The Universities Fund has opened applications for its subsequent scholarships targeting continuing university students set to advance to their second, third and fourth years in the 2026/2027 academic cycle.
In a statement on June 3, the fund urged eligible students to submit their applications promptly using the USSD code *642#, in line with the government’s digitized higher education financing system.
“The Universities Fund Subsequent Scholarship Application is NOW OPEN for continuing university students joining 2nd, 3rd and 4th year in the 2026/2027 academic year under the Student-Centred Funding Model,” read the statement.
The call targets beneficiaries under Kenya’s Student-Centred Funding Model, a framework introduced to ensure financial support for university education is allocated based on individual student need rather than institutional quotas.
Under the model, university funding combines government scholarships, student loans and family contributions, with each student placed in a funding category based on their financial situation.
The amount awarded is determined by a Means Testing Instrument (MTI), which assesses factors such as family income and assets to ensure that students from more vulnerable backgrounds receive greater support.
Scholarships administered by the Universities Fund cover between 30% and 70% of tuition fees. The remaining cost is covered by Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans and household contributions.
Also Read: UoN the Only Kenyan University Ranked Among the World’s Top 2,000 Universities
Eligibility Criteria
Continuing university students advancing to their second, third, or fourth year under the Student-Centred Funding Model qualify if they meet the following conditions:
- Must be a Kenyan citizen enrolled in a public university
- Must have been placed by KUCCPS as a government-sponsored student
- Must have sat KCSE in 2022 or later
- Must have received funding in the previous academic year and be continuing in an eligible programme
- Must submit a fresh application, as funding is not automatic
Scholarships under the Universities Fund are primarily reserved for public university students.
While private university learners may access HELB loans, they are generally not eligible for these scholarships.
Also Read: KUCCPS CEO Reveals When HELB, Scholarship Applications Will Open for 2026 First Year Students
Step-by-Step Application Process
Students applying for the scholarship can follow these simple steps:
- Prepare your details
Ensure you have your registered phone number, National ID, KCSE/KCPE index numbers, and updated family or financial information. - *Dial 642#
Use your mobile phone to access the application platform. - Select application option
Choose the “Subsequent Application” or “Undergraduate Subsequent 2026/2027” option from the menu. - Enter your information
Confirm or update your personal, academic and financial details as required. - Submit application
Review your details before submitting. You will receive an SMS confirmation with a reference number. - Wait for feedback
Successful applicants will be notified via SMS on their application status, funding category and award details, with funds sent directly to their universities.
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