THE HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENT CENTERED FUNDING MODEL (NEW FUNDING MODEL) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS [FAQS]
The Higher Education Student Centered Funding Model Information guide (New Funding Model)
1. What is the Higher Education 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.
2. How does the New Funding Model work?
• This is government funding that is student-centered and is based on the level of need and programme cost. It constitutes scholarship, loan and household contributions.
• 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 the loans and cholarships through the availed platforms for consideration for funding.
3. What is Means Testing Instrument (MTI)?
It is a reliable scientific method used to determine the student’s level of financial need by using proxy indicators.
4. What are the benefits of the New Funding Model?
• It ensures that all eligible Kenyan Students are provided with adequate education financial support.
• It promotes the provision of quality education in higher learning institutions.
• It ensures that students are adequately supported based on their level of need.
• It ensures timely disbursement of funds to students and higher learning institutions.
• It addresses the student funding gap.
5. Who is eligible for the New Funding Model?
University students from KCSE 2022 to 2023 Cohort and TVET trainees under the Ministry of Education admitted from September 2023. The other category of students are funded under the previously applicable funding model.
6. When can the students start applying?
The applications are currently ongoing. This follows the 2024 KUCCPS placement and admission to the respective higher learning institutions the Higher Education Financing (HEF) Student Portal.
7. How much will I receive for my education upon making an application?
The amount of funding in scholarship or loan depends on your assessed level of need and the programme cost.
8. Is there an upkeep component in this 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.
9. When should I expect to receive my disbursements?
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 personal account.
10. How do I track my scholarship and loan application?
You can check the status of their application, allocation and disbursement through the HEF Student Portal; www.hef.co.ke.
11. Does the New Funding Model have a provision for appealing?
Yes, the HEF portal has provisioned for online scholarship & loan review application.
12. Can I see
k additional funding if my financial situation changes in the course of my studies?
Yes, you can fill an online Funds Appeal form. Please note that The review is subject to availability of funds.
13. I sat for KCSE before December 2022, am I eligible for the funding?
Yes, you will be funded as per the previously existing funding model.
14. If placed in a university or TVET college, will I automatically benefit from both government scholarship and loan?
No, You must express interest for funding by making an application when the window is opened and can access the funding to a limit of your course duration.
15. Is the application for f
unding 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.
16. I am below 18 years, am I eligible for Scholarship & Loan funding?
Yes. As a minor/underage you can use your KCSE Index number to access the application.
17. What am I expected to do once I attain age of Majority (18years).
Once you acquire your national ID card, ensure to update your profile on www.hef.co.ke with the ID details.
18. How will I receive my funding as a minor?
The tuition money will be paid directly to the institution while upkeep (where applicable) shall be paid to your bank. You are required to open your own bank account that is registered and fully operated by yourself.
19. 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 in the course of your studies..
20. Will I still benefit from the New Funding Model if I transfer from one University/College/faculty to another?
Yes, however the transfers must be validated by KUCCPS and you are required to inform the Funding Institutions of the changes to enable them update your records.
21. I have a sibling enrolled in one of the Universities and currently benefiting from government funding. Am I eligible for funding too?
Yes, each student makes their own application which is assessed individually.
22. I understand that HELB has partner d with other organizations, Constituencies, and County governments to fund students. If I get government funding through scholarship and loans, Do I still qualify for the
alternative funding?
Yes, you can also apply for complementary funding from the other sources such as County governments, Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and other onboarded organizations.
23. Who do I contact if I need clarifications or have questions on the New Funding Model?
You can contact the following organizations as per your applicable category through www.hef.co.ke
University Applicants HELB tte Department for Technical Vocational Education Student Placement Kenya Universities & Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS)
24. 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.
25. Can I seek for second and subsequent funding after my first year?
Yes, second and subsequent applications are done annually whenever the next application window is open.
26. What do I need to have at hand before starting the first time Scholarship & Loan application?
• Valid email address & telephone number.
• KCPE index number and year of examination.
• Copy of sponsorship letter (in PDF) if sponsored in Primary school.
• KCSE index numbers and year of examination
• Copy of sponsorship letter (in PDF) if sponsored in Secondary school.
• University/College admission number
• Passport size photo (in jpeg/jpg/png format).
• Copy of National ID/Maisha card (both sides in PDF) (or birth certificate in PDF (if under 19 years of age and don’t have an ID)
• Valid bank account number or MPESA number (registered in applicant’s name).
• Parent (s)’ National ID(s) and registered telephone number.
• Copy of parent(s)’ death certificate if deceased (in PDF).
• Two guarantors’ ID numbers and registered telephone numbers (can be parents).
27. What is the process of applying for first time Scholarship and Loan ?
The application is done online by following these steps:
• Visit www.hef.co.ke or www.helb.co.ke
• Click on Portal
• Register to create a HEF Portal account
• Activate the link shared on your Email then login
• Update your Profile
• Fill the 5 Sections, attach all the required documents & Complete Profile
• Select Student Loan and/or Scholarship options
• Click Submit to complete your application
• A copy of the application will be sent to your registered email address
For support in the application process, we are reachable to help. In case of a query:
Call 0711052000
Email ContactCentre@helb.co.ke
Social media (Facebook & X) @HELBpage
Website www.hef.co.ke
Visit us Anniversary Towers, University Way Nairobi,
Mezzanine 1, Student Centre or select Huduma Centres across the country
