University students have been urged to apply for funding for 2025/26 academic year and consequently appeal if they feel dissatisfied with the outcome. For continuing students, deadline was extended to 7th of September while freshers deadline will be on 14th September 2025. This was communicated by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) in conjunction with the University Fund during a consultative forum and sensitisation event held at the Technical university of Kenya (TU-K) on 4th September 2025.

The team explained that funding of students combines scholarships, loans and household contributions on a graduated scale as determined by Means Testing Instrument (MTI). The event was attended by Deputy Vice-Chancellor in-charge of Academic and Students Affairs (ASA), Prof. Maurice Amutabi, Academic Registrar Dr. Moses Wamalwa, Administrative officer, Student Recruitment and Admissions, Mr. Moses Mulati and SATUK Academic Secretary Ray Orek.
HELB Regional team leader, Ms Edna Nafula, Relations Officer in charge of TU-K , Mr. Cliff Mugambi and University Fund led by Samuel Nandasaba, addressed students. “This is an important meeting, very impactful to us since it will help us through the semester as we embark or a new academic year,” said Orek. Nandasaba explained that University Fund gives scholarships to new and continuing students both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He asked the students to take the exercise serious, fill in the accurate details and attach evidence for those who have been schooling through sponsorship.
For students intending to do inter-faculty transfer, the team advised them to send their details to KUCCPS for regularisation and liaise with the Academic Registrar. “This is an exercise that is done annually, therefore give it the seriousness it deserves. We are here to guide you and take your feedback,” he emphasised. Ms. Nafula on the other hand gave an overview on what Higher Education Fund (HEF) stands for instance covers tuition, stationery and living Costs.
She explained that the scholarship is free, the loan has a low interest rate and flexible repayment terms and therefore will support students during their entire studies. She urged the students to look for other sources of financial aid for instance county bursaries which she explained, will boost their education kitty. The team explained that the Universities Fund provides scholarships to students under the new higher education funding model. The funding framework has replaced the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model that was used to finance universities. The new model they said, has delinked placement from funding and puts emphasis on a student’s financial need.
“With the new model, universities and TVET institutions will no longer receive block funding in the form of capitation. Instead, funding to students will be through scholarships, loans and household contributions,” said Nandasaba.
He explained that the Student Centered Funding Model (SCFM) scholarships and loans are apportioned to students based on their assessed levels of need.
The DVC thanked the team for finding time to come to the university and sensitising students about the fund. “On behalf of the Management, I would like to extend our gratitude to HEF for finding time out of their busy schedule, to come and address our students. We cannot survive without you. I would also like to appreciate students for finding time to listen and get knowledge which is critical and powerful,” he said.
Prof. Amutabi challenged students to study diligently, aim at finishing their under-graduate and focus on continuing with their studies to postgraduate.
Dr. Wamalwa asked students to build confidence, sharpen their skills in thinking, communication among others. This he explained, will guide them in making decisions and interacting with other people.