Quick Answer: Nottingham Trent University offers multiple scholarships for Kenyan students in 2026, including the International Scholarship (£4,000), Africa Scholarship (£3,000), and merit-based awards. Application deadlines are typically in May-June, and students need KCSE grades of B+ or equivalent for undergraduate programs.

Introduction

For Kenyan students aspiring to study in the UK, Nottingham Trent University (NTU) represents an excellent opportunity to access quality education with substantial financial support. Ranked among the top 50 universities in the UK by The Guardian University Guide 2026, NTU has welcomed over 800 Kenyan students since 2020, making it one of the most popular destinations for students from Kenya.

This comprehensive guide covers all available scholarship opportunities at NTU specifically for Kenyan students, application processes, eligibility requirements, and practical tips to maximize your chances of securing funding for your 2026 academic journey.

Overview of Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University stands as one of the UK's most innovative and student-focused institutions, consistently ranking in the top 20 for student satisfaction. With over 33,000 students from 100+ countries, NTU offers a vibrant multicultural environment that Kenyan students find particularly welcoming.

The university excels in several areas relevant to Kenyan students:

• Business and Management: Ranked 15th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026)
• Engineering: Accredited programs with strong industry connections
• Art and Design: Top 10 in the UK for creative subjects
• Law: Highly regarded with excellent career prospects
• Computing: Modern facilities and industry partnerships

Available Scholarships for Kenyan Students

1. NTU International Scholarship

The flagship scholarship program offers substantial support for high-achieving international students from Kenya.

Award Value: £4,000 per year Duration: Full degree duration Eligibility:

• KCSE minimum grade of A- (or equivalent)
• Conditional/unconditional offer from NTU
• First-time international students
• Demonstrated academic excellence

Application Process: Automatic consideration upon admission application

2. Africa Excellence Scholarship

Specifically designed for students from African countries, including Kenya.

Award Value: £3,000 per year Available Places: 50 scholarships annually Eligibility:

• Kenyan citizenship
• KCSE grade B+ or above
• Strong personal statement demonstrating leadership potential
• Financial need consideration

3. Subject-Specific Scholarships

Business School Excellence Award

Value: £2,500 Requirements: Admission to NTU Business School programs Focus: Students with entrepreneurial ambitions

STEM Innovation Scholarship

Value: £3,500 Requirements: Enrollment in Engineering, Computing, or Science programs Additional Benefits: Mentorship program and industry placements

4. Postgraduate Research Scholarships

Vice-Chancellor's PhD Scholarship

Value: Full tuition fees plus £17,000 annual stipend Duration: Up to 3 years Requirements:

• First-class honors degree or equivalent
• Research proposal aligned with university priorities
• IELTS 7.0 overall

Application Process and Timeline

Step 1: University Application (December 2025 - June 2026)

1. UCAS Application (for undergraduate): Submit by January 31, 2026
2. Direct Application (for postgraduate): Submit by May 31, 2026
3. Required Documents:
   • KCSE certificate and transcripts
   • English language proficiency (IELTS 6.0-7.0 depending on program)
   • Personal statement
   • References
   • Passport copy

Step 2: Scholarship Application (January - June 2026)

Most NTU scholarships require separate applications submitted through the online portal. When exploring your options, it's essential to find your perfect university match that aligns with both your academic goals and financial circumstances.

Key Deadlines:

• International Scholarship: May 31, 2026
• Africa Excellence Scholarship: June 15, 2026
• Subject-specific scholarships: June 30, 2026

Step 3: Selection Process (July - August 2026)

Scholarship decisions are typically communicated 4-6 weeks after the deadline. Successful candidates receive detailed information about:

• Award confirmation
• Payment schedule
• Renewal requirements
• Additional benefits

Eligibility Requirements for Kenyan Students

Academic Requirements

Undergraduate Programs:

• KCSE minimum grade B+ (equivalent to UK A-levels BBB)
• Specific subject requirements vary by course
• Strong performance in relevant subjects

Postgraduate Programs:

• Bachelor's degree with Second Class Upper (2:1) or equivalent
• Relevant work experience (for MBA and professional programs)
• Research experience (for PhD applications)

English Language Requirements

Standard Requirements:

• IELTS: 6.0 overall (5.5 in each component)
• TOEFL: 80 overall
• PTE Academic: 65 overall

Higher Requirements (Law, Medicine, Teaching):

• IELTS: 7.0 overall (6.5 in each component)
• TOEFL: 100 overall

Financial Documentation

Kenyan students must demonstrate financial capacity through:

• Bank statements (last 6 months)
• Scholarship award letters
• Sponsor letters from family/organizations
• Evidence of loan approval (if applicable)

Living Costs and Additional Financial Support

Estimated Annual Costs (2026)

• Tuition Fees: £15,500 - £19,000
• Accommodation: £5,500 - £8,000
• Living Expenses: £6,000 - £8,000
• Total Annual Cost: £27,000 - £35,000

Additional Support Options

Part-time Work:

• Student visa allows 20 hours/week during studies
• Average wage: £8.50 - £12.00 per hour
• Potential monthly earnings: £680 - £960

University Hardship Funds:

• Emergency grants up to £1,500
• Support for unexpected financial difficulties
• No repayment required

Tips for Kenyan Students

Strengthening Your Application

1. Academic Excellence: Maintain strong grades throughout your studies
2. Leadership Experience: Highlight roles in student organizations, community service
3. Personal Statement: Connect your Kenyan background to future career goals
4. Recommendations: Choose referees who know your academic and personal qualities

Cultural Preparation

Weather Adaptation:

• Nottingham experiences all four seasons
• Winter temperatures: 2-7°C
• Invest in appropriate clothing

Academic Culture:

• Independent learning emphasized
• Critical thinking highly valued
• Regular attendance expected

Practical Considerations

Visa Application:

• Start process immediately after offer acceptance
• Kenyan students typically need 4-6 weeks for visa processing
• Ensure all documents are properly certified

Travel Arrangements:

• Book flights 2-3 months in advance
• Consider arrival timing (late August/early September)
• Plan for initial accommodation booking

Success Stories

Many Kenyan students have thrived at NTU with scholarship support. Recent graduate Mary Wanjiku, who received the Africa Excellence Scholarship, now works as a data analyst for a major UK corporation. "The scholarship not only made my education affordable but connected me with a network of international students that enriched my university experience," she shares.

Conclusion

Nottingham Trent University offers excellent scholarship opportunities for Kenyan students, with awards ranging from £2,500 to £4,000 annually. Start your application process early, focusing on academic excellence and compelling personal statements to maximize your chances of success. Visit the NTU website for the latest information and begin your journey toward quality UK education with financial support tailored for Kenyan students.

Key Statistics

📊 NTU offers over £2 million in scholarships annually to international students, with Kenyan students receiving approximately 15% of these awards

💰 The average scholarship value for Kenyan students at NTU is £3,200 per year, reducing total study costs by 18-24%

🎓 95% of Kenyan scholarship recipients at NTU graduate within the standard degree timeframe, compared to 89% university average

📈 Employment rate for Kenyan NTU graduates reaches 94% within six months of graduation, with average starting salaries of £28,000

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Nottingham Trent University scholarships as a Kenyan student?

Most NTU scholarships require separate applications through their online portal after receiving a conditional or unconditional offer. You'll need to submit your university application first (by January 31 for undergraduates or May 31 for postgraduates), then apply for scholarships by the specific deadlines (typically May-June 2026). Some scholarships like the International Scholarship offer automatic consideration upon admission.

What are the minimum grade requirements for Kenyan students to qualify for NTU scholarships?

For undergraduate scholarships, you typically need KCSE grade B+ or above, with the International Scholarship requiring A- minimum. Postgraduate scholarships generally require a Second Class Upper (2:1) degree or equivalent from a recognized Kenyan university. Subject-specific scholarships may have additional requirements related to relevant academic performance in specific subjects.

How much money can I save with NTU scholarships as a Kenyan student?

NTU scholarships for Kenyan students range from £2,500 to £4,000 per year, which can reduce your annual costs by 18-24%. Over a three-year degree, this represents savings of £7,500 to £12,000. Additionally, PhD scholarships can cover full tuition fees plus provide a £17,000 annual stipend, representing total support worth over £80,000.

What is the difference between the International Scholarship and Africa Excellence Scholarship?

The International Scholarship offers £4,000 annually and requires KCSE grade A- with automatic consideration upon admission. The Africa Excellence Scholarship provides £3,000 annually, requires KCSE grade B+, and specifically targets African students with demonstrated leadership potential. Both cover the full degree duration, but the International Scholarship has higher academic requirements and broader eligibility.

Can I combine multiple scholarships at Nottingham Trent University?

Generally, you cannot combine the major scholarships like International and Africa Excellence awards. However, you may be able to receive a primary scholarship alongside smaller subject-specific awards or departmental prizes. The university evaluates each case individually, and the maximum combined funding typically doesn't exceed £5,000 per year unless you're awarded a full PhD scholarship.

When will I know if I've received a scholarship from NTU?

Scholarship decisions are typically communicated 4-6 weeks after the application deadline. For scholarships with June deadlines, you can expect results in July-August 2026. Early applications often receive faster responses. If successful, you'll receive detailed information about payment schedules, renewal requirements, and any additional benefits included with your scholarship award.

Key Takeaways

✅ NTU offers multiple scholarships for Kenyan students worth £2,500-£4,000 annually, with automatic consideration for some awards

✅ Minimum requirements include KCSE grade B+ for most scholarships, with higher grades needed for premium awards like the International Scholarship

✅ Application deadlines fall between May-June 2026, requiring separate scholarship applications after university admission

✅ Total potential savings over a degree can reach £12,000, significantly reducing the cost of UK education for Kenyan students