Higher Education Financing FAQs

What is the Higher Education Variable Scholarships and Loans Funding/ New Funding Model?

It is a new way of providing financial support to students enrolled in Universities & TVET institutions to ensure every Kenyan student is assisted according to their level of need.

How do I access the HEF Portal?

Click on this link to access to the HEF Portal  https://portal.hef.co.ke/auth/signin

How does the Variable Scholarships and Loans Funding/ New Funding Model work?

This is government funding that is student-centered. It is based on the level of need and program cost. It constitutes scholarships, loans, and household contributors.

Students placed in public universities by Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) and TVET trainees under the Ministry of Education (MoE) are eligible for both government scholarships and loans.

Those seeking to pursue their studies in private universities and as parallel/module two/self-sponsored students in public universities are eligible for loans only.

Students are expected to apply for loans and scholarships through the availed platforms for consideration for funding.

What is a Means Testing Instrument (MTI)?

It is a reliable scientific method used to determine the student’s level of financial need by using proxy indicators.

What are the benefits of the Variable Scholarships and Loans Funding/ New Funding Model?

It ensures that all eligible Kenyan Students are provided with adequate education and financial support.

It promotes the provision of quality education in higher learning institutions.

It ensures timely disbursement of funds to students and higher learning institutions.

To address the student funding gap

Who is eligible for the Variable Scholarships and Loans Funding/ New Funding Model?

Universities’ students from KCSE 2022 to 2023 Cohort and TVET trainees

When can the students start applying?

Upon placement and admission by Universities and TVET Institutions and when the Higher Education (HEF) Student Portal is open for applications

How much will I receive for my education upon making an application?

The amount of funding in scholarship or loan depends on the assessed student’s level of need and the program cost.

Is there an upkeep component in this Variable Scholarships and Loans Funding/ New Funding Model?

Yes, students placed by KUCCPS in public universities and TVET institutions under the Ministry of Education (MoE) are eligible for upkeep consideration.

When should I expect to receive my disbursement?

Scholarship and loan disbursements are processed at the beginning of the semester subject to confirmations by universities and TVET Institutions. Tuition is disbursed to the institutions whereas upkeep is paid to the student’s account.

How do I track my scholarship and loan application?

An applicant can check the status of their application, allocation, and disbursement through the HEF student Portal at www.hef.co.ke

Does the Variable Scholarships and Loans Funding/ New Funding Model have a provision for appealing?

Yes, the HEF Portal has provisioned for online scholarship & loan review applications.

Can I seek additional funding if my financial situation changes along the way?

Yes, an affected student can fill out an online Funds Appeal form. Review is subject to availability of funds.

I sat for KCSE before December 2022, am I eligible for funding?

Yes, all continuing students shall be funded as per the previously existing funding model.

If placed in a university or TVET college, will I automatically benefit from both Government Scholarship and Loan?

No, students are expected to apply annually for consideration when the applications are opened and can access the funding to a limit of one’s course duration.

Is the application for funding mandatory?

No, it is not mandatory for one to apply. Only apply for the scholarship and loan if you need financial assistance during your studies.

If I fail/ miss to apply for the funding in my first year, can I apply in the subsequent years?

Yes, you will be able to submit your first-time application whenever the next application window is open.

Will I benefit from the Variable Scholarships and Loans Funding/ New Funding Model if I transfer from one university/ college/ faculty to another?

Yes, however, the transfers must be validated by KUCCPS.

I have a sibling enrolled in one of the universities and currently benefitting from government funding. Am I eligible for funding too?

Yes, each student makes their application which is assessed individually.

I understand that HELB has partnered with several organizations, constituencies, and county governments to fund students. Do I still qualify for the Variable Scholarships and Loans?

Yes, eligible students shall apply for government scholarships and loans in the Variable Scholarships and Loans Funding/ New Funding Model. Further, they can also apply for complementary funding from other sources such as County governments, Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and other organizations.

Who do I contact if I need clarifications or have questions on the Variable Scholarships and Loans Funding/ New Funding Model?

One can contact the Higher Education Loans Board, University Fund (UF), and State Department for Technical Vocational Education and Training (SDTVET) through www.hef.co.ke

What happens to my funding if I defer my studies?

Deferments shall be done through universities and TVET institutions and reported to the funding agencies.

Can I seek second and subsequent funding after my first year?

Yes, second and subsequent applications are done annually whenever the next application window is open

 

How do I request for a graduation gown?

The student is required to log into his/her portal, where they will find a request for a graduation gown. Fill in your personal details and attach your Identification card. Kindly ensure you do not have any fee balance.

What should I do after paying the graduation fee to collect my graduation gown?

Once you have paid the graduation fee, download and print the fee statement which you should bring when collecting your graduation gown from 18th-20th November, 2024.

How can I confirm and correct my name details for Chuka University’s graduation list?

Prospective graduands are required to check the order of their names in the provisional graduation list in the website by Friday, 8th November, 2024. If you notice discrepancies, please notify us by sending an email to raca@chuka.ac.ke or by visiting our office. Kindly note that certificates are printed according to the name on your National Identity card while for the graduation booklet, names starts with the surname.

When and where can I collect and return my graduation gown and invitation card, and is there a graduation rehearsal requirement?

Graduation Gowns and invitation cards should be collected in person from respective Faculties/Schools starting on 18th up to 20th November, 2024 during normal working hours. All graduands shall be required to attend a compulsory graduation rehearsal on 21st November, 2024 at the pavilion starting at 10 a.m. The Graduation gowns should be returned by 16th December, 2024 to the respective Faculties/Schools. Failure to return the gowns within the set deadline shall attract a daily penalty of KES. 500.

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