Open Call for the James Aryam Scholarships (Kenya and Uganda)

Deadline: 16-Apr-2026

Applications are open for the James Aryam Scholarships, which support female refugees living in Uganda or Kenya to pursue Master’s degrees or Postgraduate Diplomas in education-related subjects. Priority is given to academically strong and financially needy applicants, especially refugee women from Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland.

About the James Aryam Scholarships

The James Aryam Scholarships aim to support female refugees currently residing in Uganda or Kenya.

The programme is designed for women who show:

• Strong academic ability
• Financial need
• Leadership potential
• Likely development impact
• Strong personal qualities

Special priority is given to refugee women from:

• Sudan
• South Sudan
• Somalia
• Somaliland

What Does the Scholarship Support?

The scholarship supports study in:

• Taught Master’s degrees
• Postgraduate Diplomas

These must be in education-related subjects.

Eligible Universities

Applicants must already have applied for admission to one of the designated universities.

Eligible institutions include:

• Makerere University
• Bugema University
• Uganda Martyrs University
• University of Kisubi
• Uganda Christian University

Important: Proof of application to one of these universities is required.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be female refugees
• Be currently residing in Uganda or Kenya
• Have already applied to one of the approved universities
• Be applying for an education-related Master’s or Postgraduate Diploma
• Meet the academic eligibility requirements

Academic Requirements

Applicants must hold an excellent first degree equivalent to at least a British upper second-class (2:1).

Acceptable Degree Classifications

Eligible classifications include:

• First Class
• Second Class Upper Division
• Distinction
• Very Good

Not Eligible

The following are not eligible:

• Second Class Lower Division
• Third Class
• Pass

For Ungraded Degrees

Minimum GPA required:

• 4.0 / 5.0, or
• 3.2 / 4.0

Special Requirement for Sudanese Institutions

Applicants from Sudanese institutions must hold an honours degree unless the qualification is in:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Pharmacy

Selection Priorities

Applications are assessed based on:

• Academic merit
• Financial need
• Potential development impact
• Leadership qualities
• Personal attributes

Important Note

Although the programme works with universities and scholarship-awarding bodies, they may not make the final scholarship decision.

Why This Scholarship Matters

This scholarship is especially valuable because it supports refugee women who face major barriers to higher education.

It helps candidates gain advanced qualifications in education-related fields while strengthening:

• Career opportunities
• Community leadership
• Social impact
• Long-term development outcomes

How to Apply

Suggested Steps

1. Apply for admission to one of the designated universities
2. Keep proof of your university application
3. Confirm your course is in an education-related subject
4. Check that your degree classification or GPA meets the requirement
5. Prepare documents showing:
   • Refugee status
   • Residence in Uganda or Kenya
   • Academic qualifications
   • Financial need
6. Submit your scholarship application as instructed by the programme

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without first applying to an approved university
• Choosing a course outside education-related subjects
• Submitting without proof of university application
• Applying with Second Class Lower, Third Class, or Pass
• Ignoring the GPA threshold for ungraded degrees

Quick Facts

• Scholarship Name: James Aryam Scholarships
• Target Group: Female refugees in Uganda or Kenya
• Priority Groups: Refugee women from Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland
• Study Level: Master’s degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas
• Field: Education-related subjects
• Academic Minimum: Equivalent to British 2:1

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the James Aryam Scholarships?

Female refugees currently living in Uganda or Kenya who meet the academic and course requirements.

2. What courses are supported?

Taught Master’s degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas in education-related subjects.

3. Do I need university admission first?

You must have already applied to one of the designated universities, and proof of application is required.

4. What is the minimum academic requirement?

At least the equivalent of a British upper second-class (2:1) degree.

5. Are Second Class Lower or Pass degrees eligible?

No, Second Class Lower, Third Class, and Pass are not eligible.

6. Which applicants get priority?

Priority goes to highly qualified applicants with strong need and impact potential, especially refugee women from Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland.

Conclusion

The James Aryam Scholarships provide an important opportunity for female refugees in Uganda and Kenya to pursue advanced study in education-related fields.

With a strong focus on academic excellence, leadership, and development impact, the scholarship is particularly valuable for refugee women from Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland seeking to build a stronger future through higher education.

For more information, visit Windle Trust International.