The government of Kenya recently announced a new model for funding higher education, which aims to increase access and quality of education for students in public and private universities and TVET institutions.
Under this model, the government will provide scholarships, loans, and bursaries to eligible students based on their academic performance, financial need, and course of study.
The scholarships will cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses for the duration of the program. The loans will be repayable after graduation at a subsidized interest rate. The bursaries will be non-repayable grants for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
If you are a student who has completed your KCSE exams in 2023 and have been placed by KUCCPS to pursue an undergraduate degree, diploma, or certificate course in Kenya or abroad, you may be wondering how to apply for a government scholarship and what are the requirements and deadlines.
In this article, I will provide you with some tips and information on how to go about the application process and secure your scholarship.
Steps To Follow When Applying
Step 1: Register on the HEF portal
The first step is to register on the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal, which is the official platform for government scholarships, loans, and bursaries for university and TVET students.
You can visit the portal at and click on “Apply Now” to create an account. You will need to provide your personal details, academic qualifications, and financial information. You will also need to upload some documents to verify your status, such as your ID card, admission letter, bank statement, etc.
Step 2: Browse the available scholarships
The second step is to browse the available scholarships on the HEF portal and select the ones that match your criteria.
You can search by scholarship name, type, country, duration, or deadline. You can also check the Ministry of Education website for more information on scholarships offered by various countries and organizations.
Some examples of scholarships are the Commonwealth Scholarships for PhD and Master’s degrees in the UK, the Algerian Ministry of Religious Affairs and Wakfs Scholarships for religious studies in Algeria, and the IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme for nuclear science and technology in Austria.
Step 3: Fill in the online application form
The third step is to fill in the online application form for each scholarship you are interested in and submit it before the deadline.
You will need to provide your personal details, academic achievements, career goals, and motivation for applying. You may also need to write an essay or a research proposal depending on the scholarship requirements.
You will not be able to edit your application once you submit it, so make sure you check everything carefully before clicking “Submit”.
Step 4: Wait for the selection process and the results
The fourth step is to wait for the selection process and the announcement of the results. The selection process may vary depending on the scholarship provider and may involve interviews, tests, or other assessments.
The results will be communicated to you via email or SMS by the HEF portal or the scholarship provider. If you are successful, you will receive an offer letter with the details of the scholarship and the next steps to follow.
Tips for applying for a government scholarship in Kenya
Here are some tips that can help you increase your chances of getting a government scholarship in Kenya:
1. Apply early
Don’t wait until the last minute to apply for a scholarship. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting selected. Some scholarships have limited slots or quotas for certain categories of students, so applying early can give you an edge over other applicants.
2. Apply widely
Don’t limit yourself to one or two scholarships. Apply for as many scholarships as you can that suit your profile and preferences. This way, you can increase your chances of getting at least one offer or have more options to choose from.
3. Be honest
Don’t lie or exaggerate on your application form or essay. Be honest about your background, achievements, challenges, and goals. The scholarship providers will verify your information and may disqualify you if they find any discrepancies or inconsistencies.
4. Be specific
Don’t be vague or general on your application form or essay. Be specific about why you want to study a particular course or program, what are your career aspirations, how will the scholarship benefit you and your community, etc. Use examples and evidence to support your claims and arguments.
5. Be original
Don’t copy or plagiarize from other sources or applicants. Write your own application form or essay using your own words and ideas. The scholarship providers will check your work for originality and may reject you if they find any plagiarism or duplication.
6. Be prepared
Don’t leave anything to chance or luck. Prepare well for your application process and any interviews or tests that may follow. Research about the scholarship provider, the course or program, the country or institution, etc. Practice your writing, speaking, and reasoning skills. Have all your documents ready and organized. Be confident and professional in your communication and presentation.
I hope this article has given you some useful information and guidance on how to apply for a government scholarship in Kenya. I wish you all the best in your application and your studies. Remember, you can always ask me for more assistance or clarification if you need it in the comment section below.
