Kenya's Universities Fund Opens 2026/2027 Scholarship Portal for First-Time Students
Over 150,000 applicants have already registered for financial aid, as the fund projects nearly 609,000 beneficiaries amidst a KSh 78 billion disbursement since FY 2023/2024.
The Universities Fund has commenced the application period for its 2026/2027 scholarship program, inviting first-time undergraduate and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students to seek financial assistance. Aspiring scholars are directed to submit their applications exclusively through the official Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal or the Universities Fund website.
This initiative is critical for Kenya's human capital development, aiming to support a substantial number of students. As of August 20, 2026, more than 150,000 students have already submitted their funding requests, out of 202,133 individuals placed in public universities. The Universities Fund has demonstrated significant commitment to higher education, having disbursed KSh 78 billion in scholarships since the 2023/2024 fiscal year, with projections indicating approximately 608,879 beneficiaries for the 2026/2027 academic cycle.
Before initiating the application process, all prospective applicants must possess an official admission letter from a recognized university or TVET institution. The entire application procedure is conducted online and is provided completely free of charge. The fund strongly cautions against any individuals or entities demanding payment for application submission, emphasizing the importance of vigilance against potential scams.
To apply, students should navigate to either www.hef.co.ke or www.universitiesfund.go.ke and access the Students Portal. New users are required to register for an account, while returning applicants can log in with their existing credentials, ensuring all registration details are accurate. Following successful login, applicants must meticulously complete their personal and academic profiles and upload all necessary supporting documents, verifying their clarity and completeness.
The next crucial step involves selecting the appropriate scholarship from the available options within the portal's drop-down menu. After careful review to confirm the correct scholarship choice, applicants should proceed to submit their application. A thorough final review of all entered information and uploaded documents is highly recommended before the definitive submission to prevent any omissions or inaccuracies.
Following submission, applicants are urged to regularly check the email address associated with their account for important communications, including confirmation of their application. The final stage requires patience as candidates await an official award notification, confirming the outcome of their scholarship request. This accessible, online method is vital for expanding educational opportunities across Kenya, a key driver for regional growth and development, as reported by TUKO.