Higher Education Financing Application Guide; HEF Student Portal Login, Application Guide, Check Status

By Editorial Team

February 21, 2026

Government scholarships and loans are available to students joining Universities, colleges, and TVET institutions. Grants and scholarships are awarded based on the student’s financial status.

The funding model is student centered and loans and bursaries will be apportioned to students based on their assessed level of need. The universities and TVET will no longer receive block funding in the form of capitation.

The funding to students shall combine scholarship, loans and household contributions on a graduated scale as determined Means Testing Instrument [MTI]. Students from extremely needy and vulnerable backgrounds will pay nothing to colleges and universities.

HEF Application Requirements

Some of the documents and details required to apply for HEF loans and scholarships are;

A phone number registered under your name
KCSE and KCPE index number
Passport photo
Copy of your ID
Copy of your birth certificate
Your parent or guardian’s phone number and copy of ID.
ID number of two of your HEF loan guarantors

If you do not have an ID, you cannot apply for HEF loan. However, students without ID can apply for HEF scholarships.

How to apply for HEF scholarships and Loans

To apply for government scholarships, loans, and bursaries via the HEF portal, follow the procedure provided below;

Visit the HEF portal https://hef.co.ke
Click Student Registration or Apply Now Button then User Registration
Create an account (use a valid email and phone number)
After signup, log in
Select the Scholarships, Loans, or Bursaries
Fill out the application form for the funding product you are interested in by providing all the required details and documents
Submit your application.