"Unlock future": Kenyan TikToker shares secrets to get UK campus scholarships
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Kenyan TikToker Sally Ndwiga shared a step-by-step guide on how to apply to UK universities under the Chevening Scholarship programme
- Sally, who was herself interviewed by the Chevening committee, broke down the differences between the scholarship portal and the university application process
- Her video drew hundreds of questions from Kenyans eager to secure a spot at a UK university through the prestigious scheme
A Kenyan TikToker is helping her countrymates crack the code on one of the most competitive scholarship programmes in the world, and her video is causing a stir online.
Sally Ndwiga, posting on TikTok on 19 August 2026, dropped a detailed breakdown of how Kenyans can successfully navigate the Chevening Scholarship application process, drawing on her own experience of going through the Chevening interview stage.
How to successfully apply for a Chevening scholarship
The first thing Sally made clear was a distinction that trips up many applicants: the Chevening portal and the university application are two entirely separate processes.
Applicants use the Chevening portal only to list their preferred universities, not to formally apply to them. Actual university applications must be submitted directly through each institution's own system.
She also advised applicants to select three courses that genuinely align with their professional background or career goals, then verify that each university on their list is approved to receive Chevening funding.
Other requirements she flagged include ensuring the chosen programme is a full-time, taught master's degree, starts in the autumn term of September 2027, is based in the UK, and runs for one year.
Once those boxes are ticked, Sally urged followers to do thorough research on each university before rushing to apply.
Each institution has its own deadline and admission timeline, so staying on top of those dates is critical. Documents typically required include a personal statement, a motivational letter, academic transcripts and references from academic referees.
"Ningekuwa wewe, ningefanya university research before running to what apply," she said, loosely meaning she would research the universities thoroughly before diving into applications.
Watch the video below:
Kenyans react to the scholarship advice
The video quickly attracted a wave of questions from followers eager to find their way into a UK classroom. Some were curious about specific eligibility details, while others were simply looking for reassurance.
@Lovejoy asked:
"Is there a university that doesn't have English requirements?"
@Sheila wanted clarity on course selection:
"Must the three courses be related, like similar themes?"
@Infinite Collections ke raised a common concern:
"Nikiwa na college diploma can I apply?"
@lavy🍇🍇❤️ simply wrote:
"Help me please."
@CallsmikeGraphicStudio Limited shared their own progress:
"I have done it, and let me hope for the best."
The Chevening Scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and offers full funding for outstanding individuals to pursue a one-year master's degree in the United Kingdom.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.