KUCCPS Releases 2025/2026 List of Institutions Eligible for HELB and Government Scholarships

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service has announced which higher learning institutions qualify for state scholarships and Higher Education Loans Board financing.

Data published by KUCCPS shows that 42 public universities alongside the Open University of Kenya meet criteria for both government scholarship programs and HELB loan assistance.

These public institutions represent the primary recipients of state-supported higher education financing under the current administration’s education framework.

In contrast, 30 private universities have received approval exclusively for HELB loan eligibility, with students attending these facilities ineligible for government scholarship awards.

The placement authority further disclosed that 272 public colleges under the Ministry of Education delivering Technical and Vocational Education and Training programs qualify for both funding mechanisms. This designation aims to strengthen technical education pathways and increase enrollment in skills-based training institutions.

An additional 153 public colleges supervised by various government ministries, including Kenya Medical Training Colleges, have been authorized for HELB loans without scholarship eligibility.

KUCCPS also identified 35 university-level TVET institutions that, while included in the placement framework, do not qualify for either government scholarships or HELB financing.

Public Universities Approved for Dual Funding

The complete list of public universities eligible for both HELB loans and government scholarships includes:

• Alupe University,
• Bomet University College,
• Chuka University,
• Co-operative University of Kenya,
• Dedan Kimathi University of Technology,
• Egerton University,
• Garissa University,
• Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology,
• Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology,
• Kabarnet University College,
• Kaimosi Friends University,
• Karatina University,
• Kenyatta University,
• Kenya University-Mama Ngina University College,
• Kibabii University,
• Kirinyaga University,
• Kisii University,
• Koitaleel Samoei University College,
• Laikipia University,
• Maasai Mara University,
• Machakos University,
• Maseno University,
• Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology,
• Meru University of Science and Technology,
• Moi University,
• Multimedia University of Kenya,
• Murang’a University of Technology,
• Nyandarua University College,
• Open University of Kenya,
• Pwani University,
• Rongo University,
• South Eastern Kenya University,
• Taita Taveta University,
• Technical University of Kenya,
• Technical University of Mombasa,
• Tharaka University,
• Tom Mboya University,
• Turkana University College,
• University of Eldoret,
• University of Embu,
• University of Kabianga,
• University of Nairobi.

This categorization framework serves to assist students and guardians during the application period, enabling informed decision-making regarding institutional selection.

Enhanced HELB Allocation for Current Cycle

The announcement follows recent adjustments to HELB’s annual budget, which increased from Ksh36 billion to Ksh41 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year.

The Ksh5 billion increment aims to expand access for tertiary-level learners under the student-centered funding framework currently in operation.

According to the allocation breakdown, Ksh13 billion will support student tuition expenses, while Ksh16.9 billion has been earmarked for the Universities Fund to finance scholarship programs. The remaining portion addresses student upkeep requirements.

The funding structure reflects ongoing efforts to make higher education more accessible while balancing support across different institutional categories and program types.