Zawadi Africa Education Fund 2025: Undergraduate Scholarship For Women

Introduction to Zawadi Africa Education Fund 2025

The Zawadi Africa Education Fund is a highly impactful program that has been designed to support and provide undergraduate scholarships to academically gifted girls and women from disadvantaged backgrounds in Africa, who are seeking to pursue higher education in the United States and other parts of Africa. The program aims to foster leadership development in these young women by offering them university scholarships, as well as life skills and leadership training.

The Zawadi Africa Education Fund recognizes the immense potential and talent that exists within young African women, despite the challenges and obstacles they may face due to their circumstances. By providing them with access to world-class education and the right character development, Zawadi Africa seeks to empower these young women with the skills and knowledge they need to make a significant positive impact in their communities.

The Education Fund program also recognizes the historical marginalization of women in African communities and seeks to help young women develop the confidence and voice to become leaders and active participants in the development of their communities. Ultimately, the Zawadi Africa Education Fund hopes to create a pipeline of talented and visionary young African women leaders who will return to their home countries and contribute to the growth and development of their communities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, the following criteria must be met:

A girl who has completed her secondary school examination i.e. The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination (KCSE)

Has demonstrated academic excellence (A Plain or A Minus)
Has demonstrated leadership qualities e.g. in school as a prefect, in the community, church, leadership in peer-related activities etc.
Has overcome insurmountable odds such as serious financial challenges, and oppressive social-cultural practices such as early marriages and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) etc. in order to attain academic excellence.

Come from a financially disadvantaged background.
Has demonstrated clear financial need

Selection Criteria

The selection criteria include excellent academics, extracurricular involvement, leadership potential and financial need. The Admission decision is entirely dependent on the Universities’ Admission Boards. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview a month after the deadline for this application. The University is looking for students who are academically prepared and can demonstrate leadership and extracurricular involvement. They are also looking for students who come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds and can demonstrate a clear financial need. The Admission Board will then review all of these criteria and make a decision based on the overall profile of each applicant.

How to Apply

If you meet the above criteria, ensure that you download and complete every part of the application form. Your application will only be considered if it filled.
Attach a one-page biography and a passport photo. The biography should be TYPED and highlight your family and educational background, your aspirations, financial status, as well as hobbies and activities that you have undertaken while in school and your community.
Attach a 500-650 word essay on ONLY ONE of three topics listed on page seven.

Attach a copy of your high school leaving certificate and K.C.S.E result slip as well as copies of high school certificates that show your involvement in extracurricular activities and leadership-related initiatives.
Attach a signed recommendation letter from your class teacher or head teacher.
Attach a copy of your birth certificate and your National Identity Card (if you have one).

Attach a letter from your local chief confirming his knowledge of your family and yourself. The letter should preferably be written on a government letterhead document.
Any false statements, omissions or forged documents will lead to automatic disqualification.
9. Submit a Hard Copy of this application form and the required supporting documents on or before the deadline (5th April, 2024) to the designated offices written in the application forms.