KUCCPS placement: How first-year students can apply for HEF scholarships
By Valerian Khakayi, July 8, 2026Thousands of students who have been placed in universities and TVET institutions through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) can now apply for scholarships and student funding through the Higher Education Financing (HEF) Portal.
The government, through the Universities Fund, announced in a public notice issued on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, that the HEF application portal is now open, allowing students placed through the 2025 KUCCPS to apply for scholarships and student funding.
“The Higher Education Financing (HEF) Portal is NOW OPEN!! Congratulations, 2025 KCSE Cohort, on your placement! Your education journey continues,” the Universities Fund announced.
“You have secured your placement; now take the next step by applying for a scholarship and student funding through the Higher Education Financing (HEF) Portal.”
Students who have successfully secured placement are encouraged to submit their scholarship and funding applications as soon as possible to avoid last-minute delays.
How to apply
To apply, eligible students should visit the HEF Portal by logging in through hef.co.ke or the Universities Fund website at universitiesfund.go.ke.
Once on the portal, applicants should follow the application instructions, provide the required personal and academic information, and submit their applications for consideration.
“Apply today by logging in to http://hef.co.ke or https://universitiesfund.go.ke and following the step-by-step application process,” the funding agency directed.
The agency further noted that access to scholarships can help students achieve their academic goals by easing the financial burden of higher education.
“A scholarship can unlock your potential and shape your future. Don’t miss this opportunity,” the Universities Fund added.
How HEF works
The Higher Education Financing (HEF) model provides financial support to eligible students joining public and private universities as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
Introduced by the national government to make higher education more accessible, the funding model assesses applicants based on their level of financial need. Under the model, eligible students may receive scholarships, student loans or a combination of both to help cover tuition fees and other education-related expenses.
The level of support awarded depends on the information provided during the application process and the outcome of the means-testing assessment, which evaluates a student’s financial circumstances.