The International School of Kenya (ISK) Scholarship is a prestigious merit-based and need-based scholarship program dedicated to supporting outstanding Kenyan students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership qualities, and a commitment to service. This comprehensive scholarship program provides 100% financial coverage for high school education, including the internationally recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program, making world-class education accessible to talented Kenyan youth who would otherwise be unable to afford it.
The ISK Scholarship represents the school’s longstanding commitment to investing in the futures of extraordinary learners and giving back to the Kenyan community. Since its inception, the scholarship program has been an integral part of ISK’s values, alongside a broad and dedicated service-learning program that serves both local and national communities. Through this initiative, ISK creates opportunities for deserving students to access outstanding international education in a culturally diverse environment that prepares them for success at the world’s best universities.
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Key Scholarship Information
- Scholarship: International School of Kenya (ISK) High School Scholarship 2026-27
- Award Amount: 100% full scholarship covering all school fees, IB Diploma program costs, admission fees, and bus transportation fees
- Number of Awards: Multiple scholarships awarded annually (varies by year)
- Academic Level: High School (Grade 9 entry)
- Program Focus: International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program and comprehensive high school education
- Application Deadline: January 16, 2026
- Notification Date: Recipients notified by April 2026
- Eligibility: Kenyan citizens with proven financial need, academic excellence, and leadership qualities
- Location: International School of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
About the International School of Kenya
The International School of Kenya (ISK) is a leading international school in Nairobi that provides world-class education grounded in the values of passion, creativity, and ambition. ISK offers an exceptional learning environment characterized by cultural diversity, academic excellence, and a commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make positive contributions to society. The school’s curriculum culminates in the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program, which is recognized and valued by universities worldwide.
ISK’s commitment to safeguarding and child protection, combined with its emphasis on community service and global citizenship, creates an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. The school values respect for each other and for Kenya, fostering a community where students from diverse backgrounds learn together and support one another in achieving their goals.
Mission of the ISK Scholarship Program
The ISK Scholarship program exists to ensure that outstanding students deserve and receive exceptional opportunities, regardless of their financial circumstances. The school appreciates the extraordinary efforts of talented learners and has dedicated this scholarship program specifically to Kenyan youth who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to service but lack the financial resources to access international education.
What the ISK Scholarship Provides
An ISK Scholarship transforms the lives of recipients by providing comprehensive benefits that extend far beyond financial support:
- Outstanding international education: Students receive world-class education in a culturally diverse environment that promotes global understanding and cross-cultural competencies
- Nurtures creativity and passions: The scholarship supports students in exploring and developing their unique talents, interests, and creative pursuits
- Inclusion and belonging: Scholarship students gain a strong sense of inclusion and belonging among students from around the world, building lifelong friendships and networks
- Access to top universities: The IB Diploma program and comprehensive college counseling services open doors to the world’s best universities and future career opportunities
- Confidence and independence: Students develop confidence and independence in how they act, communicate, create, learn, and solve problems, preparing them for future success
- Solution-oriented thinking: The program inspires and nurtures extraordinary learners to create innovative solutions for tomorrow’s challenges
- Community impact: Scholarship recipients become exceptional members of society with the capacity and commitment to give back to their communities
Financial Coverage: How the Scholarship Works
The ISK Scholarship specifically targets low to middle income Kenyan students who would otherwise be unable to afford ISK’s tuition and fees. The scholarship provides 100% coverage of all educational costs throughout high school, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent talented students from accessing exceptional education.
Complete Financial Coverage Includes:
- School fees: Full coverage of all regular school fees for the entire high school program
- IB Diploma program costs: Complete coverage of all fees associated with the International Baccalaureate Diploma program, including examination fees
- Admission fees: Coverage of all admission-related fees and costs
- Transportation: Full coverage of bus fees for daily transportation to and from school
As long as students maintain good academic performance and behavior throughout their time at ISK, the school will continue to invest in their creative, personal, and academic development. This commitment ensures that students can focus entirely on their education and personal growth without financial worries.
Applications are carefully screened by a dedicated scholarship committee, and scholarships are awarded to successful recipients by April of each year. Financial need is thoroughly assessed upon completion of a comprehensive Finance Disclosure form, which must be accompanied by relevant supporting documentation such as bank statements, current P9 returns, and mortgage documentation.
Eligibility Requirements for the High School Scholarship
Selection for the ISK Scholarship is highly competitive, with applications evaluated based on multiple criteria that assess both merit and need. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Kenyan citizenship: Applicants must be Kenyan citizens with valid documentation
- Proven financial need: Applicants must demonstrate genuine financial need through comprehensive documentation
- English language fluency: Applicants must demonstrate fluency in English, both oral and written, as instruction is conducted in English
- High academic achievement: Applicants must show outstanding academic achievement in an English language curriculum
- Leadership and service commitment: Applicants must demonstrate leadership qualities and a genuine commitment to community service
- Age requirement: Applicants must be 14 years of age by July 2026
- Grade level: Applicants must have completed Grade 8 or Year 9 and be eligible to enter Grade 9 at ISK in August 2026
- High school graduates not eligible: Students who have already graduated from high school are not eligible to apply
- Nairobi residency: Applicants must have the ability to live in Nairobi with family or guardians for the entire duration of the scholarship (all four years of high school)
The scholarship is specifically catered to students entering Grade 9, providing support throughout the entire high school journey including the rigorous IB Diploma program in the final two years.
How to Apply for the ISK Scholarship
The application process for the ISK Scholarship has been carefully designed to give each applicant fair and equal consideration. Scholarships are awarded based on student merit and financial need, with all information held in strict confidence and used by school officials only. The application consists of five mandatory components that must all be completed and submitted together.
Application Deadline and Submission
All five parts of the application must be completed and submitted with a copy of the student’s birth certificate or passport by January 16, 2026. Applicants should complete all forms as accurately as possible and submit the complete application package by mail to P.O Box 14103-00800, Nairobi, or via hand delivery to the International School of Kenya (ISK).
Important: Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the scholarship committee. Ensure that all five components are included in your submission.
Component 1: Application Form
Complete the official ISK Scholarship Application Form, which can be downloaded from the ISK website. This form must be submitted along with a copy of the student’s birth certificate or passport as proof of citizenship and age.
Component 2: Written Tasks
Applicants must complete two written tasks that demonstrate their communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and personal qualities. For each task, type your answers using double-spaced text in letter quality, 12-point font. Clearly identify which task you are responding to, and include your name, school, and city/county on every page. Your work should be neat, grammatically correct, and demonstrate strong thought development and critical thinking.
Task 1: Narrative Statement (Essay format – 1 page maximum)
Prompt: Introduce yourself to the selection committee. This statement could reveal your personality, what intrigues you about the High School and International Baccalaureate Programme at ISK, personal hobbies or aspirations, or any unusual experiences you may have had. This is your opportunity to help the committee understand who you are beyond your academic achievements and why you would be an excellent fit for the ISK community.
Task 2: Extracurricular Resume (Resume format – 2 pages maximum)
Prompt: List extracurricular activities, leadership positions held, special study projects, or activities in which you have been involved in the past two years in your school, community, or personal pursuits. Identify your specific role in each activity. List academic awards or special recognition you have received in the last three years of school, including the nature and source of each award. This document should reflect your commitment to and involvement in your community, demonstrating your leadership qualities and service orientation.
Component 3: School Reports/Transcripts
Request your current school to provide you with a complete copy of your academic records for the last three years, including your most recent grades. This transcript should list all classes you have taken and your final grades or scores for each completed class over the past three years. Submit these official academic records with the rest of your application materials.
Component 4: Financial Information Form
Download and complete the official ISK Financial Information Form, available on the ISK website. You must provide comprehensive supporting documentation for all financial information, including bank statements, current P9 returns, mortgage documentation, and any other relevant financial records. This documentation is essential for the scholarship committee to accurately assess your family’s financial need and determine your eligibility for full scholarship support.
Component 5: Confidential School Report
Download the official Confidential School Report form from the ISK website. This form must be completed by the HEAD of your current school (principal or headmaster). Because this report is confidential, it must be submitted in a sealed envelope with your application or sent directly by your school head via email to [email protected]. This report provides the scholarship committee with professional insights into your academic performance, character, and potential for success at ISK.
Application Timeline for 2026-27 Academic Year
ISK is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2026-27 school year. Here is the complete timeline for the application process:
- Application Period: Applications are currently open
- Application Deadline: January 16, 2026 (all materials must be received by this date)
- Committee Review: January – March 2026 (scholarship committee reviews all complete applications)
- Notification of Awards: By April 2026 (successful recipients will be notified)
- Program Start: August 2026 (scholarship recipients begin Grade 9 at ISK)
Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparing their application materials well in advance of the deadline to ensure all components are complete and submitted on time.
Success Stories from ISK Scholarship Recipients
Each scholarship student at ISK has a unique and inspiring story to tell. While their backgrounds and experiences differ, all scholarship recipients agree on one fundamental truth: the ISK Scholarship opened doors to opportunities that transformed their lives and set them on paths to success they never imagined possible.
Scholarship recipients consistently report that the comprehensive education they received at ISK, combined with the supportive and diverse community, prepared them exceptionally well for university studies and future careers. The IB Diploma program challenged them academically while the school’s emphasis on creativity, service, and leadership helped them develop into well-rounded individuals ready to make positive contributions to society.
Many ISK scholarship alumni have gone on to attend prestigious universities around the world, pursuing studies in diverse fields ranging from medicine and engineering to business, arts, and social sciences. They credit the scholarship not just for making their education financially possible, but for providing them with the confidence, skills, and global perspective needed to compete and excel at the highest levels.
The Beacon Scholarship: An Additional Opportunity
In addition to the ISK Scholarship, prospective applicants should be aware of the Beacon Scholarship, an independent changemaker program that offers access for financially disadvantaged students to top-tier secondary schools in their home country and undergraduate programs of study at world-class universities in the United Kingdom.
The Beacon Scholarship program includes comprehensive leadership training and development, a strong mentoring structure, and a goal-setting performance management system designed to support students throughout their secondary and tertiary education journey. It is important to note that the Beacon Scholarship is an independent scholarship program and is separate from the ISK Scholarship. Students interested in learning more about the Beacon Scholarship can find additional information on the Beacon Scholarship website.
Support Services at ISK
Beyond the financial support provided by the scholarship, ISK offers comprehensive support services to ensure all students, including scholarship recipients, thrive academically, socially, and personally:
College Counseling
ISK provides expert college counseling services to help students navigate the university application process. Counselors work closely with students to identify suitable universities, prepare strong applications, and secure admission to institutions that match their academic interests and career aspirations. The school’s track record of placing students in top universities worldwide demonstrates the effectiveness of this support.
Academic, Social, and Personal Counseling
ISK offers comprehensive counseling services that address students’ academic progress, social development, and personal well-being. Professional counselors are available to support students through challenges, help them set and achieve goals, and ensure they have the resources needed to succeed in all aspects of school life.
Why Choose the ISK Scholarship?
The ISK Scholarship offers unparalleled advantages for talented Kenyan students seeking exceptional educational opportunities:
World-Class IB Education: The International Baccalaureate Diploma program is recognized globally as one of the most rigorous and respected pre-university qualifications. Universities worldwide actively seek IB graduates for their critical thinking skills, research capabilities, and global perspective.
Culturally Diverse Environment: ISK’s international student body creates a rich learning environment where Kenyan students interact daily with peers from around the world, developing cross-cultural understanding and global awareness that is increasingly valuable in today’s interconnected world.
Comprehensive Support: From academic counseling to college guidance, ISK provides the support systems needed to help every student reach their full potential. Scholarship students are fully integrated into the school community with access to all resources and opportunities.
Character Development: ISK’s emphasis on leadership, service, creativity, and passion ensures that students develop not just academically but as complete individuals prepared to make meaningful contributions to society.
University Preparation: The combination of rigorous academics, comprehensive college counseling, and the globally recognized IB Diploma prepares scholarship recipients to gain admission to and succeed at the world’s best universities.
Lifelong Impact: The ISK Scholarship creates opportunities that extend far beyond high school, setting recipients on trajectories for success in university, careers, and life. Many scholarship alumni return to serve their communities and nation in leadership positions across various sectors.
Contact Information
For more information regarding scholarships at ISK, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address:
International School of Kenya
P.O Box 14103 – 00800
Nairobi, Kenya
General Contact Information:
Cell: +254 720 639 363
Tel: +254 20 209 1308/9
High School: +254 733 639342
Middle School: +254 733 639341
Elementary School: +254 733 639340
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Final Thoughts
The ISK Scholarship represents a life-changing opportunity for exceptional Kenyan students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to service but lack the financial resources to access world-class international education. By providing 100% coverage of all high school costs, including the prestigious IB Diploma program, ISK removes financial barriers and invests in the future of talented young Kenyans who will become tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
The scholarship is more than just financial support—it is an investment in human potential, a commitment to educational equity, and a pathway to opportunities that can transform not only individual lives but entire communities. ISK’s dedication to giving back to Kenya through this scholarship program, combined with its emphasis on service learning and community engagement, creates a powerful model for how international schools can contribute meaningfully to their host countries.
If you are a talented Kenyan student entering Grade 9 who dreams of accessing world-class education but faces financial constraints, the ISK Scholarship could be your pathway to achieving those dreams. Take the time to prepare a strong application that showcases your academic achievements, leadership qualities, service commitment, and unique personal story. Remember that the January 16, 2026 deadline is firm, and incomplete applications will not be considered, so begin your preparation early and ensure all five components are submitted on time.
The International School of Kenya is committed to safeguarding and child protection, ensuring that all students learn in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. Join the community of exceptional learners at ISK and become part of a tradition of passion, creativity, and ambition that prepares students to make positive impacts on the world.
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