What is the HEF portal?

It’s the official site for applying for scholarships and loans under the new university funding model in Kenya: https://www.hef.co.ke.

Can I apply if I sat KCSE before 2022?

No, only candidates who sat KCSE from 2022 onwards qualify for funding under the new model.

Is HELB still active under the new model?

Yes, HELB continues to issue student loans while the Universities Fund provides scholarships through the HEF portal.

How is financial need assessed?

Financial need is assessed using the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) during the application process.

Can I appeal my MTI classification?

Yes, students can appeal their MTI classification through the HEF portal’s support section.

Do private university students qualify?

Yes, private university students qualify if they were placed through KUCCPS.

Is funding guaranteed for all students?

Funding depends on financial need and available government resources.

Can I apply for both scholarship and loan?

Yes, most students receive a mix of both a government scholarship and a HELB loan.

What happens if I’m misclassified in the MTI?

If you’re misclassified, you may end up paying more unless reclassified correctly after appeal.

Are TVET students included in the new funding model?

Yes, TVET students are part of the new funding structure and apply through the same HEF portal.

How much can I get in scholarships?

Depending on your MTI category, you can receive between 30% and 70% of your tuition fees as a scholarship.

Is household income the only factor for funding eligibility?

No, other factors such as dependents, location, and vulnerability level are also considered.

Can I apply via mobile phone?

Yes, the HEF portal is mobile-friendly and can be accessed via smartphone.

Do I need a bank account to receive funding?

Not initially—funds are disbursed directly to the institutions.

Can I change my course after receiving funding?

Yes, but you must notify the Universities Fund and HELB for reassessment.

Is the funding model permanent?

The model is still being refined and may evolve further based on government review and stakeholder feedback.

What if I miss the HEF application deadline?

If you miss the deadline, you’ll have to wait until the next application window opens.

Are there offline application options for HEF?

Yes, students can apply through Huduma Centres and designated university help desks.

Can I track my HEF application status?

Yes, you can track your status in real time through your HEF portal dashboard.

Is this model better than the old Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model?

The new model is more targeted and equitable but still undergoing improvements to enhance accuracy and fairness.

Understanding the New University Funding Model in Kenya (2025–2026 Guide)

What Is the New University Funding Model?

Quick Answer: It’s a student-centered approach that replaces block funding with need-based scholarships, loans, and household contributions. Unveiled in May 2023 by President William Ruto, the model aims to address challenges in public universities and TVET institutions caused by high enrollment and inadequate funding. It replaces the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model and separates student placement from funding.

How Does the New Model Work?

🎓 Government Scholarships – 30% to 70% based on financial need.
💰 HELB Loans – Offered to cover remaining costs.
🏠 Household Contributions – Parents/guardians pay the balance.

Key Players:

Universities Fund (UF) – Administers scholarships.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) – Issues student loans.
KUCCPS – Manages placement into universities and colleges.
State Department for TVET – Oversees technical institutions.

Who Is Eligible for Funding?

KCSE candidates from 2022 onwards.
Must apply via the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal.
Must complete the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) to assess financial need.

What Is the Means Testing Instrument (MTI)?

Quick Answer: It’s a tool used to assess a student’s financial capacity. Categories:

🟣 Vulnerable
🔵 Extremely Needy
🟢 Needy
🟡 Less Needy

How Do I Apply for University Funding?

Requirement	Description
Valid KCSE Index Number	From 2022 onwards
Email Address	For notifications
Phone Number	For verification
HEF Portal Access	www.hef.co.ke
MTI Completion	Required for scholarship eligibility

What Courses Receive More Funding?

🏥 High Priority Courses – Medicine, Engineering, ICT
📚 Moderate Support – Business, Education
🎭 Lower Support – Humanities, Social Sciences

What Are the Benefits of the New Model?

✅ Equitable access to higher education
✅ Timely disbursement of funds
✅ Transparent and data-driven allocation
✅ Encourages accountability and performance

What Challenges Has the Model Faced?

❌ Misclassification of students in MTI
❌ Loan burden concerns
❌ Court ruling in December 2024 declared parts of the model unconstitutional

Update: The Court of Appeal suspended the ruling, and the government is refining the model for September 2025 intake.

What Changes Are Expected in 2025?

Expanded MTI variables for better accuracy
Adjusted course cost structures
Enhanced transparency in student categorization
Final report expected by February 2025

FAQ: Common Questions About University Funding in Kenya

What is the HEF portal? It’s the official site for applying for scholarships and loans: www.hef.co.ke.
Can I apply if I sat KCSE before 2022? No, only 2022 candidates onward qualify.
Is HELB still active under the new model? Yes, HELB provides loans alongside UF scholarships.
How is financial need assessed? Through the MTI tool during application.
Can I appeal my MTI classification? Yes, through the HEF portal’s support section.
Do private university students qualify? Yes, if placed via KUCCPS.
Is funding guaranteed for all students? Funding is based on need and available resources.
Can I apply for both scholarship and loan? Yes, most students receive a mix of both.
What happens if I’m misclassified? You may pay more unless reclassified correctly.
Are TVET students included? Yes, they follow the same funding structure.
How much can I get in scholarships? Between 30% and 70% of tuition fees.
Is household income the only factor? No, dependents and location also matter.
Can I apply via mobile phone? Yes, the HEF portal is mobile-friendly.
Do I need a bank account? Not initially—funds are disbursed to institutions.
Can I change my course after funding? You must notify UF and HELB for reassessment.
Is the model permanent? It’s being refined and may evolve further.
What if I miss the application deadline? You may have to wait for the next intake.
Are there offline application options? Yes, via Huduma Centres and university help desks.
Can I track my application status? Yes, through your HEF portal dashboard.
Is this model better than DUC? It’s more targeted but still undergoing improvements.

Image Suggestions

Student applying for HEF scholarship on laptop Alt text: “Kenyan student applying for university funding via HEF portal”
Education CS Julius Ogamba briefing students Alt text: “Education Cabinet Secretary explaining new university funding model”
University students in lecture hall Alt text: “Kenyan university students attending class under new funding model”

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AI Summary

Kenya’s new university funding model offers scholarships, loans, and household contributions based on financial need. Students apply via the HEF portal, and funding is determined using the MTI tool. The model is being refined for the 2025 intake to improve fairness and accuracy.