HEF Portal Now Open: 2025 KCSE Students Have Until August 31 to Apply for University Scholarships, Bursaries and HELB Loans

By Joseph Mburu

The Government of Kenya has officially opened the Higher Education Financing (HEF) Portal, giving 2025 KCSE candidates an opportunity to apply for university scholarships, bursaries, and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans.

The application window comes after the government increased higher education funding from KSh 18.4 billion to KSh 30.8 billion, a move aimed at supporting the growing number of students joining public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

All students placed in public universities and TVET institutions through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) are required to submit their applications via the HEF portal before the August 31, 2026 deadline. Education officials have urged applicants to apply early and ensure all information provided is accurate.

Only Kenyan students admitted to public institutions through KUCCPS qualify for government scholarships. First-time applicants must use their official admission letters when applying. The HEF system will assess each student's financial need before determining the scholarship, bursary, or loan amount they qualify to receive.

Applicants have also been advised to review all details carefully before submitting their forms. Mistakes made during the application process can be difficult to correct after submission and may delay processing or affect eligibility for government funding.

Students admitted to private universities are not eligible for government scholarships. However, they can still apply for HELB loans through the same HEF portal to help cover tuition fees and other education-related expenses.

Other trending headline options:

Good News for 2025 KCSE Students as HEF Portal Opens for Scholarships, Bursaries and HELB Loans

2025 KCSE Students Can Now Apply for HEF Funding as Government Opens Scholarship and HELB Portal

HEF Application Window Opens: What Every 2025 KCSE Student Must Know Before August 31 Deadline

Government Opens HEF Portal After KSh 30.8 Billion Funding Boost for University and TVET Students

2025 KCSE University Students Asked to Apply Early as HEF Portal Goes Live