✨ Should I Apply for Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Scholarship and Bursary?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
High for students who fall under the 'vulnerable' and 'extremely needy' categories
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
KES 4,000 to KES 60,000 per academic year (Varies by need)
⏱
Duration
Duration of the course (usually 2-4 years)
🗓
Deadline
September 30th annually (Subject to change based on academic cycle)
🌐
Fields
All academic fields of study recognized by the Commission for University Education (CUE)
🏆
Awards/Year
Varies based on annual government budget allocation
🏛️
Provider
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), Kenya
📊
Acceptance
Varies by year and funding levels
The HELB Scholarship and Bursary scheme is a financial intervention by the Kenyan government designed to assist students from extremely poor backgrounds. Unlike the HELB Loan, the scholarship/bursary component does not require repayment. It is specifically targeted at orphans, students with special needs, and those from very low-income households to ensure they do not drop out of higher education due to lack of funds.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to Kenyan students placed by KUCCPS in universities or TVETs. Priority is given to orphans, students from single-parent families, and students with disabilities.
🏛️ Host University
All recognized public and private universities and TVET institutions in Kenya
🤝 Sponsor
Ministry of Education, Kenya
🌐 Fields of Study
All academic fields of study recognized by the Commission for University Education (CUE)
✨ Key Benefits
The scholarship provides direct financial grants to the most vulnerable students, covering a portion of tuition and providing a modest upkeep stipend for living expenses.
🎯 Target Students
Orphans, students with disabilities, and extremely needy students from marginalized areas
🏷 Tags
Kenya
HELB
Undergraduate
TVET
Financial Aid
Need-based
Orphans
Disabilities
💸 Funding Breakdown
Living Stipend
Yes (Upkeep allowance for basic needs)
Total Award
KES 4,000 to KES 60,000 per
✈️ Travel: No
🏠 Accommodation: No (Expected to be paid from the upkeep allowance)
💊 Health Insurance: No
🔄 Renewable: Yes
💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes (Partial)
🏠 Living Stipend
Yes (Upkeep allowance for basic needs)
🏡 Accommodation
No (Expected to be paid from the upkeep allowance)
🎁 Other Benefits
Access to low-interest student loans to cover remaining balances
📋 Renewal Conditions
Must submit a subsequent application annually and maintain satisfactory academic progress
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Kenyan citizens, enrolled in a recognized institution, demonstrating extreme financial need
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate (Bachelors), Diploma, and Certificate (TVET)
📊 Minimum GPA
Must meet university entry requirements (typically C+ for Degree, C- for Diploma)
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency in English as required by Kenyan educational standards
🎂 Age Limit
None (Open to all qualifying students)
💼 Work Experience
Not required
💰 Financial Need
High (Mandatory; verified through Means Testing Instrument)
🎯 Target Students
Orphans, students with disabilities, and extremely needy students from marginalized areas
📝 Application Requirements
Rec Letters
Yes (Chief's letter or Religious Leader's letter to verify vulnerability)
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Yes (Chief's letter or Religious Leader's letter to verify vulnerability) Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Proficiency in English as required by Kenyan educational standards
- Interview: No
- Min GPA: Must meet university entry requirements (typically C+ for Degree, C- for Diploma)
📋 Application Process
Ensure you have a valid KRA PIN, national ID, and parent/guardian IDs. Apply early to avoid system congestion.
💡 Insider Tip: Download the HELB Mobile App for the easiest application path. Ensure all supporting documents like death certificates (for orphans) are clearly scanned.