Online US Degree Scholarships Open Doors for Refugees in Kenya
Kakuma, 21 July 2026
Earlier this year, Southern New Hampshire University offered fully-funded online degree scholarships, including laptops and internet access, to empower refugee youth in Kenya’s Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps.
The Scope of the SNHU and JRS Partnership
The initiative, run in partnership with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Kenya and the Global Education Movement (GEM), represents a critical step toward addressing the educational deficit in displacement settings [1]. Historically, refugees in camps like Kakuma and Kalobeyei face severe structural barriers to accessing higher education, including high tuition costs and a lack of physical infrastructure [GPT]. By providing accredited U.S. undergraduate degrees through Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), this programme bridges the gap between displacement and professional development [1].
Comprehensive Academic and Material Support
To ensure that students can succeed in a demanding academic environment, the SNHU scholarship package goes far beyond tuition coverage. Recipients of the 2026 scholarship are provided with essential physical tools, including a study laptop and dedicated internet or data support to ensure uninterrupted online access [1]. This is paired with access to a physical learning centre that offers quiet study spaces and local academic support, mitigating the infrastructural challenges typical of refugee camp settings [1].
Application Procedures and Future Preparation
For the 2026 cohort, the application window officially closed on 31 March 2026 [1]. Eligible applicants were required to submit their details through an online portal, using the JRS/SNHU Nairobi Scholarship Application Form [1][2]. While the deadline for this specific cycle has passed, understanding the eligibility criteria remains vital for prospective students planning for future intakes [GPT].