your future job search.

Rattansi Education Trust Fund Grant

Funds are awarded in the fall semester of every year. The Rattansi Education Trust Foundation makes decisions on the amounts to be awarded to successful applicants. The awards may range from KES 5,000 to KES 100,000 annually. The USIU-Africa Financial Aid Office notifies successful awarded students as soon as the funds are received from the Trust Foundation.

Students of Kenyan nationality at USIU-Africa can apply for loans from HELB as long as they meet the required criteria. Interested applicants must commence the application process by registering online to enable them access HELB loan forms. A Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the Kenya Revenue Authority is required later on in the process.

For more information, please visit the HELB website.