List of Universities and Colleges Eligible for HELB Funding in Kenya

Accessing higher education in Kenya often requires financial support. The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) plays a critical role in this by providing loans, bursaries, and scholarships to Kenyan students. However, not every college or university in the country is approved for this funding.

This guide provides a detailed list of eligible institutions, explains the different categories of funding (Scholarships vs. Loans), and outlines the eligibility criteria you must meet to apply.

1. Categories of Eligible Institutions

HELB funding is generally available to students admitted to institutions that are recognized by the Commission for University Education (CUE) or the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA).

A. Public Universities (Government Sponsored)

Students placed by KUCCPS (Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service) into public universities are eligible for the most comprehensive funding.

Under the New Funding Model, these students can apply for both:

• Government Scholarships (Non-repayable)
• HELB Loans (Repayable)

Examples of Eligible Public Universities:

• University of Nairobi (UoN)
• Kenyatta University (KU)
• Moi University
• Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
• Egerton University
• Maseno University
• Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST)
• Technical University of Kenya (TUK)
• Technical University of Mombasa (TUM)
• And all other chartered public universities.

B. Private Universities (HELB Loan Only)

Students enrolled in chartered private universities are eligible for HELB Loans only. They do not qualify for the government scholarship component under the new model, even if placed by KUCCPS. They must pay the balance of their tuition fees directly to the university.

List of Eligible Private Universities:

1. Africa International University
2. Africa Nazarene University
3. Amref International University
4. Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
5. Daystar University
6. Great Lakes University of Kisumu
7. Gretsa University
8. International Leadership University
9. Islamic University of Kenya
10. Kabarak University
11. KCA University
12. Kenya Assemblies of God East University
13. Kenya Highlands Evangelical University
14. Kenya Methodist University (KeMU)
15. Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology
16. Lukenya University
17. Management University of Africa
18. Marist International University College
19. Mount Kenya University (MKU)
20. Pan Africa Christian University
21. Pioneer International University
22. Presbyterian University of East Africa
23. Riara University
24. Scott Christian University
25. St. Paul’s University
26. Strathmore University
27. Tangaza University College
28. Umma University
29. United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa)
30. University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
31. Uzima University
32. Zetech University

C. TVET Institutions (Colleges & Polytechnics)

Students pursuing Diploma and Certificate courses in approved Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions are highly encouraged to apply.

• MoE TVETs: Students in National Polytechnics and Technical Training Institutes (TTIs) under the Ministry of Education are eligible for both Scholarships and Loans.
• Other Colleges: Students in other approved colleges may be eligible for Loans only.

Key Eligible National Polytechnics:

• Kenya Coast National Polytechnic
• Kabete National Polytechnic
• Kisumu National Polytechnic
• Eldoret National Polytechnic
• Nyeri National Polytechnic
• Meru National Polytechnic
• Sigalagala National Polytechnic
• Kisii National Polytechnic

(Note: There are over 200 eligible Technical Training Institutes and Vocational Colleges across the country. Ensure your college is registered with TVETA.)

D. Special Institutions

• Kenya School of Law (KSL): Students pursuing the Advocates Training Programme (ATP) are eligible for a specific Tuition Loan.
• East African Community Universities: In some cases, HELB may fund students in recognized public universities within the EAC, though this is subject to specific board policies.

2. Understanding Eligibility Criteria

To successfully apply for funding, you must meet the following conditions:

1. Citizenship: You must be a Kenyan citizen with a valid National ID card (or waiting for one if you are a minor using a birth certificate/index number).
2. Admission: You must have a valid admission letter from a recognized university or TVET institution.
3. Placement vs. Self-Sponsored:
   • Government Sponsored (KUCCPS Placed): Eligible for Scholarship + Loan.
   • Self-Sponsored / Module II / Private University: Eligible for Loan Only.
4. No Previous Default: If you have benefited from a HELB loan before (e.g., for a diploma) and are now applying for a degree, you must be servicing your previous loan or have cleared it.

3. How to Apply

Applications are now handled through the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal. This single portal serves both HELB and the Universities Fund.

1. Visit the Portal: Go to www.hef.co.ke.
2. Registration: Create an account using your National ID and a working email address.
3. Profile Update: Fill in your bio-data, including details about your parents and residence. This is used for the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) to determine your financial need (Band 1 to Band 5).
4. Loan/Scholarship Request: Select the appropriate application (e.g., “Undergraduate First Time” or “TVET First Time”).
5. Upload Documents: You will need scanned copies of your ID, parents’ IDs (or death certificates), guarantors’ IDs, and academic certificates.

4. Important External Links & Resources

Use these official links to verify information and start your application:

• Higher Education Financing (HEF) Portal:www.hef.co.ke
  • Apply for Scholarships and Loans here.
• HELB Official Website:www.helb.co.ke
  • For loan repayment and general product information.
• KUCCPS Portal:students.kuccps.net
  • Check your placement status and institutional eligibility codes.
• Commission for University Education (CUE):www.cue.or.ke
  • Verify the accreditation status of your university.

Before enrolling in any institution, always verify that it is chartered or accredited. If an institution is not registered with the Ministry of Education or CUE, you will not be eligible for HELB funding.

Disclaimer: This list is based on the latest available data for the 2025/2026 academic cycle. Institutions’ eligibility statuses can change. Always confirm with the specific university admission office or the HELB portal.

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