Canadian Universities Open Full Scholarship Applications for Kenyan Refugee Students
Nairobi, 13 March 2026
Refugee students in Kenya have just days left to apply for life-changing scholarships to Canadian universities through the World University Service programme. Applications close on 13 March 2026 for the 2027-2028 academic year, offering full funding including tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. The programme specifically targets youth aged 18-25 from Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps who face barriers to higher education.
Application Deadline Approaches
Today marks the final day for English-language applications to the World University Service of Canada Student Refugee Program (WUSC-SRP) for Kenyan refugees, with the deadline set at 17:00 East Africa Time on 13 March 2026 [1]. The French-language application period closed earlier on 9 March 2026 at the same time [1]. This programme represents one of the most comprehensive scholarship opportunities available to refugee youth, covering all educational expenses for successful candidates who will begin their studies in Canada during the 2027-2028 academic year [1].
Strict Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet several specific criteria to qualify for this scholarship programme. All candidates must hold original UNHCR Proof of Registration and a Government of Kenya Refugee ID Card, be between 18-25 years old, and have lived continuously in Kenya for at least three years [1]. Educational requirements include completion of secondary school with original certificates and result slips, whilst demonstrating proficiency in either English or French [1]. The programme also requires applicants to be single with no children and facing barriers to accessing undergraduate education [1].
Application Process and Requirements
Prospective students must complete their applications through online forms provided by WUSC, with English applications submitted via a Google form at forms.gle/gx97WkoMzHEC78tU8 [1]. The programme seeks individuals who demonstrate self-reliance, maturity, and suitability for integration into Canadian society [1]. Beyond academic qualifications, the selection process evaluates candidates’ potential to contribute meaningfully to Canadian communities whilst pursuing their educational goals [1].
Programme Impact and Student Support
The Student Refugee Program operates across multiple Canadian universities, with institutions like McGill University actively participating in the initiative [3]. At McGill alone, student contributions of just CAD 6 per semester help sponsor more than nine refugee students annually [3]. The programme provides comprehensive support beyond tuition coverage, including accommodation and living expenses, enabling students to focus entirely on their academic pursuits [1]. This holistic approach addresses the financial barriers that typically prevent refugee youth from accessing higher education opportunities in their countries of asylum [3].