If you’ve been following the Isaiah Yunke and Charlene Ruto story, you’ve already heard about SomaApp. But here’s what most people don’t know: SomaApp isn’t just a love story — it’s a lifeline for African students.
Over 7,000 Africans have already connected to scholarships abroad through the platform. And with the 2026/27 academic year applications now open, thousands more are about to join them.
But SomaApp isn’t the only game in town. We’ve rounded up 5 other scholarships paying out right now — and we’ll show you exactly how to apply for all of them.
What Is SomaApp?
SomaApp is a mobile platform — available on Android and iOS — that centralizes scholarship listings for African students. Created by Tanzanian entrepreneur Isaya Yunge, the app uses profile-driven matching to connect students with opportunities that actually fit their background, location, and academic goals.
Key features include:
- Customized scholarship search with “SomaApp Scores” to find your strongest matches
- Easy deadline tracking so you never miss a closing date
- Mobile access for on-the-go applications
- Sample winning essays to guide your writing
- Coverage of scholarships, conferences, internships, and workshops
Where to find it: Download from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or visit somaapp.com.
How to Apply for Scholarships Through SomaApp
Applying through SomaApp is straightforward. Here’s your step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Download and Create a Profile
Download the app from your app store. Create a profile with your academic background, country, field of study, and financial situation. The more detailed your profile, the better your matches will be.
Step 2: Browse Matched Opportunities
The app will generate a list of scholarships, conferences, and internships tailored to your profile. Pay attention to the “SomaApp Score” — this tells you how strong of a match each opportunity is.
Step 3: Check Deadlines and Requirements
Each listing includes:
- Application deadline
- Required documents
- Eligibility criteria
- Application link or instructions
Step 4: Apply Directly
Most applications are submitted directly through the scholarship provider’s website. The app provides the link and a checklist of what you’ll need.
Step 5: Track Your Applications
Use the app’s tracking feature to monitor deadlines, follow-ups, and responses.
5 Other Scholarships Paying Immediately
While SomaApp is a powerful tool, these five opportunities are open right now and accepting applications.
1. HELB Postgraduate Scholarships 2026/27
- Who it’s for: Kenyan postgraduate students
- Amount: KSh 200,000 for Master’s students, KSh 450,000 for PhD students
- Deadline: Applications are currently open
- Application fee: KSh 3,000
- Apply: hef.co.ke
2. Universities Fund Government Scholarships 2026/27
- Who it’s for: KUCCPS-placed public university students in Kenya
- Total allocation: KSh 30.8 billion
- Deadline: September 6, 2026
- Apply: Higher Education Financing portal
3. HESLB Loans and Grants 2026/27 (Tanzania)
- Who it’s for: Tanzanian students in higher education
- Expected recipients: 280,000 students
- Deadline: August 31, 2026
- Apply: HESLB online portal
4. KCB Foundation Scholarships
- Who it’s for: Academically gifted and financially vulnerable Kenyan students
- Number of awards: 1,000 full scholarships
- Total commitment: KSh 600 million
- Special consideration: Teen mothers and students with disabilities are encouraged to apply
5. Samia Scholarship Programme (Tanzania)
- Who it’s for: Top-performing Tanzanian students
- What it covers: Overseas study in emerging technologies including AI and Data Science
- 2026 cohort: 50 students selected for overseas placement
- Status: Applications for the 2026 cohort are currently being processed
Pro Tips for Scholarship Success
- Start early. Don’t wait until the week of the deadline to gather documents.
- Tailor each application. Generic applications are easy to spot and quick to reject.
- Get your documents ready now. You’ll need transcripts, recommendation letters, ID/passport copies, and a personal statement.
- Watch for scams. Legitimate scholarships never ask for money to “secure” your award. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Apply to multiple. Don’t put all your hope in one scholarship. The more you apply to, the higher your chances.
Your Next Move
The opportunities are out there. The tools are in your hands. Now it’s your turn.
Download SomaApp today. Apply to at least three scholarships before September. And don’t wait — some of these deadlines are just weeks away.
Want more scholarship updates? Follow CityNews for the latest opportunities and application guides.
📌 Related Articles:
- Meet Isaiah Yunke: The Tanzanian Entrepreneur Who Won Charlene Ruto’s Heart
- President Ruto’s Daughter’s Newly-Wed Tanzanian Husband, Isaya Yunge, Once Lived in The Streets After Being Rejected by His Own Family
- SomaApp: The $0-to-7,000-Scholarships Platform That Made Isaiah Yunke Win Charlene Ruto’s Heart
