Govt Opens Scholarship Applications and Revisions for Students: How to Apply

The Higher Education Fund (HEF) has invited applications from students seeking first-time scholarships.

In an announcement on September 6, HEF stated that students who have not yet applied for scholarships can now submit their applications.

Additionally, students who previously faced challenges such as self-sponsorship, transfers, or incorrect institution information during the application process have been advised to review and correct their details.

“Attention Students! Students who hadn’t applied for a scholarship can now apply,” read the announcement.

“If you are a first-time applicant or had issues like self-sponsorship, transfers, or incorrect institution details, now is the time to update your information.”

The deadline for submitting updated information is 14th September 2025.

How to Apply for the HEF First-Time Scholarship and Loan

Students applying for the Higher Education Fund (HEF) scholarship or loan for the first time should follow these steps to complete their application:

• Visit www.hef.co.ke, or www.universitiesfund.go.ke, and click on “Student Portal.”

• Confirm whether you have a National ID:

  • If you have an ID: Enter your ID number and first name as per the ID, select “Kenyan Citizen” or “Foreign Citizen,” then click Validate.

  • If you do not have an ID: Enter your KCSE Exam Year, KCSE Index Number, and KUCCPS Programme Code from your admission letter, then click Validate.

• Enter a valid email address and password to complete registration. Ensure you can access this email. All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required to be filled.

• Check your email (Inbox or Spam/Junk) to activate your account.

• You can now log in using your email and password.

• Enter a valid telephone number to receive a verification code. If the code expires, click Resend.

• Fill out your profile and update your biodata.

• Provide consent for the collection and processing of your personal data by reading the consent form and ticking the checkbox.

• Fill in your residence details and save to continue.

• Add your Secondary and Primary school details.

• Add your university or College details.

• Enter your parents’ details by selecting your family type and adding information for both father and mother.

Also Read: Why Your Choice of University Matters Under New University Funding Model

• Students/applicants should submit their scholarship/loan request:

  • You can apply for a scholarship, a loan, or both.

• After making your selection, click SAVE & SUBMIT.

• Provide consent for data processing again, accept loan terms and conditions, and update guarantor details.

• Students/applicants will be required to provide loan payment information (bank or mobile payment) as required.

• After completing the application, preview your application carefully before submission as you cannot edit once submitted.

Also Read: How to Apply for HELB Loans Online: Eligibility, Loans and Repayment

How to Update Your Information

• Log in to the Portal:
  Visit HEF portal and log in using your existing HEF account with your KCSE index number or other registered details.

• Access Your Profile:
  Scroll down and click “My Profile”

• Edit Your Information:

  ID Updates: If updating your National ID, a pop-up will appear to enter your new ID number and first name exactly as it appears on your ID. Students can also edit other information, such as their institution or personal details.

• Upload Required Documents:
  Upload a new passport photo in JPEG format and a scanned copy of your National ID.

• Validate and Complete:
  After making the changes, click the validation button, then click register or complete to save the updates.

• For Bank or Phone Number changes
  If you need to change your bank account or mobile payment details, download the Student’s Personal Bank and Phone Details Change Request Form from the HELB website and submit it.

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