The Higher Education Government Student Scholarship is a financial assistance programme provided to learners in public universities and TVET institutions. Funded through government resources, this scholarship aims to support students pursuing undergraduate, diploma, craft certificate, and artisan education. The scholarship is based on the actual cost of the programme and the student’s financial needs.

To be eligible for the scholarship, one must be a Kenyan and a candidate who sat their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination from 2022 onwards. 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.

Scholarship awards will be categorised differently. The Universities Fund will provide 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. The Means Testing Instrument (MTI) tool will be used to determine the level of need for funding students.

Minors – individuals who have not yet reached 18 years of age – and who sat for their KCSE examination last year, and have been placed by KUCCPS in a public university or TVET college, can apply for the Higher Education Government Student Scholarship. Once these individuals reach 18, they will be required to update their profiles to continue benefiting from the government scholarship and loan.

It is not mandatory. It is advisable to only apply for the scholarship if you need government financial assistance.

To apply for a Government Student Scholarship, visit www.hef.co.ke. Also, remember to monitor official communication channels and updates from the Universities Fund social media channels for announcements regarding application details and deadlines. Prepare the required documents, including academic records, personal details, student residential and education background. If needed, gather letters of recommendation to support your application. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents available, including the “Consent to Collect Personal Data” form.

The scholarship is based on the financial need of the applicant and academic merit. Additionally, applicants must have been placed by KUCCPS in a public university or college.

For you to receive Government Student Scholarships, you must apply through www.hef.co.ke and submit an application every year for the course duration.

An individual may appeal or request a review of their Government Student Scholarships award if they were not satisfied with the amount given. This includes unsuccessful scholarship applications.

No, this scholarship is restricted to Kenyans only. International students should check with their institutions, governments or financial aid offices to determine if they are eligible for other scholarships.

This Government Student Scholarship fund takes care of the tuition fees. These funds will be disbursed directly to the university or college the applicant is undertaking their studies.

Yes. If a student is fully funded by another agency, individual or institution, the government Student Scholarship cannot provide a scholarship to the same student since it will lead to over-funding. 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.

Beneficiaries of the Government Student Scholarship are required to complete their studies within the stipulated course/programme duration. Any extended study duration cost will not be catered for by the scholarship. Secondly, the students will be required to give accurate information to assist the award of the scholarships.

No guarantors are needed.