Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors in Kenya: how the programme works and what you get
Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors (MLSA) is a global programme for university students who want to learn and teach Microsoft technologies. Kenyan students apply online, complete learning paths on Microsoft Learn, and host events at their universities. Active ambassadors get free Azure credits, LinkedIn Learning access, certification vouchers and mentorship from Microsoft employees.
What the Student Ambassadors programme is
The Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors programme picks students from universities around the world to be community leaders for Microsoft technologies on their campuses. In Kenya, there are active ambassadors at universities across the country.
Unlike GDG on Campus, where each campus has one appointed lead, the MLSA programme accepts multiple ambassadors per university. You are an individual ambassador, not a club leader, although many ambassadors end up running campus events together.
The programme is structured around milestones. You start at the Alpha level and progress through Beta, Gold, and eventually Gold with distinction, based on the events you host and the learning paths you complete.
How to apply
Applications are open year-round on the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors website.
To apply, you need:
- A valid university email address or proof of enrolment
- A Microsoft Learn profile (free to create)
- A short application explaining why you want to join and what community activities you have done
The application does not require you to be a coding expert. Microsoft looks for students who are curious, willing to learn, and interested in teaching others. If you have organised any events, tutored classmates, or led a club, mention that.
After you apply, Microsoft reviews your application. If accepted, you get onboarding materials and access to the ambassador community. The process can take a few weeks. Do not reapply if you do not hear back immediately.
What ambassadors actually do
As an ambassador, your main job is to learn Microsoft technologies and share what you learn with other students. In practice, this means:
- Hosting workshops: teach your classmates about Azure, GitHub, VS Code, Power Platform, or any Microsoft technology you have learned. These can be small, even five people in a classroom counts.
- Completing learning paths: Microsoft Learn has free, structured courses on cloud computing, AI, web development, and more. Ambassadors work through these and earn badges.
- Building projects: apply what you learn by building real applications. Microsoft highlights student projects and some get featured globally.
- Attending global events: ambassadors get early access to Microsoft events like Imagine Cup and Build. Some ambassadors travel internationally for these.
You do not need to do this full-time. One event per month and consistent progress on learning paths is enough to stay active and advance through the milestone levels.
What you actually get from the programme
Here is what is real and useful, not just marketing language:
- Free Azure credits: $150 per month in Azure credits. You can run real cloud projects, deploy applications, and experiment with services without paying.
- LinkedIn Learning access: free access to the full LinkedIn Learning catalogue. Useful for picking up skills your degree does not cover.
- Certification vouchers: at higher milestone levels, you get free vouchers for Microsoft certifications like AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) or AI-900. These certifications cost KES 10,000 or more if you pay yourself.
- Microsoft 365 and Visual Studio: free developer tools and software licences.
- Mentorship: access to Microsoft employees and MVPs who can review your projects, answer career questions, and connect you to opportunities.
- The network: the MLSA community in Africa is active. You will meet ambassadors from Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and other countries. These connections matter after graduation.
The programme does not pay you money. Do not join expecting a stipend. The value is in the skills, tools, and connections you build.
MLSA vs GDG on Campus: which one should you join
You do not have to choose. Many active student developers in Kenya are part of both. But if your time is limited, here is how they differ:
- GDG on Campus is chapter-based. One lead per university, group activities, and a focus on Google technologies (Android, Flutter, Firebase, Cloud).
- MLSA is individual-based. You are your own ambassador. You set your own pace, choose your own events, and focus on Microsoft technologies (Azure, .NET, Power Platform, GitHub).
If you prefer working in a group with a set schedule, GDG on Campus might suit you better. If you prefer self-directed learning with individual recognition, MLSA is a good fit.
Either way, the goal is the same: build skills, build projects, and meet people who push you to grow. Pick the one that fits your style, or join both and see which community you click with.
What to do this week
- Create a Microsoft Learn profile and complete at least one learning path before applying.
- Submit your application on the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors website.
- After acceptance, host your first small workshop within the first month to build momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to be a computer science student to apply?
- No. Microsoft accepts students from any field of study. Business students, designers, and engineering students have all been successful ambassadors. What matters is your willingness to learn technology and share it with others.
- How much time does the programme take?
- It depends on how active you want to be. At the minimum, expect two to four hours per week for learning paths and one event per month. You can do more, but the programme is designed to fit around a full course load.
- Can I be an MLSA and a GDG on Campus lead at the same time?
- Yes. There is no exclusivity requirement. Some of the most active student tech leaders in Kenya hold both roles. The key is managing your time so you deliver quality in both rather than spreading yourself too thin.
- What happens to my ambassador status after I graduate?
- Your MLSA status ends when you are no longer a student. However, the certifications, projects, and network you built stay with you. Many former ambassadors transition into Microsoft MVP status or join Microsoft as employees.
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