University of Sheffield for Kenyan Students

🇬🇧 Sheffield, United Kingdom · Russell Group
Foundation Year Required KCSE Accepted 5 Scholarships ✓ Verified 2025-08
World Ranking #105
Founded 1905
Last updated: 2025-08 · Always verify with the official university website
Quick Facts — Kenyan Students
KCSE Accepted Yes (via Foundation Year)
Minimum GPA (Masters) 3 / 4
IELTS Required 6.5 overall (6 each)
Tuition Range £22,000 – £30,000/yr
Scholarships Available Yes – 5 available
Application Deadline Rolling — apply by March–June for September entry
Processing Time 4–8 weeks

Entry Requirements by Level

Academic Requirements

Foundation Year required via Sheffield International College (INTO Sheffield) / NCUK (£18,500/year). KCSE accepted as O-level equivalent. UCAS equal consideration deadline. Medicine deadline October 15.

English Language

IELTS: 6+ overall, 5.5+ per component. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: £20,700–£29,000. Application deadline: January 29.

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA: 3/4 (2:1 UK equivalent). Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required. 2:2 (3.0/5.0 GPA) considered for some programmes with relevant professional experience.

English Language

IELTS: 6.5+ overall, 6+ per component. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: £22,000–£30,000. Application deadline: Rolling — apply by March–June for September entry. Decision time: 4–8 weeks.

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA: 3.3/4 (First Class or strong 2:1). Master's degree required (or Bachelor's with First Class Honours for some programmes). Fully funded positions available. Contact supervisors directly. Many funded positions available in STEM.

Specific Requirements

Research proposal required. Identify and contact a potential supervisor before applying. References from two academic supervisors.

Deadline

Rolling

Documents Required

Official academic transcript (translated & certified)
KCSE certificate
Personal statement (max 4,000 characters via UCAS)
Two academic references
Valid international passport
IELTS/TOEFL score report
Financial evidence (bank statement or sponsor letter)
Research proposal (PhD applicants)

Available Scholarships

GREAT Scholarship — Kenya

£12,500 towards Masters tuition Deadline: Check study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding/great-scholarships/kenya — typically February/March

by British Council / University of Sheffield · Masters

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Kenya Merit Undergraduate Scholarship

£6,500 per year for the full degree duration Deadline: Check Sheffield Kenya scholarships page annually

by University of Sheffield · Undergraduate

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Sheffield Africa Scholarship

Full tuition fee waiver + £8,000 maintenance (specific MA/MSc programmes) Deadline: Check Sheffield scholarships page — limited places

by University of Sheffield · Masters

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Chevening Scholarship

Full tuition + living allowance + flights Deadline: November (annual)

by UK Government (FCDO) · Masters

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Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

Full tuition + living allowance + flights Deadline: December (annual)

by Commonwealth Scholarship Commission · Masters

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sheffield accept KCSE for admission?

Yes. KCSE is explicitly accepted. English grade B or above (not B-) exempts you from IELTS. Foundation Year required for undergraduate entry unless you have A-level equivalents.

Is there a scholarship specifically for Kenyan students at Sheffield?

Yes — the Kenya Merit Undergraduate Scholarship gives £6,500 per year for the full duration of your degree. Sheffield also participates in GREAT Scholarships for Kenya (£12,500 for Masters). Check the Sheffield Kenya scholarships page annually.

Is Sheffield in the GREAT Scholarship programme for Kenya?

Yes — confirmed for Kenya in both 2025 and 2026 cycles. Sheffield is one of the few UK universities that participates in GREAT Scholarships for Kenya (many others only offer it for Ghana or other countries).

Tips for Applying to Sheffield

Sheffield is the standout UK university for Kenyan students — one of very few to offer confirmed GREAT Scholarships for BOTH Ghana and Kenya, a dedicated Kenya Merit Undergraduate Scholarship (£6,500/year), and full Africa Scholarship for specific Masters. KCSE English B+ accepted in lieu of IELTS (but B- is explicitly not accepted — check your grade carefully). Dedicated Kenya country page with specific scholarship listings.

Official source: University of Sheffield ↗

Plan Your United Kingdom Student Visa

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