Thousands of continuing university students across Kenya can now apply for government scholarships after the Universities Fund officially opened the 2026/2027 application window under the Student-Centred Funding Model.
In a notice issued on Wednesday, June 3, the Fund announced that applications are open to eligible students progressing to their second, third and fourth years of study in the upcoming academic year.
The move is expected to benefit thousands of learners pursuing undergraduate studies in public universities as the government continues implementing reforms aimed at improving access to higher education financing.
“The Universities Fund Subsequent Scholarship Application is now open for continuing university students joining 2nd, 3rd and 4th year in the 2026/2027 academic year under the Student-Centred Funding Model,” the Fund said in a public notice.
How Students Can Apply
Eligible students have been advised to submit their applications through the government’s mobile platform by dialing *642# on their phones.
The Universities Fund urged applicants to complete the process early to avoid delays and ensure their details are processed before the start of the new academic year.
The scholarship programme forms part of the Student-Centred Funding Model, which was introduced to allocate financial support based on individual student needs and household economic circumstances.
The model combines scholarships and loans to reduce financial barriers that often prevent students from completing their university education.
HELB Loan Applications Also Open
The announcement comes just days after the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) opened its subsequent loan application portal for continuing students.
HELB confirmed that students seeking financial support for the 2026/2027 academic year can also apply through the same USSD platform, allowing beneficiaries to access funding services more conveniently.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the simultaneous opening of scholarship and loan applications, noting that it will provide students with adequate time to secure financing before reporting for classes.
The government has repeatedly emphasized that timely applications help ensure funds are processed and disbursed before the academic calendar begins.
Clarification on Funding for Private University Students
The latest announcement follows recent public debate over the future of government support for students enrolled in private universities.
In April, the Universities Fund clarified that students who had already been admitted and funded under the previous Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model would continue receiving government scholarships until they complete their studies.
According to the Fund, the Student-Centred Funding Model now distinguishes between support offered to students in public and private universities.
Under the framework, students enrolled in public universities receive a combination of government scholarships through the Universities Fund and loans from HELB.
However, learners admitted to private universities are only eligible for financial support through HELB loans and do not qualify for direct government scholarships under the revised system.
Importance of Higher Education Financing
The reopening of scholarship applications is expected to provide relief to many families facing rising education costs and economic pressures.
Higher education financing remains a critical component of Kenya’s efforts to increase university enrolment, improve access to quality education and equip young people with skills needed in the labour market.
Education officials have encouraged all eligible continuing students to submit their applications within the stipulated timelines to avoid missing out on available funding opportunities for the 2026/2027 academic year.
