USIU-Africa 2026 Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide to Financial Aid Opportunities

United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) has announced its scholarship offerings for the 2026 academic year, providing a wide range of financial aid opportunities for both new and continuing students. The Financial Aid Office supports the university's mission of preparing students to contribute effectively and ethically as citizens of a changing and increasingly technological world.

Overview of Financial Aid at USIU-Africa

The primary goal of the USIU-Africa Financial Aid Office is to provide students with full access to all available sources of internal and external financial assistance to meet their educational costs while pursuing their studies at the university. The office is committed to supporting the university's vision of providing quality, all-round education to a diversified population of students, enhancing diversity in student enrollments, and encouraging multi-cultural appreciation and interaction among students from different nationalities and socio-economic backgrounds.

General Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for financial aid at USIU-Africa, applicants must:

• Fulfill all relevant financial aid application and selection procedures within stipulated timelines
• Be of good conduct
• Meet the academic requirements to remain eligible
• Note that awards are subject to availability of funds
• Understand that students may apply for more than one financial aid program depending on circumstances and eligibility

2026 Scholarship Programs

1. Full USIU-Africa Scholarship

This prestigious merit and need-based scholarship covers the full costs of tuition, books, technology, laboratory, room, and board fees in the university hostels. For the 2026 intake, two slots (one male and one female) are available.

Requirements:

• Minimum KCSE grade of B+ (Plus) with at least a B (Plain) in English and Mathematics
• Offered in Fall (September) of every year
• Successful candidates must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.3 and above to remain eligible

2. Partial USIU-Africa Scholarship

This is a merit and need-based 100% tuition-only scholarship for applicants with demonstrated financial need. Two slots (one male and one female) are available.

Requirements:

• Minimum KCSE grade of B (Plain) with at least a B- (Minus) in English and Mathematics
• Offered in Fall (September) of every year
• Successful candidates must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above to remain eligible

3. Sports Scholarships

This is a 65% tuition-only scholarship for students in sports disciplines that are relevant to the university sports program needs.

Requirements:

• Minimum KCSE grade of C+ (Plus) or better
• Successful candidates must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and above to remain eligible

4. First-Time Freshman Scholarship

This is a 30% scholarship for local and international students.

Requirements:

• Minimum KCSE grade of B (Plain) with at least a B- (Minus) in English and Mathematics
• Offered in Fall (September) of every year
• Successful candidates must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above to remain eligible

5. Criminal Justice Studies Scholarship

This is a 50% tuition-only scholarship for Kenyan civil servants seeking to pursue their Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Studies at USIU-Africa. Two slots (one male and one female) are available.

Requirements:

• Open to Kenyan civil servants
• Requires a recommendation letter from an immediate supervisor or departmental head
• Offered in Fall (September) of every year

6. Diversity Scholarships

This is a 100% tuition-only scholarship for qualified applicants from Under-Represented Communities and Persons with Disability. Two slots (one male and one female) are available.

Requirements:

• For students from marginalized communities, informal settlements, ASAL regions, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
• Minimum KCSE grade of B (Plain) with at least a B- (Minus) in English and Mathematics
• Offered in Fall (September) of every year
• Successful candidates must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above to remain eligible

7. Exness Fintech Scholarship

This is a new addition for 2026, offering 2 Master's Scholarships (one male and one female) for the Master of Science in Information Security program.

Requirements:

• Applicants must have a first degree in an IT-related field
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 or above
• Covers 100% tuition costs only
• Beneficiaries of the Undergraduate Exness Scholarship are not eligible to apply

Institutional Grants and Waivers

Vice Chancellor's Grant

This is a 25% tuition-only scholarship for continuing undergraduate students with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or better. Applicants are expected to be full-time students with continued enrollment for continued eligibility.

Special Need Grant

The objective of this grant is to help students who have fallen into sudden financial hardships such as the sudden death of a guardian, sudden withdrawal of a sponsor from paying tuition fees, or any other significant but relevant situation. Applicants are expected to be in good academic standing.

Student Council (SC) Grant

This is a combined merit and need-based tuition-only grant introduced by the Student Council for continuing undergraduate students. Applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above.

Campus Work Opportunity Program (CWOP)

This program provides part-time work opportunities for full-time undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate financial need. Applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and above for undergraduates and 3.2 and above for graduates, and be full-time students with continued enrollment to maintain eligibility.

Available positions include:

Resident Assistantships: Eligible for full-time undergraduate students. Award includes room and board in the on-campus hostels. Applicants must be sophomore students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above.

Undergraduate Work-Study: Applicants must be continuing full-time undergraduate students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and above. Students work at least fifteen hours per week for a maximum of 195 hours per semester.

Graduate Assistantship: Applicants must be continuing full-time graduate students with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 and above. Students work at least fifteen hours per week for a maximum of 260 hours per semester. Assistants support faculty with research work, conducting seminars, and instruction to selected classes.

Doctoral Teaching & Research Assistantship: Applicants must be continuing full-time doctoral students with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 and above. Students work at least fifteen hours per week for a maximum of 260 hours per semester.

Educate Your Own (EYO)

This is a transformative student-led initiative whose overall goal is achieving zero drop-out rate among continuing USIU-Africa students experiencing financial constraints by paying 25-50% of their tuition. Sponsorship is subject to availability of funds raised through Educate Your Own initiatives. Applicants are expected to be in good academic standing.

Loyalty Program

USIU-Africa offers an exclusive 10% tuition discount tailored specifically for alumni and parents of three or more sibling students.

Family Tuition Waiver

This is a 10% tuition-only waiver in recognition of parents for the continuous support for USIU-Africa. At least three nuclear family members must have been or be enrolled at USIU-Africa. All applicants are expected to achieve and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 for undergraduates and 3.2 for graduates.

Alumni Graduate Tuition Waiver

This is a 10% tuition-only waiver for USIU-Africa alumni who are pursuing their graduate studies at the university. All applicants are expected to achieve and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 and above.

Legatee Tuition Waiver

This is a 10% tuition waiver for children of USIU-Africa Alumni. All applicants are expected to achieve and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 for undergraduates and 3.2 for graduates.

HELB Loans

Students of Kenyan nationality at USIU-Africa can apply for loans from HELB (Higher Education Loans Board) as long as they meet the required criteria. Interested applicants must commence the application process by registering online to enable them to access HELB loan forms. For more information, please visit the HELB website at www.helb.co.ke.

2026 Call for Scholarship Applications

USIU-Africa is committed to providing access to world-class education for academically talented students facing financial challenges. Through the scholarship program, deserving students can pursue their academic dreams while developing the leadership skills needed to create positive change in their communities.

Summary of 2026 Scholarship Slots

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the 2026 scholarships, applicants must:

• Be first-time undergraduate degree-seeking applicants (except where otherwise specified)
• Have completed KCSE/A-Levels in 2025 (except for the Criminal Justice Scholarship)
• Demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to community service
• Meet USIU-Africa admission requirements

Application Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a Kenyan citizen
• Submit a typed application letter explaining why they should be considered
• Submit copies of academic certificates/results with other relevant supporting documents
• Be interested in pursuing any approved undergraduate degree program at USIU-Africa, except the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy
• Be available to commence studies in the Fall 2026 Semester

Important Dates

How to Apply

Email your completed application form and supporting documents to: fnaid26@usiu.ac.ke

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• USIU-Africa Scholarship Application Form
• Alumni Graduate Waiver Application Form (if applicable)
• Financial Aid Application Form for Continuing Students
• Family Tuition Waiver Application (if applicable)
• Legatee Tuition Waiver Application Form (if applicable)

All forms are available on the USIU-Africa Financial Aid page of the university website.

The Financial Aid Process

Step 1: Fill Application Form
Applicants should download and complete the application forms for the scholarships they wish to apply for.

Step 2: Form Submission
Fully completed application forms, along with all required supporting documents, should be submitted to the USIU-Africa Financial Aid Office, located at the Freida Brown Building.

Step 3: Review
All submitted applications will be reviewed, and applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be shortlisted and formally contacted by the university.

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USIU-Africa remains committed to making quality education accessible through these comprehensive financial aid programs. Prospective students are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility requirements and submit their applications before the July 15, 2026 deadline.

Note: For the most current application details, deadlines, and specific forms, always visit the official USIU-Africa Financial Aid page or contact their admissions/financial aid office directly at 0730 116 745 / 0730 116 776. Please note that applications sent to any other email addresses will not be eligible for consideration.