Overview of the Scholarship

Shortlisted Applicants

Awarded Candidates

Overview of the Scholarship

The Founders’ Scholarship is a signature initiative by Africa International University (AIU) designed to expand access to quality, Christ-centered higher education for talented students across Kenya. Launched under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Dr. Nelson Makanda as part of AIU’s 40th Anniversary and strategic transformation, the scholarship reflects our bold commitment to academic excellence, equity, and national impact.

This prestigious program offers up to 50% tuition coverage for students enrolling in AIU’s undergraduate programs (Fee Structure). It is more than financial aid—it’s a platform for nurturing servant leaders, ethical professionals, and transformative thinkers who will shape the future of Kenya and beyond.

The Founders’ Scholarship is open to students from all 47 counties, particularly those who demonstrate:
Academic ability (Minimum KCSE grade of C+)
Financial need
Strong values and leadership potential
Commitment to community engagement

We believe no dream should be deferred due to financial hardship. Through the Founders’ Scholarship, AIU affirms its mission to make transformative education accessible to every deserving student—regardless of background.

All complete applications will be reviewed by AIU’s Departmental Selection Committees. Shortlisting is based on academic merit, financial documentation, and alignment with AIU values.

Shortlisted applicants will:
Be notified via email and SMS
Be invited to sit for a written test (logical reasoning and academic aptitude)
Attend a mandatory oral interview (in-person or virtual)

Final awards will be determined by a Central Selection Committee, using a scoring matrix that balances academic potential, financial need, and values alignment.

Please check this page regularly for the official shortlist announcement.

Selected recipients will receive:
An official scholarship award letter outlining the tuition coverage percentage (up to 50%)
A scholarship package detailing:
o Renewal conditions
o Progress reporting
o Mentorship commitments
o Code of conduct agreement

Successful candidates must sign and return an Acceptance Form by the deadline indicated in their offer letter. The award is valid only for the specified academic year and program.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate the capability to finance the remaining 50% of undergraduate fees.

Academic Qualifications

KCSE Grade Requirement – Applicants must have achieved a minimum grade of C+ (Plus) in their KCSE examinations or its equivalent.

Program-Specific Entry Requirements – Candidates must meet the entry requirements for their chosen undergraduate program at AIU, ensuring they are academically prepared for their studies.

Consistent Academic Performance – Applicants should demonstrate sustained academic excellence, maintaining at least a B grade average throughout their education.

Alignment with Academic Standards – Scholarship recipients are expected to meet AIU’s rigorous academic standards, ensuring they are well-equipped for success in their chosen field.

Financial Need

This scholarship is targeted towards students who demonstrate substantial financial need, offering opportunities for talented individuals who may otherwise be unable to pursue higher education.

Evidence of financial need, including details of family income and any socio-economic challenges faced, must be provided during the application process.

Community Engagement and Leadership

Active participation in community service or leadership roles within extracurricular activities is essential.

Applicants should provide evidence of initiatives they have undertaken to contribute positively to their community, showcasing a commitment to societal betterment.

Personal Statement

A compelling personal statement is required, detailing the applicant’s goals, how the scholarship will facilitate achieving these objectives, and their intended contribution to AIU and the country in general for Kenyans and the community internationally by international student applicants.

Letters of Recommendation

A recommendation letter from the Chief or the Assistant Chief emphasizing the applicant’s integrity, accomplishments, and potential for future excellence for Kenyans applicants or relevant recommendations from international applicants.

Additional Criteria for International Students

International students are welcome to apply for the Founders Scholarship. However, they must demonstrate the ability to cover 50% of their tuition fees and meet living expenses in Kenya, in addition to satisfying the above criteria.

Phase Two Scholarship Applications Now Open for September 2024 Intake!

Application Deadline: Wednesday, 21st August 2025

Due to overwhelming demand, AIU is pleased to announce Phase Three of the Founders’ Scholarship for the September 2025 intake.

We are inviting the next cohort of promising students to apply for partial scholarships to study in the following undergraduate programs:

Don’t miss this opportunity! Apply online by 21st August 2025.

Renewal Criteria

The Founders’ Scholarship is renewable for up to 4 academic years, subject to the following conditions:

Maintain a minimum GPA of B or equivalent
Remain enrolled as a full-time student
Complete 30+ hours per year of community service or co-curricular involvement
Submit semesterly progress reports
Comply with the AIU Student Code of Conduct
Submit updated financial documentation annually

Failure to meet renewal requirements may lead to warning, suspension, or withdrawal of the scholarship.

Non-Transferability

The Founders’ Scholarship is non-transferable and applies only to the specific student and program listed in the award letter. It cannot be:

Exchanged for cash
Deferred to a future intake
Transferred to another person or course

Terms and Conditions

The scholarship is awarded through a rigorous, multi-stage selection process, including document review, academic evaluation, and interviews. AIU reserves the right to verify any submitted information.

Applicants agree to:
Submit true and complete data
Participate in required interviews
Engage with their assigned AIU mentor
Allow AIU to share anonymized data with partners for scholarship impact reporting

Shortlisted and awarded candidates will be published on the AIU website. All application communications will be conducted via official email and SMS.

Data Protection & Privacy Notice

Africa International University (AIU) is committed to safeguarding your privacy under the Kenya Data Protection Act (2019).

By submitting your scholarship application, you consent to:
The collection, processing, and secure storage of your personal and academic data
Use of your data solely for scholarship administration and reporting
Controlled access by authorized AIU staff and partner evaluators
Your right to request data access, correction, or deletion

For more details, email our Data Protection Office at DPO.

Contact For Scholarship

Need help with your application? Reach out to our dedicated scholarship team:

📧 Email: Founders Scholarship
📞 Call: +254 725 841 885
🌐 Website: www.aiu.ac.ke/scholarship

Let your journey to a Christ-centered, affordable, and globally relevant university education begin here. Apply now and transform your future.