The Universities Fund was established under section 53 of the Universities Act, 2012 for financing Universities in Kenya. The Fund is managed by a Board of Trustees known as the Universities Funding (UF) which has been in operation since 2016. The function of the Trustees is to generally manage the Universities Fund.
The specific functions of the Trustees are to: advise the Cabinet Secretary in matters of University Education Financing; develop a fair and transparent criterion for allocation of funds to Universities.
Government Funding Eligibility
Univeristies Eligible
All Universities accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) are eligible for government funding. Universities with letters of interim authority are also eligible for funding. The Universities that benefit from this funding must offer training and research programmes that are approved by CUE and are aligned to the national priority areas as expressed by government policy from time to time.
The following are the categories of students eligible for government funding in accredited universities in Kenya:
- Students who after sitting for KCSE are placed by KUCCPS to pursue undergraduate degrees in accredited public and private universities and take up their admissions in the year of placement. Students in undergraduate programmes qualify for funding approved duration of the programmes which varies from 4 to 5 years depending on the degree programme.
- Students who are placed by KUCCPS to pursue undergraduate degrees in public and private universities upon completion of Diploma programmes recognized by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA).
- Students who are placed in Masters Programmes by KUCCPS and/or admitted by Universities are eligible for funding for a maximum duration of two years.
- Students who are placed in Doctorates programmes by KUCCPS and/or admitted by Universities are eligible for funding for a maximum duration of 3 years.
CHECKLIST FOR APPLICATION FOR SCHOLARSHIP AND LOAN
- A valid email address.
- Valid telephone number (must be registered in your name to apply for a loan).
- KCPE and KCSE index numbers and year of examination.
- Passport size photo.
- Copy of your National ID (for loan application).
- College/University admission letter.
- Your birth certificate
- Your parents’ registered telephone number.
- Your parents’ national ID number.
- Death certificate if any of your parent is deceased.
- Two guarantors’ ID numbers and registered telephone numbers (for loan application).
- Copy of the sponsorship letter if you were sponsored in Secondary school.
CONTACTS
- Hazina Trade Centre, 5th Floor, Monrovia Street .
- P.O BOX 28237-00100,Nairobi Kenya
- +254 207903331 / +254 746737935
- info@ufb.go.ke
New Funding Model Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.
Question: When should I expect to receive my disbursements?
Answer: Scholarship and loan applications shall be received, processed and disbursements made as per the opening dates as advised by individual universities and TVET colleges from time to time.
Question: Will I still benefit from the new funding model if I transfer from one university/ college/ faculty to another?
Answer: Yes. You will be required to submit documents authorizing your transfer. The funding will consider the new program cost.
Question: Id I fail/ miss to apply for the funding in my first year, can i apply in the subsequent years?
Answer: Yes. You will be able to submit your first application whenever the next application process is open.
Question: If placed in a university or TVET college, will I automatically benefit from both government scholarship and loan?
Answer: No. Students are expected to individually apply for government scholarships and loans for consideration.
Question: Why has the government introduced the new funding model?
Answer: The new funding model is a student centred approach based on the actual cost of the programme with funding varied as per the level of need, according to the means testing instrument (MTI).
Question: Will this new funding model apply to continuing students?
Answer: All continuing government-sponsored students shall be supported in line with the previously existing funding model.
Question: Is the application for funding mandatory?
answer: NO. This entirely depends on your level of need. However, you have to apply for funding if you wish to be considered.
Question: If placed in a university will I automatically benefit from both a government scholarship and a loan?
answer: NO. Students are expected to individually apply for government scholarships and loans for consideration for funding. Students placed into public universities and TVET colleges under the Ministry of Education (MoE) are eligible for both government scholarships and loans.
Those placed/admitted into private universities or as parallel/module two students in public universities are eligible for loans only.
Question: Who is eligible for funding in this new model?
answer: The New Funding Model will commence with the 2022 KCSE cohort joining universities and TVET colleges in the academic year 2023/2024.
Question: How does the new funding model work?
Answer: The new funding model is student-centered. It is based on the level of student’s needs and programme cost. It combines loans, scholarships, and household contributions. Individual students must apply for loans and scholarships, for funding consideration.
Students placed by KUCCPS in public universities & TVET colleges under the Education Ministry are eligible for government scholarships and loans. Those seeking to pursue their studies in private universities or self-sponsored in public universities are eligible for loans only.
