US Degree Scholarships Open New Horizons for Refugee Students in Kenya
Kakuma, 30 September 2026
A landmark partnership between the Jesuit Refugee Service and Southern New Hampshire University is providing refugees in Kenya with fully funded, accredited US undergraduate degrees online.
A Pathway to Higher Education
The quest for higher education among refugee communities in Kenya received a significant boost earlier this year through a strategic academic partnership [1]. The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Kenya, in collaboration with Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and the Global Education Movement (GEM), opened applications for the prestigious 2026 SNHU Scholarship Program [1]. Designed to support motivated and high-potential learners, this initiative provides a flexible online learning model that enables successful applicants to pursue fully accredited undergraduate degrees from the United States while receiving comprehensive local support [1].
Comprehensive Support and Programmatic Benefits
To bridge the digital divide and facilitate a seamless learning experience, the SNHU program offers a robust suite of academic and personal resources [1]. Scholars are provided with a dedicated study laptop and consistent internet or data support to ensure uninterrupted online access [1]. Additionally, students gain access to a physical learning centre equipped with study spaces and academic support, complemented by personalised academic coaching and mentorship [1]. Beyond academics, the programme fosters a vibrant student community through clubs, leadership opportunities, and extracurricular activities [1].
Fostering Employability and Wellbeing
The scholarship extends far beyond traditional classroom learning by actively preparing students for the global workforce [1]. Beneficiaries receive professional and career development training focusing on work readiness, communication, and essential digital skills [1]. The partnership also facilitates valuable internship and networking opportunities through various partner organisations [1]. Recognising the unique challenges faced by refugee students, the programme integrates counselling and wellbeing support alongside exposure to career pathways, ensuring a holistic approach to student success and community impact [1].
Application Timeline and Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship program strongly encourages qualified and passionate applicants, with a particular emphasis on empowering young women to apply [1]. Applications for the 2026 cohort were processed digitally via the official JRS/SNHU Nairobi Scholarship Application Form [1]. As today is Wednesday, 30 September 2026 [GPT], the application cycle for this academic year has concluded [1][GPT]. The call for applications was officially announced on 16 March 2026, and the application window remained open for exactly 15 days before closing on 31 March 2026 [1]. Prospective students are advised to monitor official channels for future application cycles to secure this transformative educational opportunity [1][GPT].