The government has announced a major boost in student scholarships and HELB loans, targeting learners joining universities and TVET institutions under the New Higher Education Funding Model.
The Ministry of Education confirmed that the application window opened on July 31 and will close on August 14, 2025.
Eligible students are required to apply through the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal at www.hef.co.ke.
Helb to benefit every student
The enhanced support aims to promote equity and access in tertiary education across the country.
“Students from vulnerable and extremely needy backgrounds will continue to access full Government funding through scholarships and loans,” read part of a press statement issued by the Ministry of Education.
The model applies a Means Testing Instrument (MTI) to assess applicants’ financial need. This considers factors such as household income, dependents, and social background to determine individual funding levels.
Fairness enhanced in new model
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba said the initiative is designed to promote fairness.
“This model is designed to eliminate financial barriers to university and TVET education by supporting learners according to their level of need,” he said.
All students placed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) are urged to submit their applications before the deadline.
Universities and colleges have been directed to assist first-year students with the application process during admission.
The ministry clarified that only new students joining in 2025 will be funded under the new model. Continuing students will remain under the current funding structure and will not be affected by the transition.
Applicants must register for a HELB account using their national ID, KCSE index number, and a valid email address before proceeding to apply for loans and scholarships.
Also Read: HELB to Offer Loans to Kenya Forestry College Students
The Ministry said applications will be reviewed based on verified data, not on a first-come, first-served basis. This is aimed at ensuring transparency in the allocation of public education funds.
Students are also encouraged to complete applications in good time and consult their institutions in case of difficulties during the process.
This comes after the government confirmed having lowered university fees for all academic programmes effective September 1, 2025.
In a statement signed by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei and Ministry of Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on Thursday, July 31, the Ministry of Education said the move was in response to concerns raised by Kenyans.
Also Read: HELB Reveals Plans to Change the Funding Formula Ahead of 2025 Intake
“In direct response to concerns raised by students and their families, the Government has lowered fees payable by students across all academic programmes.
This bold step reaffirms our commitment to ensuring affordable, accessible, and quality university education, while maintaining the financial sustainability of our institutions,” read part of the statement.
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my institution application why can’t reached out
I come from Uganda, can I apply
You I didn’t state the exert date for disbursement contrary to you headline.. bure kabisa!!
Why are those students placed in Private Universities not benefiting from the low rates in fee structure and yet it’s KUCCPS who placed them in those Universities. What happened to GSS in private universities. The same should be restored because many parents are suffering due to high fees
Why do they give only helb loan and no scholarships despite successful applications for both?. Only loans awarded appear on the students portal no scholarship.