Govt Scholarship: All You Need To Know About New Funding Model For University Students

• Students qualified to join universities, colleges, and other higher education institutions will not be funded by the government
• The new model sanctioned by President William Ruto will see the students apply for government grants and loans
• The government scholarship will be based on the actual cost of the programme and the student's financial needs

Nairobi - As per the new model, those meeting the threshold to undertake tertiary education will not be funded by the government, as has been the norm.

Degree programmes are reserved for those who scored C+(plus) and above in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination.

With the new model, candidates will now have to apply for government aid and loans to fund their education.

The government says it will avail both scholarships and loans for 130,485 students in public universities, with 9,662 in private universities getting loans only.

As per the results of the 2022 KCSE examinations, 870, 561 candidates qualified for placement into colleges and universities, but only 285,698 applied for the places through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) systems.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced that 140 107 were placed into degree programs, with 144 500 placed into TVET institutions.

A total of 560 applicants got admission into Secondary Teacher Training Institutes.

With admission into tertiary education institutions coming up in a few days, parents have been held in a miasma of confusion and anxiety given the grey areas in the new model sanctioned by the government.

As per the agency charged with managing the university funds, the government scholarship will be based on the actual cost of the program and the student's financial needs.

Grey areas in new model of university funding

Below are the concerns addressed by the government.

1. What is the difference between the former university grant and the new Higher Education Government Student Scholarship?

The Higher Education Government Student Scholarship is a financial assistance program 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.

2. Who qualifies for the Scholarship?

To be eligible for the scholarship, one must be Kenyan and a 2022 KCSE examination candidate for university learners.

KUCCPS must have placed him or her to pursue an undergraduate, diploma, craft certificate or artisan course at one of Kenya's accredited public universities or TVET colleges.

The scholarship application is open to students who wrote their KCSE examination from 2022 onwards.

3. Can a student apply for a loan and scholarship in the same year?

A student can apply for this government scholarship at any stage of their academic program.

Loans and scholarship awards will be categorised differently.

A vulnerable student will get an 82% scholarship and an 18% loan of the cost of the programme.

An extremely needy learner will get a 70% scholarship and 30% loan of the cost of the course, while a needy learner will get a 53% scholarship, 40% loan, and 7% household of the cost of the programme.

Lastly, a less needy learner will get a 38% scholarship, a 55% loan, and a 7% family of the cost of the course to be pursued.

4. Can students below 18 years apply for the scholarship since we know those below that age have previously not been allowed to apply for study loans?

Individuals who have not attained 18 years of age, who sat 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 the individuals reach 18, they must update their profiles to continue benefiting from the government scholarship and loan.

5. Is it a must for a student to apply for the Higher Education Government Student Scholarship?

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

6. What are the steps one needs to follow when applying for a Government Student Scholarship?

To apply for a Government Student Scholarship, visit www.hef.co.ke.

Remember also to keep an eye on official communication channels and updates from the Universities Fund, the HELB, and KUCCPS for announcements regarding application details and deadlines.

Prepare the required documents, including academic records, personal details, student residential, and educational background.

If necessary, gather letters of recommendation to support your application.

Ensure you have the necessary documents available, including the "Consent to Collect Personal Data" form.

7. Are Government Student Scholarships based on financial need, merit, or both?

The scholarship is based on the applicant's financial needs and academic merit. KUCCPS must place one in a public university or TVET institute to apply.

8. Is the application for the Government Student Scholarship a one-off for a learner throughout the degree?

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

9. What happens if one receives less than the Government Student Scholarship award applied/or?

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.

10. Can a foreigner apply and receive the Government Student Scholarship?

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.

11. How can a student use the Government Student Scholarship fund?

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.

12. Can the Government Student Scholarship affect other forms of financial assistance to the learner?

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.

13. Are there any requirements or responsibilities for Student Government Scholarship recipients?

Beneficiaries of the Government Student Scholarship are required to complete their studies within the stipulated course or program 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 in the award of the scholarships.

14. Will a student need a guarantor to be eligible for the Government Scholarship?

No guarantors are needed.