University of Sydney partnership

In December 2023, we received communication from the University of Sydney seeking potential partners for the new International Equity Scholarship. Since forming our partnership, we welcomed two scholarship students in July 2024; Victor Kibisu (Master of Data Science) and Jacinta Nyanchera (Master of Commerce) and in January 2025, Patrick Matata (Master of Computer Science).

Our Kenyan university graduates often face a daunting challenge in the fiercely competitive job market, where employers expect either direct work-related experience or postgraduate studies. This is where the University of Sydney’s International Equity Scholarship comes into play. It’s a dream come true for us, providing a golden opportunity for Victor, Jacinta and Patrick, three students who we’ve known and supported for over a decade, from primary school through to university graduation. This scholarship is more than just financial aid; it’s a stepping stone towards a brighter future, a chance to stand out in the competitive job market, and a testament to their hard work and determination.

I am so grateful to the University of Sydney for supporting this initiative, creating the funding to enable it and giving me the scope to develop it. Finding the partners was in itself rewarding as well, as I started to learn more about the work of various organisations and the communities that they work with. The partners have been excellent to work with and together we have successfully welcomed seven students in 2024 on this new initiative and are already working with the 2025 commencing cohort.
— Tim Field, Director, International at University of Sydney