KUCCPS has released the official 2025/2026 list of institutions eligible for government scholarships and HELB loans, confirming that 42 public universities, the Open University of Kenya, and hundreds of public colleges qualify for state-backed higher education funding—offering critical guidance to students ahead of placement.
Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has published an official list of universities and colleges approved to receive government scholarships and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funding, providing much-needed clarity for students preparing to join higher learning institutions.
According to KUCCPS, 42 public universities, together with the Open University of Kenya, have been cleared to receive both government scholarships and HELB loans.
This move firmly places public universities at the core of Kenya’s higher education financing framework under President William Ruto’s administration.
The designation means that students placed in these institutions will qualify for a combined funding package of scholarships and loans, significantly reducing the financial pressure on households and improving access to university education across the country.
Boost for TVET and Skills-Based Training
Beyond universities, KUCCPS confirmed that 272 public colleges under the Ministry of Education, offering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, have also been approved for both government scholarships and HELB loans.
This aligns with the government’s broader strategy to strengthen TVET institutions, promote skills-based learning, and position technical training as a key driver of employment creation and industrial growth.
In addition, 153 public colleges operating under other government ministries, including Kenya Medical Training Colleges (KMTC), have been approved to access HELB loans only.
Students in these institutions will receive loan support but will not qualify for direct government scholarships.
However, KUCCPS cautioned that 35 university-level TVET institutions, though listed, do not qualify for either government scholarships or HELB loans.
Students have been advised to carefully consider this classification when selecting courses and institutions to avoid unexpected financing challenges after placement.
Full List: Public Universities Eligible for Both Government Scholarships and HELB Loans
The approved institutions include:
- University of Nairobi
- Kenyatta University,
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology,
- Egerton University
- Moi University
- Maseno University
- Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
- Dedan Kimathi University of Technology,
- Multimedia University of Kenya
- Technical University of Kenya
- Technical University of Mombasa
- Pwani University
- Chuka University
- Karatina University
- Kisii University
- Kibabii University
- Machakos University
- Maasai Mara University
- South Eastern Kenya University
- University of Eldoret
- University of Embu
- University of Kabianga
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
- Garissa University
- Rongo University
- Laikipia University
- Meru University of Science and Technology
- Kirinyaga University
- Co-operative University of Kenya
- Kaimosi Friends University
- Tharaka University
- Tom Mboya University
- Taita Taveta University
- Turkana University College
- Kabarnet University College
- Koitaleel Samoei University College
- Bomet University College
- Alupe University
- Nyandarua University College
- Murang’a University of Technology
- Kenya University
- Mama Ngina University College
- the Open University of Kenya.
Increased HELB Funding
The announcement comes shortly after the government increased the annual HELB loan budget from Ksh36 billion to Ksh41 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year.
Under the new allocation:
- Ksh13 billion has been set aside for student tuition
- Ksh16.9 billion will be channelled to the Universities Fund for scholarships
The additional Ksh5 billion is expected to support more students under the student-centred funding model, reduce dropout rates caused by financial hardship, and align higher education training with Kenya’s national development priorities.
KUCCPS said the classification is intended to help students and parents make informed placement decisions, ensuring they fully understand the funding implications before selecting institutions and courses.
The above enlisted university are the ones that qualifies for government loan helb so before making a desicion to join any kindly keenly go through this before doing the applications.
