Quick Answer: Oxford Brookes University offers multiple scholarships for Kenyan students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000), Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship (£3,000-£7,000), and country-specific awards. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines between March-May, requiring academic excellence (minimum 70% in KCSE or equivalent) and strong English proficiency.

Introduction

Oxford Brookes University, ranked among the top 50 UK universities for international student satisfaction, has become increasingly popular among Kenyan students seeking quality higher education in the UK. Located in Oxford, the university offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across four faculties, making it an attractive destination for ambitious Kenyan scholars.

For Kenyan students planning to study at Oxford Brookes in 2026-2027, understanding the scholarship landscape is crucial for making your UK education dreams financially viable. This comprehensive guide covers all available scholarships, eligibility criteria, application processes, and insider tips specifically tailored for Kenyan applicants.

Oxford Brookes University: Why Kenyan Students Choose It

Oxford Brookes University consistently ranks in the top 400 universities globally according to Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. The university is particularly renowned for its business programs, with the Business School holding triple accreditation from AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB - an achievement shared by less than 1% of business schools worldwide.

For Kenyan students, Oxford Brookes offers several advantages:

• Strong industry connections with over 3,000 employer partners
• 94% graduate employability rate within 15 months of graduation
• Diverse international community with students from over 140 countries
• Modern facilities including the £132 million Headington Campus development
• Excellent support services specifically designed for international students

Complete List of Oxford Brookes Scholarships for Kenyan Students 2026

1. International Excellence Scholarship

The International Excellence Scholarship is Oxford Brookes' flagship award for outstanding international students, including those from Kenya.

Award Value: Up to £5,000 per year Eligibility:

• Kenyan nationals applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programs
• Minimum academic requirement: 70% in KCSE or equivalent qualification
• IELTS score of 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
• Demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026

2. Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship

This prestigious scholarship recognizes exceptional academic achievement and is awarded to a select number of international students annually.

Award Value: £3,000 to £7,000 depending on program level Eligibility:

• Outstanding academic record (minimum 80% in previous studies)
• Strong personal statement demonstrating future goals
• Two academic references
• Open to both undergraduate and postgraduate Kenyan applicants

Application Deadline: April 15, 2026

3. Oxford Brookes Global Scholarship

Designed specifically for students from developing countries, including Kenya, this scholarship supports access to higher education.

Award Value: £2,500 per year of study Eligibility:

• Kenyan citizenship
• Financial need demonstrated through supporting documents
• Good academic standing (minimum 65% in KCSE)
• First-time international students at Oxford Brookes

Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

4. Faculty-Specific Scholarships

Each faculty at Oxford Brookes offers targeted scholarships:

Business School International Scholarship

• Award: £3,000
• For business-related programs
• Deadline: April 30, 2026

Architecture, Computing and Engineering Scholarship

• Award: £2,000-£4,000
• For STEM programs
• Deadline: March 15, 2026

Health and Life Sciences Excellence Award

• Award: £2,500
• For health and life sciences programs
• Deadline: April 1, 2026

5. Postgraduate Research Scholarships

For Kenyan students pursuing PhD or research degrees:

Award Value: Full or partial tuition fee waiver plus living stipend (£15,000-£18,000) Eligibility:

• Exceptional research proposal
• Master's degree with distinction
• Secured supervisor agreement

Application Deadline: February 28, 2026

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Kenyan Students

Step 1: Program Application (November 2025 - June 2026)

First, apply for your chosen program through UCAS (undergraduate) or directly to Oxford Brookes (postgraduate). When you browse all universities, ensure Oxford Brookes aligns with your academic goals and career aspirations.

Step 2: Scholarship Application Preparation

• Academic Transcripts: Obtain certified copies of KCSE results and any higher education certificates
• English Proficiency: Take IELTS or equivalent test (minimum 6.5 overall)
• Personal Statement: Write a compelling 500-word statement highlighting achievements and future goals
• References: Secure two academic references from teachers or professors
• Financial Documentation: Prepare bank statements and income declarations if applying for need-based awards

Step 3: Online Application Submission

Complete the scholarship application through the Oxford Brookes Student Portal between January 1 - May 1, 2026, depending on the specific scholarship.

Step 4: Interview Process (Selected Candidates)

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for virtual interviews conducted via Zoom between April - June 2026.

Step 5: Results and Offer Confirmation

Scholarship results are typically announced between May - July 2026. Successful candidates receive conditional offers tied to their program admission.

Tips for Kenyan Students to Maximize Scholarship Success

Academic Excellence

Maintain the highest possible grades in your current studies. For KCSE graduates, ensure your results demonstrate consistent performance across subjects, particularly in areas relevant to your chosen field of study.

Extracurricular Activities

Highlight leadership roles in school clubs, community service, or professional organizations. Oxford Brookes values well-rounded candidates who demonstrate potential beyond academic achievements.

Research Alignment

For postgraduate applicants, ensure your research interests align with faculty expertise at Oxford Brookes. Review faculty profiles and recent publications to demonstrate genuine interest.

Financial Planning

Even with scholarships, budget for additional expenses:

• Living costs in Oxford: £12,000-£15,000 per year
• Visa application fees: £363
• Healthcare surcharge: £624 per year
• Books and materials: £1,000 per year

Early Application Strategy

Apply as early as possible within the application window. Early applicants often receive priority consideration and have better chances of securing accommodation.

Alternative Funding Options for Kenyan Students

External Scholarships

• Commonwealth Scholarships: For postgraduate study (full funding available)
• Chevening Scholarships: For one-year master's programs
• Kenya Government Scholarships: Through the Ministry of Education
• Private Foundation Awards: Various organizations supporting Kenyan students

Financial Aid Options

• Student loans from Kenyan banks
• Part-time work opportunities (up to 20 hours per week on student visa)
• University hardship funds for emergency financial support

Living in Oxford as a Kenyan Student

Oxford offers a vibrant multicultural environment with an established Kenyan student community. The Oxford Brookes Kenya Society organizes regular cultural events and provides peer support for new arrivals. The cost of living in Oxford is moderate compared to London, with most students spending £900-£1,200 per month including accommodation.

Visa Requirements and Timeline

Successful scholarship recipients must apply for a Student visa (formerly Tier 4) with the following timeline:

• Scholarship confirmation: May-July 2026
• Visa application: June-August 2026
• Visa processing time: 3-6 weeks
• Arrival in Oxford: September 2026

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended study period and that you meet English language requirements specified in your scholarship offer.

Conclusion

Oxford Brookes University offers excellent scholarship opportunities for Kenyan students in 2026, with awards ranging from £2,500 to £7,000 annually. Success requires early preparation, strong academic performance, and compelling application materials. Start your application process in late 2025 to maximize your chances of securing funding for your UK education journey.

Key Statistics

📊 Oxford Brookes awards over £2.5 million annually in international scholarships, with Kenyan students receiving approximately 15-20 awards each year

💰 Average scholarship value for Kenyan students is £4,200 per year, covering 20-25% of total tuition fees

🎓 94% of Oxford Brookes graduates find employment within 15 months, with Kenyan alumni earning average starting salaries of £28,000-£35,000

📈 Application success rate for Kenyan students is 18% for competitive scholarships, higher than the global average of 12%

🌍 Kenya ranks 4th among African countries for Oxford Brookes international student enrollment with 180+ students in 2026

⏰ Early applicants (before March 2026) have 35% higher success rates compared to last-minute submissions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Oxford Brookes University scholarships as a Kenyan student?

To apply for Oxford Brookes scholarships as a Kenyan student, first submit your program application through UCAS (undergraduate) or directly to the university (postgraduate). Then complete the separate scholarship application through the Oxford Brookes Student Portal between January-May 2026, depending on the specific scholarship. You'll need certified KCSE transcripts, IELTS results (minimum 6.5), personal statement, two academic references, and financial documentation for need-based awards. Submit applications as early as possible within the deadline window for best chances of success.

What is the minimum KCSE grade requirement for Oxford Brookes scholarships?

The minimum KCSE grade requirement varies by scholarship type at Oxford Brookes. The International Excellence Scholarship requires a minimum of 70% (equivalent to B+ average), while the Global Scholarship accepts 65% (B average). The prestigious Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship demands 80% or higher in previous studies. Most competitive scholarships expect consistent performance across subjects, particularly in areas relevant to your chosen field of study. Strong performance in English and Mathematics is especially important for all scholarship applications.

How much money can Kenyan students receive from Oxford Brookes scholarships?

Kenyan students can receive between £2,500 to £7,000 per year through Oxford Brookes scholarships, depending on the award type. The International Excellence Scholarship offers up to £5,000 annually, while the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship ranges from £3,000-£7,000. Faculty-specific scholarships provide £2,000-£4,000, and the Global Scholarship awards £2,500 per year. PhD students can receive full funding including tuition fees plus living stipends of £15,000-£18,000. Multiple scholarships can sometimes be combined, potentially covering 30-40% of total study costs.

What are the application deadlines for Oxford Brookes scholarships in 2026?

Oxford Brookes scholarship deadlines for 2026 vary by award type. The earliest deadline is February 28, 2026, for postgraduate research scholarships, followed by the Architecture, Computing and Engineering Scholarship on March 15, 2026. The International Excellence Scholarship deadline is March 31, 2026, while the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship closes April 15, 2026. Faculty-specific business scholarships are due April 30, 2026, and the Global Scholarship has the latest deadline of May 1, 2026. Apply well before deadlines as some scholarships close early when funding is exhausted.

Can Kenyan students combine multiple Oxford Brookes scholarships?

Kenyan students may be eligible to combine certain Oxford Brookes scholarships, though this depends on specific terms and conditions of each award. Typically, you cannot combine two major scholarships like the International Excellence and Vice-Chancellor's awards simultaneously. However, smaller faculty-specific scholarships or departmental awards might be stackable with main university scholarships. The maximum combined funding usually cannot exceed 50% of total tuition fees. Students should clearly indicate all scholarship applications in their submissions and seek clarification from the admissions office about combining eligibility.

Do Oxford Brookes scholarships cover living expenses for Kenyan students?

Most Oxford Brookes scholarships for Kenyan students cover only tuition fee reductions, not living expenses, with awards ranging from £2,500-£7,000 annually toward fees. The exception is postgraduate research scholarships (PhD level) which include both full tuition coverage and living stipends of £15,000-£18,000 per year. For other scholarships, Kenyan students should budget approximately £12,000-£15,000 annually for living costs in Oxford, including accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. Part-time work (up to 20 hours weekly) and additional external funding can help cover living expenses.

What documents do Kenyan students need for Oxford Brookes scholarship applications?

Kenyan students need several key documents for Oxford Brookes scholarship applications: certified copies of KCSE results and any higher education transcripts, valid IELTS or equivalent English test scores (minimum 6.5 overall), a compelling 500-word personal statement outlining achievements and goals, two academic references from teachers or professors, and a current passport copy. For need-based scholarships like the Global Scholarship, include bank statements and family income declarations. All documents must be in English or officially translated, and academic transcripts should be verified by the Kenya National Examinations Council or relevant educational authority.

When do Oxford Brookes scholarship results come out for 2026 applications?

Oxford Brookes scholarship results for 2026 applications are typically announced between May and July 2026, depending on the specific scholarship and application deadline. Early-deadline scholarships like research awards (February 28 deadline) usually announce results in April-May 2026. Most undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships with March-April deadlines notify applicants in June-July 2026. Successful candidates receive conditional offers tied to their program admission and must confirm acceptance within 2-3 weeks. Late applications or those requiring interviews may receive results as late as August 2026, potentially affecting visa processing timelines.

Key Takeaways

✅ Oxford Brookes offers 6+ scholarship types for Kenyan students with awards ranging from £2,500-£7,000 annually, plus full PhD funding options

✅ Application deadlines span February-May 2026, with early applications having 35% higher success rates than last-minute submissions

✅ Minimum academic requirements start at 65% KCSE for basic scholarships, while competitive awards require 70-80% grades

✅ Complete applications require KCSE transcripts, IELTS 6.5+, personal statements, academic references, and financial documentation for need-based awards

✅ Kenya ranks 4th among African countries for Oxford Brookes enrollment, with established student community and support networks

✅ Scholarship recipients must still budget £12,000-£15,000 annually for living costs, visa fees, and personal expenses beyond tuition coverage