As the cost of higher education continues to rise in Kenya, pursuing a university degree is increasingly becoming out of reach for many young people. Yet while fully funded scholarships abroad offer a lifeline, many eligible youths remain unaware of the opportunities available or how to successfully apply for them.
Seeking to bridge this information gap, Youth Impact Global on July 10, 2026, convened a Scholarships Information Forum at the Kenya School of TVET in Nairobi.
The forum, graced by H.E. Gentiana Serbu, the Ambassador of Romania to Kenya, brought together representatives from leading scholarship programmes, including the Government of Romania and Erasmus Mundus, alongside hundreds of young people eager to learn about international study opportunities and the application process.
Addressing participants at the forum, H.E. Gentiana Serbu, encouraged young people to take advantage of the scholarship opportunities available, noting that they provide a pathway to quality education and the chance to advance knowledge and skills across diverse fields of study.
The ambassador's call comes as Romania continues to expand access to higher education for students from developing countries.
According to the Romanian Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dozens of scholarships are awarded annually to citizens of non-European Union (EU) countries. The scholarships target academically strong students, with applicants required to have attained at least the equivalent of a good grade, or an average score of seven out of 10 under Romania's grading system, in their most recently completed level of education.
The scholarships cover a wide range of academic disciplines, with the exception of Medicine, Dental Medicine and Pharmacy. While undergraduate and master's programmes are offered exclusively in Romanian as part of efforts to promote the country's language and culture, doctoral candidates have the option of pursuing their studies in English or another foreign language approved by the respective doctoral school.
For applicants who do not speak Romanian, the scholarship includes a preparatory year dedicated to learning the language before they begin their academic programme. Prospective applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application package, including academic certificates and transcripts, a birth certificate, passport, curriculum vitae (CV), and other supporting documents outlined in the application guidelines.
Youth Impact Global officials also challenged young people to take a proactive approach in pursuing education and career opportunities.
Debrah Faustyn, the organisation's Head of Placement Opportunities, said numerous scholarship, training and placement opportunities remain untapped both locally and internationally, urging young people to actively seek out available programmes while calling on partners and stakeholders to strengthen efforts to connect youth with these opportunities.
Echoing the call, Youth Impact Global Chief Operating Officer Beryl Achieng Omondi encouraged young people to embrace the organization’s innovative initiatives aimed at tackling unemployment.
She said the programmes are designed to expand access to opportunities, bridge the gap between education and employment, and empower youth to generate sustainable livelihoods.
The forum concluded with an interactive session that gave participants the opportunity to engage directly with scholarship representatives. Young people sought clarification on eligibility criteria, application procedures, visa requirements and what to expect as international students, gaining practical insights into the realities of studying abroad.
For many attendees, the forum was their first introduction to several of the scholarship programmes on offer. Participants welcomed the opportunity to receive first-hand information from the providers, saying the session demystified the application process and inspired them to pursue educational opportunities they had previously thought were beyond their reach.
As the cost of higher education continues to place university education beyond the reach of many Kenyan families, forums such as these are proving increasingly vital.
By connecting young people with credible information, funding opportunities and guidance from scholarship providers, they are not only opening doors to international education but also equipping the next generation with pathways.