The Universities Fund has clarified on the processing of scholarships through the new Higher Education Funding Model for students who receive financial assistance from other sources.
In an update on Monday July 22, 2024, Universities Fund responded to queries on whether the Government Student Scholarship affects other forms of financial assistance to the learner, an update that was echoed by Education PS Dr. Beatrice Inyangala.
According to the government, students who receive full financial assistance from other channels including agencies or individuals cannot receive such scholarships.
Universities Fund further highlighted that students who are applying for the scholarships are expected to disclose the details of agencies sponsoring them if any, warning of consequences of failing to do so.
“If a student is fully funded by another agency, individual or institution, the government Student Scholarship cannot provide a scholarship to the same student. Students are expected to fully disclose agencies sponsoring them and the amounts applicable for their sponsorship. Non-disclosure may lead to withdrawal or cancellation of the scholarship,” the update states.
The New Higher Education Funding Model was unveiled by President William Ruto on May 3, 2023.
It is aimed at addressing challenges encountered by public universities and Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) institutions due to massive enrollment and inadequate funding.
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New Funding model
The new funding framework replaced the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) previously used to finance universities.
According to the government, the model prioritizes a student’s financial need and separates placement from funding.
The government further said that funding for students would be provided through scholarships, loans, and household contributions.
Under the model is the Higher Education Government Student Scholarship which is a financial assistance program provided to learners in these public institutions.
Universities Fund Government Scholarship
Funded through government resources, this scholarship aims to support students pursuing undergraduate, diploma, craft certificate, and artisan education and is based on the actual cost of the program and the student’s financial needs.
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To be eligible for the scholarship, one must be a Kenyan and a candidate who sat their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KSCE) examination from 2022 onwards.
Also, he or she must have been placed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) to pursue an undergraduate, diploma, craft certificate, or artisan course at one of Kenya’s accredited public universities or TVET colleges.
The Universities Fund (UF) provides scholarships to students ranging from 30% to 70%, depending on the level of need. Any deficit will be covered through household contributions and loans.
To receive scholarships, students will be required to formally apply on the Higher Education Funding (HEF) Portal – www.hef.co.ke.
Scholarship awards are categorized differently with the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) tool used to determine the level of need for funding students.
An individual may appeal or request a review of their Government Student Scholarships award if they were not satisfied with the amount given which includes unsuccessful scholarship applications.
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