Canadian Universities Offer Full Scholarships to Kenyan Refugees Through WUSC Programme
Nairobi, 26 February 2026
The World University Service of Canada has opened a three-week application window for refugee students in Kenya to secure comprehensive university scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. Applications close on 6 March 2026 at 5:00 PM East Africa Time, targeting single refugees aged 18-25 who have lived continuously in Kenya for at least three years with secondary education qualifications.
Application Requirements and Documentation
Eligible candidates must possess original UNHCR Proof of Registration and a Government of Kenya Refugee ID Card [1]. The programme specifically targets refugees who have completed secondary school and can provide original certificates, result slips, and other academic documents [1]. Language proficiency requirements mandate that applicants demonstrate competency in either English or French, both oral and written [1]. The scholarship programme requires applicants to be self-reliant, mature, and suitable for integration in Canada as individuals [1].
Strict Eligibility Criteria and Timeline
The application window opened on 13 February 2026 and closes on 6 March 2026 at 5:00 PM East Africa Time, providing prospective candidates with -6 days to complete their submissions [1]. Applicants must be between 18 and 25 years old and currently living in Kenya, having continuously resided in the country for at least three years [1]. A crucial requirement stipulates that candidates must be single with no children, reflecting the programme’s focus on individual integration into Canadian society [1]. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate they are facing barriers to accessing or completing undergraduate education [1].
Application Process and Access
Interested refugees can access the application through an online form available at the Google Forms link provided by UNHCR Kenya [1]. The comprehensive application process requires completion of all sections within the digital platform, ensuring standardised information collection across all candidates [1]. For detailed programme information and additional guidance, applicants can visit the official WUSC website’s call for applications page [1]. The programme represents a significant opportunity for qualified refugee students to pursue undergraduate degrees in Canada with full financial support covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses [1].
Comprehensive Support Package
The WUSC Student Refugee Programme provides comprehensive financial coverage that eliminates the primary barriers to higher education for selected refugees [1]. Beyond tuition fees, the scholarship encompasses accommodation costs and living expenses, ensuring students can focus entirely on their academic pursuits without financial stress [GPT]. This holistic approach to educational support recognises that successful integration into Canadian university life requires stability across multiple domains, from housing security to basic living needs [GPT]. The programme’s structure reflects Canada’s commitment to providing meaningful pathways for refugee resettlement through education [GPT].