Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU) alumni have been encouraged to take advantage of numerous scholarship opportunities offered by various universities across the world.
Speakers at a scholarship opportunities sensitization forum emphasized that securing a postgraduate scholarship begins with a simple but crucial step—submitting an application when calls for applicants are announced.
Speaking during the event held at MMU, Director, Oxford University Centre for Corporate Reputation, Rupert Younger, urged MMU alumni not to hesitate when scholarship opportunities arise. He noted that many eligible students either fail to apply or do not give sufficient attention to the application requirements and processes.
Using Oxford University as an example, Younger explained that admission to the institution does not automatically come with funding.
“For example, an offer of a place at Oxford does not automatically include funding. Applicants must begin exploring funding options as early as possible,” he said.
He further noted that choosing a college is not a formality, but a significant decision that shapes both academic and social experiences.
“It is important to research your options and select a college that feels right for you,” he added.
Younger was accompanied by Wouter te Kloeze, Development Director at St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford, and Patricia Mativo from the Oxford University and Cambridge Society of Kenya (OCSK). The team encouraged MMU alumni to trust in their capabilities and apply for scholarships with confidence.
Dr. Kloeze revealed that St. Antony’s College admits graduate students pursuing research or taught programmes in most disciplines within Social Sciences and Humanities divisions.
“We admit candidates whose research proposals or statements of purpose demonstrate strong alignment with the college’s research areas,” he said.
Miss Mativo, who is an MMU alumni from Faculty of Science and Technology and who also benefited from a fully sponsored scholarship from Oxford University, highlighted some of the mentorship programmes that are available for students seeking scholarship opportunities outside the country.
MMU Director of Alumni and International Student Services, Dr. Barbara Nthoki, affirmed that the university will continue to organize such forums to expose alumni to scholarship opportunities and professional networks.
“As a directorate, we are working on more events to give our former students opportunities to network and explore available scholarships,” Dr. Nthoki stated.
Also present at the event were the Director of Quality Assurance, Dr. Martin Magu; the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, Dr. Dorcas Kerre; the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr. Gladys Nyachieo; among other university officials.
By Nicanor Ndiege