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Rackham Merit Fellowship for Kenyan Students 2026

Kenyan students: Rackham Merit Fellowship covers Full Tuition + $30,000/year. Deadline Dec 2026. Some visa scrutiny. Full eligibility guide + essay tips: free on StudiePoint AI.

FundingFull Tuition + $30,000/year
DeadlineDecember 15, 2026
Minimum GPA3.3/4.0
LocationAnn Arbor, Michigan, USA
Fields of StudyEngineering, Computer Science, Sciences, Business
Visa for Kenyanmoderate scrutiny required

Can Kenyan Students Apply for the Rackham Merit Fellowship?

Yes. Kenyan postgraduate students are eligible to apply for the Rackham Merit Fellowship at Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. The programme accepts applications for Masters & PhD study. The application deadline is December 15, 2026. Kenyan applicants should allow extra time for visa preparation when applying to USA. Fields open to applicants include: Engineering, Computer Science, Sciences, Business.

What Does the Rackham Merit Fellowship Cover?

The Rackham Merit Fellowship covers Full Tuition + $30,000/year. It is offered at Ann Arbor, Michigan in USA. The minimum GPA requirement is 3.3/4.0. This scholarship is designed for postgraduate students pursuing Masters & PhD qualifications. Students selected for this award receive funding that removes the financial barrier to studying abroad, allowing recipients to focus entirely on their academic and research work.

Visa Requirements for Kenyan Students Travelling to USA

Kenyan students applying to USA for postgraduate study will need to demonstrate strong documentation to satisfy the student visa requirements. The USA consulate applies moderate scrutiny to applications from Kenyan nationals. Prepare the following carefully:

Allow 6–10 weeks for visa processing. Some USA consulates request an in-person interview for Kenyan applicants. Book your consulate appointment immediately after receiving your scholarship offer letter.

Converting Your Kenyan Grades for This Application

Kenyan universities use letter grades (A to F with sub-grades). You will need to express your result as a 4.0-equivalent GPA for your scholarship application. An A (plain) is equivalent to approximately 4.0, a B+ is 3.3, and a B is 3.0. The minimum GPA required for the Rackham Merit Fellowship is 3.3/4.0. Check your converted GPA before submitting to confirm you meet the eligibility threshold. Use the StudiePoint GPA converter →

Application Essay Requirements

The Rackham Merit Fellowship requires a research proposal as part of the application. Your essay must be tailored specifically to this scholarship: generic essays significantly reduce your chances of selection. Address the scholarship committee's stated values, connect your academic background to the programme, and explain why USA is the right destination for your postgraduate studies. StudiePoint AI's essay coach captures your voice and structures your essay to match what this specific committee looks for. Write your essay free →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Rackham Merit Fellowship fully funded?

The Rackham Merit Fellowship covers Full Tuition + $30,000/year. This is a full-funding award: tuition fees and living costs are covered for the duration of the programme.

What is the application deadline for the Rackham Merit Fellowship in 2026?

The application deadline for the Rackham Merit Fellowship is December 15, 2026. Verify the exact date on the official scholarship website before submitting. Most competitive scholarships stop accepting applications at 23:59 in the host country's time zone on the deadline date. Submit at least 48 hours early to avoid technical issues.

What GPA do Kenyan students need for the Rackham Merit Fellowship?

The Rackham Merit Fellowship requires a minimum GPA of 3.3/4.0. Kenyan universities use letter grades (A to F with sub-grades). You will need to express your result as a 4.0-equivalent GPA for your scholarship application. An A (plain) is equivalent to approximately 4.0, a B+ is 3.3, and a B is 3.0.

What documents do Kenyan students need to apply?

Typical documents required for the Rackham Merit Fellowship include: certified academic transcripts from your undergraduate institution, a research proposal, at least two academic reference letters, proof of language proficiency (usually IELTS or TOEFL), a valid passport, and a completed online application form. Some scholarships also require a CV or research proposal. Check the official website for the complete and current document list.

How competitive is the Rackham Merit Fellowship for Kenyan applicants?

Rackham Merit Fellowship is a competitive international scholarship. Kenyan applicants who reach the final selection stage typically present a focused and well-written research proposal tailored to the programme, at least two strong academic referees, and a clear post-study plan demonstrating the impact of the degree. The StudiePoint AI essay coach helps you build an essay specifically aligned to this scholarship's selection criteria.

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